Your ERS Connection – Spring 2021

Employees Retirement System of Texas sent this bulletin at 03/08/2021 07:30 PM CST

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Spring 2021  •  Volume 24  •  Number 1
Your ERS Connection: Discussing Retiree Benefits and Other News
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ERS annuity basics

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Your questions answered

Whether it’s been a few months or several years since you retired, you may have some questions about this important benefit. See a few reminders about your annuity payments, beneficiaries and more. 

Headlines from the quarter

Porter Wilson - ERS Executive Director

Message from the Executive Director

Restoring the ERS Retirement Trust Fund to health continues to be a priority for ERS. We're working to keep lawmakers, current employees and retirees informed about the outlook for the Fund and what it means for future retirees. Read why a healthy Trust Fund is important and see where you can learn more about the Fund.
Vote

Cast your vote for the new ERS trustee

The ERS Board of Trustees provides important oversight to state employee benefit programs. You can help decide who fills this important role. Read about the election process and see key dates.
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HMOs no longer offered starting Sept. 1

Scott and White Care Plans (SWCP) and Community First Health Plans (CFHP) will no longer be offered in the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) starting September 1. Learn more about this change.
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COVID-19 vaccine resources and information 

ERS encourages retirees to get a COVID-19 vaccine when they can. It’s fully covered by your health plan—you’ll pay nothing out of pocket. See where to find information about the vaccine and its availability. 
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Board appoints new advisory committee members

Input from the Group Benefits Advisory Committee helps ensure ERS benefit programs provide value to state workers, retirees and their families. Find out the name of the Committee's newest member and see who is returning to serve another term.
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Veterans Land Board celebrates 75 years of service 

The Texas Veterans Land Board is celebrating 75 years of providing programs and services to our veterans and their families. Take a moment to learn how this important agency enriches the lives of those who have served.
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Taking a mind-body approach to nutrition

March is National Nutrition month, a time when we’re reminded to learn about the role of nutrition in our overall health. But healthy eating is not only about what we eat but how we eat. Learn a few simple tips that can help you break unhealthy eating habits.

Reminders

Moving?

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

Update your contact information through your ERS OnLine account.

Spring savings from the Discount Purchase Program 

Get active this spring and save on RV rentals, exercise gear and much more.

Log in to the Discount Purchase Program to view spring deals.

Upcoming annuity payment dates

  • March 31
  • April 30
  • May 28

See how to manage your annuity payments.

Events

ERS offers learning opportunities you can enjoy online from the safety and comfort of your home. Join us for a Medicare Preparation webinar or learn how to incorporate healthy habits in a wellness webinar. For details about these and other upcoming events, visit the ERS Event Calendars.

Medicare Prep

Learn how Medicare works with your state health insurance.

March 11; 3-4 p.m. CT

March 25; 10-11 a.m. CT

April 15; 2-3 p.m. CT

April 29; 10-11 a.m. CT

View the Event Calendars for a full schedule of  webinars.

Wellness webinars

Explore topics related to physical, emotional and financial fitness.

See the schedule on the Wellness Events calendar, and view past sessions on the Wellness Webinars Archives page.

Board meeting

View a livestream of the joint meeting of the ERS Board of Trustees and Investment Advisory Committee.

March 10; 8 a.m. - 4 p.m. CT

Holiday closings

ERS will be closed May 31 for Memorial Day.