Your ERS Connection - fall 2019

Employees Retirement System of Texas sent this bulletin at 09/09/2019 09:00 PM CDT

View as a webpage.

Fall 2019  •  Volume 24  •  Number 3
your e r s connection - discussing retiree benefits and other news
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Fall Enrollment begins Oct. 28

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Medicare-enrolled retirees: Your chance to make benefits changes begins soon

Fall is almost here—time for football, pumpkin spice lattes and annual benefits enrollment for Medicare-enrolled retirees. Learn about Plan Year 2020 changes, upcoming enrollment fairs and more.>>

Headlines from the quarter

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Brian Barth elected to ERS Board

Recently elected ERS Trustee Brian Barth says his priority is to support the long-term viability of the ERS Retirement Trust Fund. Read more about your new representative on the ERS board.>>
Porter Wilson - ERS Executive Director

Message from the Executive Director

The 86th Texas Legislature came and went with lawmakers making few changes to the health and retirement benefits of state employees and retirees. That doesn’t mean the outcome wasn’t positive for ERS members. Read an update from ERS Executive Director Porter Wilson.>>

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Texa$aver fees reduced

Lower administrative fees on Texa$averSM 401(k) / 457 accounts mean more for your retirement nest egg. Read about the reduced Texa$aver fees.>>
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Outcomes from the 86th Texas Legislature

Only a few of the bills that passed during this year’s legislative session will directly impact ERS’ benefits programs, but those that did will be good for its members. Learn about ERS’ activities during the 2019 session and the new laws that affect your benefits.>>
Senior parent and adult child

Texas Talks highlights topics about aging

Talking with a loved one about the inevitable challenges of aging can be complicated and stressful. Texas Health and Human Services highlights the issue in its annual Texas Talks campaign. Find out more about Texas Talks.>>
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It's time for a flu shot

It may feel like summer, but flu season is around the corner, which means it’s time for a flu shot. Getting immunized may be as simple as stopping by your nearest network pharmacy. See how to view a list of pharmacies for your health plan.>>
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Dental discount plans offered through Discount Purchase Program

If you participated in the State of Texas Dental Discount PlanSM last plan year, you’ll want to take note: The plan is no longer offered, but other options for discounted dental services are available. Learn what you need to do to continue dental coverage.>> 
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One step at a time: Kicking the tobacco habit

It’s the 44th year of the American Cancer Society’s Great American Smokeout campaign encouraging smokers to kick their habit. If you or a loved one is ready to take this step, ERS has resources to help. See tips to begin a tobacco-free life.>>

Reminders

Stay in touch

Be sure to notify ERS if your address or contact information changes. 

Update your contact information.>>

Save with the Discount Purchase Program

Get discounts on NFL tickets and much more.

View fall deals from the Discount Purchase Program.>>

2019 annuity payment dates

  • September 30
  • October 31
  • November 27
  • December 31

See how to manage your annuity payments.>>

Events  calendar

Staying Connected retiree fairs:


Dallas/Fort Worth: Hilton Arlington - Thursday, September 19, 10 a.m. - 1. p.m. CT

Houston: TxDOT District Office - Tuesday, September 24, 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. CT

 

Medicare Preparation sessions:


Houston TxDOT District Office - Thursday, September 12, 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. CT 

Your computer - Tuesday, September 17, 2 - 3 p.m. CT

Your computer - Friday, October 18, 10 - 11 a.m. CT

Your computer - Tuesday, November 19, 10 - 11 a.m. CT

Your computer - Wednesday, December 4, 12:30 - 1:30 p.m. CT

For details about these and other upcoming events, including Fall Enrollment fairs, visit the ERS events calendar.