Message from the executive director
Take advantage of your wellness benefits
One of my favorite things about fall is the chance for ERS retirees to connect in-person with our staff and plan administrators at a Fall Enrollment or Staying Connected fair around the state. I enjoyed meeting many of you at the fairs and learning how our retirement and insurance programs enhance your lives, as well as what ERS could do better to serve you. One way we are working to better serve you is through our growing wellness program.
When I first heard the saying “Youth is wasted on the young,” I was frankly too young to understand what that meant. Now I think I know… When I was young, I couldn’t appreciate strong health as much as I do as an older adult. Unlike in my youth, today I have to regularly exercise, stretch, eat and sleep well just to feel good from day to day.
That is why I feel passionately about the opportunities we offer—both through ERS and through your health plan—to help you feel your best. In this issue of Your ERS Connection, you can read about some of the wellness benefits in your health plans, like SilverSneakers® and Rally Coach in HealthSelectSM Medicare Advantage participants, and Well onTarget® in HealthSelect of Texas®. But did you know that ERS now has many virtual ways for you and your family to learn, be inspired and engage in healthy activities?
From free virtual fitness classes to podcasts and webinars, you can learn or do something new at your own convenience through your mobile device or computer.
To check out and join a fitness or meditation class online, visit and bookmark the Virtual Wellness Calendar. These live classes are taught by state employees at different agencies, including ERS, the Office of Attorney General, Texas Department of Transportation and Health and Human Services Commission. The instructors are engaging and always provide modifications for anyone who may be new or building up their strength.
Our ERS webpage with wellness resources can take you to our virtual wellness classes (webinars), which are a great way to learn something new and feel connected to others. Visit and bookmark the ERS Wellness Resources page and select "Wellness Event Calendar" for an upcoming schedule of live webinars.
You might also enjoy listening to the ERS Walk & Talk podcast, hosted by Lacy Wolff, our coordinator for statewide well-being initiatives. These short podcasts may inspire you to try something new or do more of what feels good for you. Listen to Lacy’s debut podcast interview with Department of Public Safety retiree Gary Albus.
If you’d like to get monthly wellness news from ERS on your mobile device, text TXERS Wellness to 468-311, visit the Wellness bulletin sign up page or scan the QR code:
I hope you learned something in this newsletter that will help you in your health goals for 2024 and beyond.
Porter Wilson