Why is TRS Switching Its Pharmacy Administrator?
TRS is dedicated to offering reliable benefits for the most competitive prices.
One way we do this is through regularly reevaluating our benefits contracts. This ensures we get the best pricing and services for our members and employers. Industry-leading companies come to us with competitive proposals.
ESI had the highest ranking based on financial and operational strength.
The new contract will generate savings to help sustain health care benefits for participants and employers.
CVS Caremark will serve TRS-ActiveCare through Aug. 31, 2023, and TRS-Care through Dec. 31, 2023. They've worked for TRS health plan participants and employers for close to a decade, and we thank them for their services, expertise, and partnership.
Visit our Express Scripts Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) for details.
Click on your TRS health plan name below for specifics about how the transition will work with your plan.
- TRS-ActiveCare
Beginning Sept. 1, 2023, ESI will serve TRS-ActiveCare employers and participants. You'll receive more information about this change later this summer.
What Does this Mean for You?
ID Cards: You can continue to use your CVS Caremark prescription drug ID cards through Aug. 31, 2023. ESI will issue you a new ID card that is effective Sept. 1, 2023.
Pharmacies: Most current 90-day-supply pharmacies will remain in network, but you can verify this by checking ESI's online pharmacy search tool during Annual Enrollment. A link to the search tool bill be put on the TRS website once the search tool is live.
Prescriptions: You'll be able to view the formulary and drug cost estimator this summer during Annual Enrollment. A limited number of participants may need to switch medications. If one of your drugs is no longer covered, you'll receive direct communication from ESI and instructions for finding an alternative.
Upcoming communications: Make sure you subscribe to The Pulse to receive monthly updates on plan resources from ESI. Check with your benefits administrator over the summer for information. Over the next several months, ESI will set up customer service lines and websites where you can find your plan materials.
HMOs: The HMO plans have their own PBMs and are not impacted by this PBM change. The TRS board will consider rates and benefit changes to the HMOs serving certain regions of the state before summer enrollment.
- TRS-Care Medicare Rx
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, ESI will serve TRS-Care Medicare Rx plan participants who are eligible for Medicare. You'll receive more information about the transition later this fall.
What Does this Mean for You?
ID Cards: You can continue to use your CVS Caremark prescription drug ID cards through Dec. 31, 2023. ESI will issue you a new ID card that is effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Pharmacies: You'll be able to check ESI's online pharmacy search tool later this fall. Most current 90-day-supply pharmacies will remain in network.
Prescriptions: You'll be able to view the formulary and drug cost estimator this fall. If one of your drugs is no longer covered, you'll receive direct communication from ESI and instructions for finding an alternative.
Upcoming communications: Make sure you subscribe to The Pulse to receive monthly updates on plan resources from ESI. We'll also include new plan material in the summer annual mailing. Over the next several months, ESI will set up customer service lines and websites where you can find your plan materials.
Health fairs: We'll host health fairs across the state this fall where you can meet ESI representatives and hear presentations from them. Look for your invitations in the mail this fall!
- TRS-Care Standard
Beginning Jan. 1, 2024, ESI will serve TRS-Care Standard plan participants who are under age 65 and not yet eligible for Medicare. You'll receive more information about the transition later this fall.
What Does this Mean for You?
ID Cards: You can continue to use your CVS Caremark prescription drug ID cards through December 31, 2023. ESI will issue you a new ID card that is effective Jan. 1, 2024.
Pharmacies: You'll be able to check ESI's online pharmacy search tool later this fall. Most current 90-day-supply pharmacies will remain in network, but you can verify once the search tool is live.
Prescriptions: You'll be able to view the formulary and drug cost estimator this fall. If one of your drugs is no longer covered, you'll receive direct communication from ESI and instructions for finding an alternative.
Upcoming communications: Make sure you subscribe to The Pulse to receive monthly updates on plan resources from ESI. We'll also include new plan material in the summer annual mailing. In the coming months, ESI will set up customer service lines and websites where you can find your plan materials.
Health fairs: We'll host health fairs across the state this fall where you can meet ESI representatives and hear presentations from them. Look for your invitations in the mail this fall!
Stay Up to Date
The Pulse Newsletter
The best way to stay up to date with your TRS health plan is to subscribe to The Pulse! This is a monthly newsletter that helps you gets the most of your benefits. It's also used to communicate health plan changes.
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