If you're considering retiring soon, it's time to learn more about the TRS-Care health plan for retirees.
You've been paying into this program since the moment you stepped into a school. You're entitled to two plans as a retiree, depending on your Medicare status.
Be sure to check your eligibility for each plan at TRS-Care Eligibility and Enrollment.
TRS-Care Standard — Retirees Under 65 Without Medicare
Medical Coverage
TRS-Care Standard is the health plan for retirees who aren't eligible for Medicare. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is the insurer for this plan.
BCBSTX has the largest network of Texas doctors and an even broader nationwide network. You can retire to anywhere you like and still have great coverage.
Retirees can access 24/7 customer service, a low-priced deductible and many wellness and mental health benefits. This plan is tailored specifically to retired public school employees.
Browse these resources to learn the details of this plan:
- 2024 TRS-Care Plan Highlights
- 2024 TRS-Care Standard Guide
- BCBSTX Wellness Programs
- Virtual Visit Benefits
- Browse In-Network Providers
Prescription Coverage
Express Scripts will provide prescription drug coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2024..It includes no-cost generic drugs and a cap on insulin cost. Formulary insulins are capped at $25 for a 31-day supply and $75 for a 60- to 90-day supply, before you meet your deductible.
You also have access to 24/7 customer service, a drug cost estimator and a network of nationwide pharmacies that includes smaller locally owned pharmacies.
TRS-Care Medicare — Retirees 65 and Older With Medicare
Medical Coverage
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage is the health plan for retirees eligible for Medicare.UnitedHealthcare is the insurer for this plan. It also includes prescription coverage through SilverScript without an added premium (traditionally Medicare Part D).
TRS designed our Medicare plan so that you pay less when you use health care, making costs more predictable. It's very important to evaluate your Medicare coverage options carefully, and your monthly premium is a major factor.
Lower premiums usually mean higher costs elsewhere. Paying upfront through your premium means a more manageable deductible and affordable copays. You pay less when you use health care.
Here are a few common differences between TRS-Care Medicare and other market plans:
- Hospital stays are one copay per stay, not per day.
- Get low copays for services other plans may not cover, like sick visits to your primary care physician (PCP).
- Receive prescription drug coverage at no extra cost and no coverage gap.
- See any doctor who accepts Medicare and will bill UnitedHealthcare.
To see more comparisons, watch TRS-Care Medicare vs. Other Market Plans.
Here are resources you can browse to learn more about TRS-Care Medicare:
Prescription Coverage
TRS-Care Medicare Rx is included in your monthly premium for TRS-Care Medicare. Express Scripts will be the provider for this prescription drug plan starting on Jan. 1, 2024. You won't need to pay a Medicare Part D premium, and you won't encounter any coverage gaps that create the donut hole.
Need Help Enrolling in Medicare?
The process of enrolling in Medicare can be confusing. TRS has the resources to help.
- Watch Turning 65 Soon?, a step-by-step explanation of Medicare parts and how to enroll.
- Visit Are you turning 65 soon?, a webpage dedicated to all things turning 65 with Medicare.
- Visit Comparing TRS-Care to Other Medicare Plans for a list of questions you can ask your Medicare agent.
You can also call TRS Health at 1-888-237-6762, Mon.–Fri., 7 a.m.–6 p.m. for questions about either program.