Caregiving is one of the most challenging but important things we can do. It’s complex and there are many considerations that may feel overwhelming to think about at once. TRS has compiled articles and resources that can help you navigate this season of life from our trusted health plan partner, UnitedHealthcare.
And don’t forget – when it comes to caretaking, taking care of yourself is just as important as taking care of your loved one. Your TRS-Care health plan benefits that can help you do just that are also listed out for you.
Learning Resources
- AARP resources for caregivers and their families
- Alzheimer’s Dementia Care (ADC) Program
- Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI): My Health Checklist (pdf)
- John A. Hartford Foundation: Best Programs for Caregiving
- National Council on Aging (NCOA): Caregiver Support
- National Institute on Aging (NIH): Caregiving
- Patient Priorities Care: Patients & Care Partners
Power of Attorney: Be Ready When It Counts
A Power of Attorney (POA) is a legal document that lets you choose someone you trust to act on your behalf if you’re ever unable to handle your financial or legal matters. That can include managing retirement benefits, signing documents, or making important decisions for you.
A Medical Power of Attorney is a separate legal document that lets someone make health care decisions for you, like choosing treatments or speaking with a doctor if you are unable to.
Why It Matters
Life doesn’t always give us a heads-up. Putting POAs in place before you need it helps avoid delays, court involvement, or added stress for your family. It ensures your wishes are clear, and that the right person is ready to step in if needed.
Protect Your Privacy And Your Choices
With POAs, you decide who has access and what authority they have. That means your information stays in trusted hands, and your preferences — not someone else’s — guide decisions.
Benefits at a Glance
- Keeps your financial and retirement matters moving without interruption
- Reduces stress on loved ones during unexpected situations
- Gives you control over who can act on your behalf
- Helps avoid costly or time-consuming legal processes later
- Allows your health to be taken care of to if you are incapacitated
Taking Care of Yourself: TRS-Care Resources
If you're enrolled (policy holder or dependent) in TRS-Care Standard or TRS-Care Medicare Advantage, your health plan has resources for you.
TRS-Care Standard
Virtual Health
Use TRS Virtual Health through Teladoc® and RediMDTM when you can’t leave home or are caring for someone else. They can treat common issues like colds, flu, allergies, asthma and minor skin concerns for you or your dependents. Immediate family members who don’t have TRS-Care Standard can get care for an additional fee. Learn more.
Mental Health
Illness, taking care of others, stress, and other conditions like anxiety can cause headaches, muscle tension, upset stomach, and trouble sleeping. Taking care of your mind is as important as taking care of your body. You and your dependents have mental health coverage and several options for getting care. Support Your Mind
Extra Support When You Need It
You and your dependents have coverage for things like hospital stays, short-term home health care, hospice care, outpatient services, and more services that help you and your dependents recover from health issues and manage conditions. Review Coverage.
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage
24/7 Virtual Health (Medical and Behavioral Visits)
Virtual visits allow participants to connect with a provider or behavioral health specialist anytime using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. These visits can be used to ask questions, receive a diagnosis, discuss mental health concerns, and even obtain prescriptions when appropriate—all without leaving home. Available through your member website. Click on “Find Care” and then “Virtual Care.”
Routine Transportation Benefits
$0 copay for 24 one-way trips to and from medically related appointments and the pharmacy, up to 100 miles per trip. Restrictions apply. To make the most of your transportation benefit, call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service, 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday.
In-Home Non-Medical Care
$0 copayment for 8 hours per month of non-medical personal care services like companionship, meal prep, medication reminders and more with a professional caregiver. Unused hours do not roll over. Some restrictions and limitations apply. Call 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday.
Healthy At Home
With UnitedHealthcare Healthy at Home you are eligible for at-home specific benefits up to 30 days following all inpatient and skilled nursing facility discharges. A new referral is required after every discharge to access your meal and transportation benefit. Call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service, 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday for more information and to use your benefits.
Mental and Behavioral Health Issues
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participants have access to ongoing mental health support, including counseling and wellness resources through Optum® Behavioral Health. To get started, call UnitedHealthcare Customer Service, 1-866-347-9507, TTY 711, 7 a.m. – 6 p.m. CT, Monday–Friday or visit your member website and select Virtual Behavioral Health Care.
Calm Health
Caring for your mental well-being is easier with the Calm Health app, available to TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participants at no additional cost. The app offers personalized programs and tools to help manage stress, improve sleep, and build healthier habits—all from your phone. Download the Calm Health app or visit uhc.care/calm/retiree to get started.