Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/830448
Married educators can possibly be added to a spouse's plan. Another option is taking a job outside of the teaching profession for the health benefits. According to CalSTRS, the availability of affordable health care can have a tremendous impact on the ability of retirees to maintain their standard of living. CalSTRS does not provide health or dental insurance coverage, because these things are collectively bargained at the local school district level. Under California Educa- tion Code sections 7000-7008, school districts, community colleges and county offices of education must offer retir- ing CalSTRS members and their spouses or registered domestic partners the opportunity to continue their medical and dental insurance at their own cost. ere are also insurance plans available through both NEA and CTA Member Benefits, and Medicare Supplement plans after Medicare coverage begins. As a CalSTRS member, you are eligible to purchase long- term care insurance, which can alleviate financial worries if serious illness strikes, from CalPERS (California Public Employees' Retirement System). For more information, visit www.calperslongtermcare.com. Make healthy choices G o o d h ealth i s ab out more than just insuranc e; it 's a l s o a b o u t e m bra c i n g a h e a lthy li fe sty l e . R e s e a rc h shows exercise reduces the risk of early death , helps control weight, and lowers the risk of heart disease, stroke, Type 2 diabetes, depression and some types of cancer. E xercise helps retirees stay strong and f lexi- ble so they can continue to do the things they enjoy — travel, play with grandchildren, live independently — for years to come. Lois Hale has dropped weight since retiring seven years ago from Compton and has never felt better. She gets up early every day and goes for daily "power walks" with friends in Inglewood. "We call ourselves the 'walk it off buddies,' " she says. Now that she's lost weight, she can indulge her other passion in life, which is clothes shopping and bargain Mary Rose Ortega remains politically engaged, including with CTA/NEA-Retired. Tips for a happy retirement • Figure out in advance what you want from retirement. Decide how you plan to spend your days and how you will stay active and fulfilled. • Share with your spouse or partner about what you want out of retirement. • Come up with a plan for sufficient income and health care. • Choose when to retire and follow through. People who retire by choice are happier than those who feel they must. • Stay engaged and healthy through volunteering, hobbies or part-time work. • Learn new things. • Keep a schedule of sorts. It's not how much free time you have, but how you manage it. Having a schedule prevents boredom, loneliness and depression. • Spend time with your children, grandchildren and friends. Source: Forbes.com 51 May / June 2017