The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) and Texas Retired Teachers Foundation (TRTF) are thinking of its members during this time of need. We know many of you have suffered greatly under the effects of the winter storm. The storm has caused more than four million Texans to lose power, and many have lost access to clean, running water.
If you or a loved one has suffered and is in need of financial assistance, TRTF is here to help. TRTF offers assistance through its Disaster Relief Fund. To request an application, please email help@trtf.org. Please be aware that it may take an extended amount of time to respond to requests.
If you have the ability to contribute to TRTF’s Disaster Relief Fund, we have a donation page set up here. All donations are tax deductible, and your donation will go directly towards helping retired Texas educators.
If you would like to share your story about how you’ve been impacted by the winter storm, you can do so via the comments section on this Facebook post.
TRTA’s and TRTF’s hearts are heavy as we know so many of our members and leaders have faced down freezing temperatures, no running water, sold out grocery stores, and other issues. Our team has faced these same issues during this time, and we are here to assist you even as the weather starts to improve. Thank you for your membership to TRTA and your contributions to TRTF.
TRS Testimony with Texas Legislature Rescheduled
The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) is set to meet this week with both the House Appropriations Committee and Senate Finance committee. Both meetings are tentative, due to the ongoing issues with the winter storm. Currently, TRS is scheduled to meet with the Senate Finance Committee on Feb. 22 at 10 a.m. TRS is scheduled to meet with the House Appropriations Committee on Feb. 23 at 9 a.m. TRTA will be monitoring both meetings when they occur.
A Message From TRS
“The TRS health programs are ensuring that members have access to critical health care services during this historic freeze. While TRS phone counselors were not available earlier this week with the power outages, we did ensure that each of our vendors, BCBS, UHC, and CVS, were and continue to be available to meet members’ needs. We communicated online and through our phone line messaging to let our plan members know that they can access uninterrupted, timely customer assistance through our vendors during this period.
Through the vendor’s customer service, members will receive information about liberalizations around prescription drug refills and pharmacy access, should they need it. CVS is reaching out individually to members who are taking specialty drugs, not available through retail pharmacies, to ensure they are on uninterrupted therapy. Emergency services are always available at in-network coverage if needed.
Yesterday, the Texas Department of Insurance issued the below press release with insurance tips following the winter storms and information on how to avoid scams.”
