TRS outlines TRIP and TRAIL retiree health plans and new Medicare family split

Carly Leffel, a benefits counselor with the Teachers' Retirement System, outlined eligibility, enrollment windows, premiums and recent rule changes for TRIP and TRAIL retiree health insurance during a TRS webinar.

The guidance matters because the changes affect when retirees and their dependents must move to TRS's Medicare plan, what they pay for monthly premiums and what steps members must take to enroll in TRAIL when they become Medicare eligible.

TRIP and TRAIL: what they are and who administers them TRIP (Teachers Retirement Insurance Program) is the TRS group health plan for members who are not yet Medicare eligible; it serves as primary coverage before age 65 and includes medical, prescription, and, beginning 07/01/2025, dental and vision. TRIP carriers and plan types (HMO, OAP, PPO) vary by state and county.

TRAIL (Total Retiree Advantage Illinois) is a nationwide Medicare Advantage prescription drug plan (MAPD) administered by Aetna; it is a single PPO plan that bundles Medicare Part C (advantage) and Part D (prescription drug) coverage. TRAIL added dental and vision on 01/01/2025.

TRS, Central Management Services (CMS) and the MyBenefits Service Center (MBSC) have distinct roles: TRS determines member eligibility and withholds monthly premiums from pension payments; CMS (Illinois Central Management Services) negotiates contracts, selects carriers and designs plans; MBSC handles enrollment and plan selection.

Who is eligible and when they can enroll To enroll in TRIP or TRAIL a retiree must be retired and have at least eight years of TRS service credit. TRS staff clarified that TRS service credit can include sick days and certain optional service but…