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TRS explains TRIP and TRAIL enrollment windows, premiums and split-family rules
Summary
The Teachers' Retirement System summarized enrollment steps for TRIP/TRAIL, required documentation for dependents, premium timing, new split-family coverage for 2026, and inclusion of dental and vision.
A TRS staff member summarized how new retirees enroll in TRIP (regular retiree coverage) or TRAIL (Total Retiree Advantage Illinois, the Medicare Advantage option) and what to expect for premiums and carrier selection.
TRS said the trip participation election form (for members with at least eight years of service) must be received within 60 days of the retirement claim date to enroll as a new retiree. Enrollment takes place in two steps: TRS enters the election into its system in order of effective date, then the retiree must call the My Benefits Service Center to select a carrier (examples given: Blue Cross Blue Shield or Aetna) and plan type. If enrolling dependents, retirees must provide proof documents (marriage certificate, ID, Medicare card if the dependent is 65+).
TRS confirmed that TRIP/TRAIL enrollment always begins the first of a month and that insurance premiums are deducted from monthly benefit checks. For example, a coverage effective Aug. 1 will be reflected as a premium deduction on the Sept. 1 pension payment (because TRS pension checks pay the prior month). TRS discussed premium differentials: retiree-only premiums are lower than dependent premiums because retiree coverage receives a TRS subsidy.
For members and dependents age 65 and older, TRAIL (Medicare Advantage) applies. TRS introduced “split-family” coverage for fiscal year 2026, allowing one family member to be on TRAIL (Medicare) and the other on regular TRIP where previously all covered family members had to be on the same plan. TRS also said dental (Delta Dental) and vision (EyeMed) coverage are included automatically in TRIP/TRAIL beginning July 1, 2025 and are not optional add-ons.
The presenter advised retirees who delay enrollment that they retain eligibility to enroll later through TRIP’s annual Benefits Choice period (typically May for under-65 TRIP) or TRAIL’s open enrollment (mid-October to mid-November). TRS recommended using the secure online account and the My Benefits Service Center for carrier selection and dependent enrollment.
