Turning 65 is a big milestone, especially if you’re enrolling in the TRS-Cre Medicare Advantage medical plan. These resources can help you have a smooth transition.
At age 65, you can stay on your employer’s insurance or you can terminate that coverage and enroll in Medicare. Participants usually stay on district health insurance unless the plans require that they enroll in Medicare. Some districts don’t offer health insurance if you don’t have Medicare, so check with your district.
- Attend TRS Health Care Events to prepare for this milestone. Sign up for a webinar or attend a health fair to learn about the enrollment process and your TRS benefits.
- Visit Are you turning 65 soon? to get answers to these questions:
- What is Medicare?
- How do I enroll in Medicare?
- When do I enroll in Medicare and TRS-Care?
- What do I do after I enroll in Medicare?
If you retire past age 65, you can enroll in the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage medical plan and the TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Rx prescription drug plan. Learn more at:
- Learn more at our TRS-Care Medicare Advantage landing page.
When you’re choosing between TRS-Care plans and other plans, take note that there ARE key differences between plans. It’s important to know what you’re looking for to make the best choice for you and your family.
One of the most important aspects to consider when evaluating your health insurance options are your needs. Your monthly premium is only a part of what you’ll want to consider-- but it’s not the only thing. Rates are easy to compare—but let’s talk about benefits.
Lower premiums might mean fewer benefits or a higher annual deductible, higher coinsurance, or higher copays. Lower premiums can also mean a bigger maximum out-of-pocket or a higher rate for hospital stays. And of course, look carefully at the prescription plan, including what coinsurance and copays you must pay to get your prescriptions.
Make sure the drugs you currently take are covered and that the plan you choose has good coverage for specialty medications. With that in mind, take note that TRS-Care plans have:
- Competitive Rates and Rich Benefits
- No Age-Related Premium Increases
- Flat Rates for Specialty Medications
- Nationwide Network of Providers and Hospitals
- Leverage Size
TRS created these resources to help you make this important decision:
If you don’t pay into Social Security, you’re not eligible for premium-free Medicare Part A. But the good news is that TRS-Care Medicare Advantage doesn’t require Medicare Part A. Most Medicare Advantage plans do, and that may be an extra cost for you. This is just another way that TRS designs its health plans with the needs of Texas educators in mind.
Enrollment and Eligibility Questions: Contact the TRS Health Division at 1-888-237-6762 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST); TRS Health Care Benefits Home
Medical Questions: Contact UnitedHealthcare at 1-866-347-9507 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-6 p.m. CST); TRS-Care Medicare Advantage (medical benefits)
Pharmacy Questions: Contact Express Scripts at 1-844-863-5324; TRS-Care Medicare Rx (pharmacy benefits)