TRS explains retiree health plans, enrollment windows and new Medicare family split
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Summary
A TRS staff member outlined eligibility, premiums and enrollment steps for the Teacher's Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois Medicare Advantage program (TRAIL), including a new rule that requires Medicare-eligible members to move to TRAIL even if dependents are not yet Medicare-eligible.
A TRS staff member explained eligibility, premiums and enrollment steps for the Teacher's Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois Medicare Advantage program (TRAIL) during a recorded "Connecting with Retirees" segment.
The presentation summarized who qualifies for TRIP and TRAIL, the annual benefit-choice and open-enrollment windows, per-person monthly premiums listed for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026, and a new "Medicare family split" rule that requires a Medicare-eligible individual to enroll in TRAIL even if a dependent is not yet Medicare-eligible.
TRIP is TRS's pre‑Medicare group of plans that can include medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage for retirees and dependents. TRAIL is the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois Medicare Advantage program for Medicare‑eligible members; it also includes medical, prescription drug, dental and vision coverage. TRS determines eligibility; Central Management Services (CMS) administers the plans and negotiates with insurers.
Eligibility: The presenter said members need at least eight years of service credit with the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) to be eligible for TRIP or TRAIL; reciprocal service credit does not count. Enrollment in the programs is optional and members may reenroll if they previously left the program.
Enrollment windows and effective dates given in the segment: the TRIP annual benefit-choice period runs May 1–June 2, with coverage effective July 1. The TRAIL annual benefit-choice period runs mid‑October through mid‑November with a January 1 effective date. For members approaching age 65, TRS will mail an "age 65" letter about three months before eligibility that includes a Medicare checklist.
Premiums: The presenter read examples from the TRS premium chart for July 1, 2025–June 30, 2026 and urged members to consult TRS materials or the premium table for complete details. The chart listed monthly, per‑person premiums for members age 26–64 as follows: an HMO/managed‑care plan at $370.76 and the Teacher's Choice PPO at $857.02. The presenter also read spouse premium examples listed on the chart: $1,483.01 (paired with the HMO example) and $1,726.40 (paired with the PPO example). For dependent children under age 26, the chart shows a $624.46 monthly amount in one column. The presenter did not read every cell of the chart aloud; members should consult TRS publications or the My Benefits Service Center for the full table and exact household totals.
For Medicare‑eligible members, the presenter said there is one nationwide TRAIL Medicare Advantage PPO (Aetna). The chart lists a TRAIL member premium of $7.35 per month and $27.14 per month for each dependent.
Medicare family split: Beginning July 1, 2025, TRS will implement a "Medicare family split." Under the change, if one person on a retiree account becomes Medicare eligible while another covered person is not, the Medicare‑eligible individual must enroll in TRAIL while the non‑Medicare dependent remains on TRIP until they become Medicare eligible. Previously, accounts could remain together on TRIP until all covered people were Medicare eligible.
Enrollment steps to move to TRAIL: The presenter outlined three steps for members who are turning 65: (1) apply to Medicare through the Social Security Administration to obtain Medicare Parts A and B (Part A typically has no premium; Part B carries a premium), (2) send a copy or photo of the Medicare card showing Parts A and B to TRS or upload it to the member's TRS account, and (3) call the My Benefits Service Center to enroll in TRAIL. The presenter emphasized that enrollment in TRAIL is not automatic; members must contact the vendor to complete enrollment.
Contacts and administration: TRS handles eligibility determinations and premium withholding from pension payments. CMS is the plan administrator that negotiates with insurance companies. The presenter listed TRS contact options: toll‑free (877) 927‑5877 and email members@trsil.org, and said members typically must call the My Benefits Service Center to change enrollment or add/delete dependents.
The presenter also noted CMS and Aetna by name as the administrator and the TRAIL carrier, respectively, and encouraged members to consult TRS materials for the full premium table and any plan network questions.
