Clarification re: ERS email
September 29, 2015
The TPEA state office has received a few calls and emails regarding a recent communication from ERS with the subject line “Changes to Your Paycheck Starting Oct. 1.” Employees are interpreting the final bullet to mean that they have elected, rather than that they might have elected, membership in TPEA or another organization for state employees. This is not the case; the last bullet is simply an example of a potential change you might see in your paycheck.
The email reads (emphasis added by TPEA):
Changes to your paycheck starting October 1
Your October 1 paycheck MAY look different for any of the following reasons:
- Health insurance rates for dependents increased.
- State of Texas Dental Choice PlanSM rates increased.
- HumanaDental DHMO rates decreased.
- Optional Term Life Insurance rates may have changed due to changes in your salary and/or your age.
- Summer Enrollment elections took effect.
- State agency employee retirement contributions increased by 2.6%, with a 2.5% across-the-board raise nearly offsetting the entire amount, with a difference of 0.1%. (Before changes made in this year’s legislative session, the contribution was scheduled to increase from 6.9% to 7.2%, with no plans for a pay increase.)
- You elected membership dues for an employee association, such as the Texas Public Employees Association, to be deducted from your check. ERS does not handle employee association membership dues.
Find more information about benefit plan rates, visit the employees rates page.
Of course, we encourage all state employees to investigate the benefits of TPEA membership. If you have any question about your current membership status, please contact TPEA .