Be assured, there's no need to make a change. No action is needed.
With new dental and vision insurance options now available through the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), members are asking about the value provided by TRTA. It turns out TRTA has you covered…very well! Here’s why:
TRTA has been offering Dental and Vision coverage through AMBA for 20 years!
With feedback from members over decades, the AMBA Dental Plans endorsed by TRTA have evolved and provide strong benefits for retired educators.
Tens of thousands of members trust TRTA and our partner AMBA with their coverage.
Highlights include a larger network, dental rewards rollover, freedom to choose your dentist, enrollment flexibility, Platinum and Gold plan options, self-service online portal, helpful call center service, and more!
We understand New Options from TRS may have you asking questions.
- “Which plan is better for me?”
- “If I change plans could that affect my coverage?”
- “What happens to my dental rewards?”
- “What other benefit improvements is TRTA looking to add?”
- “What differentiates my TRTA plan and makes it a great choice?”
Advantages of the AMBA Dental Plans endorsed by TRTA
- Provide both the highest benefit value plan (Platinum Plan) and the lowest cost option (Gold Plan).
- Designed to pay excellent benefits in and out of network.
- A larger network means great savings and helps you get the most out of your benefits.
- Access to increased Annual Maximum through Dental Rewards.
The AMBA Dental Plans endorsed by TRTA also provide enrollment flexibility, an online self-service portal, and enhanced coverage levels on basic services.
Compare and see the advantages of sticking with TRTA and AMBA
| TRTA Platinum Dental | TRTA Gold Dental | TRS Dental | |
| Summary | Richest plan with superior rollover, network, and out of network benefits. | Lowest cost option and maintains good benefit value. | New plan with rates higher than TRTA Gold for comparable benefits. |
| Rates | $59.81/mo for member. | $39.51/mo for member. | $41.64/mo for individual. |
| Flexibility | Ability to add spouse, dependents, and make mid-year adjustments. | Ability to add spouse, dependents, and make mid-year adjustments. | Our understanding is you must enroll with no changes for full year. |
| Freedom of Choice | Go to any dentist or save in network. | Go to any dentist or save in network. | May pay more out of pocket for out of network providers. |
| Network Size | Ameritas network has 10,000+ providers in TX. | Ameritas network has 10,000+ providers in TX. | Metlife network has ~7,000 providers in TX. |
| Maximum Benefit | $2,750 ($1,500 annual maximum + $1,250 of possible rollover). | $2,000 ($1,000 annual maximum + $1,000 of possible rollover). | $2,000 ($1,500 annual maximum + $500 maximum benefit increase). |
| Out of Network Benefits | Strong benefits in or out of network. | Strong benefits in or out of network. | Maximum Allowable Charge means you may pay more when going out of network. |
| Coinsurance Rates | 100% Preventative; 80% Basic; 50% Major. | 100% Preventative; Basic starts at 70% & increases annually to 90% in year 3; 50% Major. | 100% Preventative, 70% Basic, 50% Major |
Comparisons done with available information. Each member should review impacts to their coverage.
See plan for details.
If you are currently enrolled in an AMBA Dental Plan endorsed by TRTA, be assured, there’s no need to make a change.
No action is needed.
Loss of Dental Rewards
Don’t lose your rollover Dental Rewards! Many TRTA members have over $1,000 in banked rollover benefits. Leaving TRTA’s Dental Plan would mean you lose those banked rollover dollars, which are designed to support you when expensive dental procedures occur. If you are already enrolled in a TRTA Dental Plan and want to learn the current balance of your accrued Dental Rewards, contact Ameritas at 1-888-239-3336.
Loss of Network Provider
Our research has shown the TRTA Dental Plan has a larger network in Texas. Leaving TRTA’s Dental Plan for another program could mean more out-of-pocket payments if your dentist is not in the network.
More out of pocket when going out of network
Many people like to choose their own dentist even if they are out of network. The TRTA Endorsed Program is designed to pay strong out of network benefits to limit your out-of-pocket payments. Our early understanding of the Metlife TRS plan through TRS is that members may have more out-of-pocket payments by going out of network.
Advantages of the AMBA Vision Plan endorsed by TRTA
- TRTA provides an extensive network with discounts on lens options, along with excellent exams, lenses, and frame options.
- Discounts on lens options are a key differentiator of the TRTA program with VSP’s network. These discounts help members save hundreds of dollars on lens options.
- A $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit from New York Life is coming in January 2025 with no health questions and no reduced benefits as members age.
The AMBA Vision Plan endorsed by TRTA also provides enrollment flexibility, an online self-service portal, and additional AD&D benefits.
Compare and see the advantages of sticking with TRTA and AMBA
| TRTA Plan with VSP | TRS Plan with MetLife | |
| Summary | Annual eye exam with $15 copay, annual lenses covered, frames covered every other year up to $150 which increases to $170 for featured frames. | Annual eye exam with $15 copay, annual lenses covered, frames covered every year up to $150 with additional $25 at certain providers. |
| Rates | $12.72/mo for member. | $6.89/mo for individual. |
| Network (For vision plans, network is very important because benefits can be greatly reduced out of network.) | Nearly 4,000 in TX. | Approximately 300 providers accept the full Superior Metlife discounts. There is also a broad network of providers that accept the basic benefits but do not offer full discounts. |
| Enhanced Benefits | Starting January 2025, the TRTA Vision Plan includes $5,000 Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) policy with no health questions and no reduced benefits as members age. | No similar benefit. |
| Lens Enhancements Discounts | Popular lens enhancements include anti-reflective coating, scratch resistance, transition lenses, blue light blockers, ultraviolet light protection, and more. Adding two to three options can lead to significant savings with VSP’s discounts. | Might not have the same discounts on lens enhancements. |
Comparisons done with available information. Each member should review impacts to their coverage.
See plan for details.
TRTA is proud that you can trust us for these important insurance coverages and looks forward to continuing to serve you now and in the future.
Need to add Dental or Vision coverage?
Have a question about your existing coverage?
Please call 1-833-643-0264 Mon-Fri 8am-6pm CT.
Please call 1-833-643-0264
Mon-Fri 8am-6pm CT.