TRS wants to help you make an informed decision about your Medicare coverage. We're dedicated to being the care you can count on, which is why we want to do our part in helping you with this stage of life.
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage vs. other Medicare plans
TRS-Care Medicare Advantage® and TRS-Care Medicare RX® plans are designed to give you valuable coverage at a competitive price. Carefully consider any decision about your health benefits because you may not be able to reenter TRS-Care if you leave.
One of the most important aspects to consider when evaluating your health insurance options are your needs — both now and in the future. And your monthly premium is a major factor for those needs!
Lower premiums usually mean higher costs elsewhere. Paying more up-front for your premium means you may have a more manageable deductible and affordable copays down the road. You pay less when you use health care, making costs more predictable.
Pay close attention to these costs:
- Annual deductible
- Coinsurance rates
- Copays
- Maximum out-of-pocket
- Hospital stay rates
There is also no separate premium for Medicare Part D. Part D is the prescription drug coverage part of Medicare. This means that your medical and prescription coverage is together, removing the Medicare "donut hole."
Additional Resources:
- Watch this short video comparing the specifics of TRS-Care Medicare to other Medicare plans!
- Don't want to watch a video? Read this PDF about comparisons between TRS-Care Medicare and other Medicare plans.
- Visit our Medicare Comparison webpage to see a list of questions to ask a Medicare agent.
Resources to Get Ready
Turning 65 is a big milestone, by any measure. For Texas retired public school employees, this milestone is marked by a change in your health care plan — for the better!
Once you turn 65, TRS-Care Medicare plans provide your health care coverage:
- TRS-Care Medicare Advantage for your medical benefits
- TRS-Care Medicare Rx for your prescription drugs
Learn more about these benefits here:
- 2024 TRS-Care Medicare Plan Guide
- 2024 TRS-Care Plan Highlights
- UnitedHealthcare TRS-Care Medicare website
Be sure to also review these two resources:
- Thinking About Leaving TRS-Care? Here are Some Things to Consider
- If I Leave TRS-Care, Can I Come Back?
Steps to Take Before You Turn 65
- Sign up for Medicare three months before you turn 65.
- Compare TRS-Care Medicare plans to other Medicare plans.
- Select health coverage to begin when you turn 65.
Learn more about the process at our Turning 65 webpage.
REMEMBER: You must maintain Medicare coverage, including Medicare Part B, to participate in TRS-Care. You risk losing all TRS-Care coverage if you do not have Medicare Part B, which can result in significant out-of-pocket health care costs.
Sign up for a quarterly TRS-Care Medicare & You webinar to learn more.