The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Board of Trustees has approved another significant reduction in TRS-Care Medicare Advantage premiums for Plan Year 2027, providing meaningful savings for retired educators while maintaining the same comprehensive benefits.
The premium reductions will take effect Jan. 1, 2027, and build on the approximately 45% premium reduction implemented in 2025. Under the newly approved rates, many participants will see their monthly premiums decrease even further.
Monthly Premium Changes for Plan Year 2027:
- Retiree Only: $75 → $50 (-$25/month)
- Retiree + Spouse: $280 → $230 (-$50/month)
- Retiree + Child(ren): $408 → $383 (-$25/month)
- Retiree + Family: $613 → $563 (-$50/month)
In addition to the lower premiums, TRS will offer a limited-time enrollment opportunity for Medicare-eligible retirees who are not currently enrolled in TRS-Care Medicare Advantage. The special enrollment period will run from Oct. 1, 2026, through March 31, 2028, allowing eligible retirees to take advantage of the lower premiums and comprehensive coverage.
TRS-Care Standard Deductibles to Increase for Plan Year 2027
TRS also approved increases to deductibles for TRS-Care Standard, the health plan available to retirees who are not yet eligible for Medicare. According to TRS, the adjustments are necessary to keep the plan compliant with updated IRS guidelines for high-deductible health plans.
The deductible changes for Plan Year 2027 are as follows:
- In-Network Individual: $1,700 → $1,750 (+$50)
- In-Network Family: $3,400 → $3,500 (+$100)
- Out-of-Network Individual: $3,400 → $3,500 (+$100)
- Out-of-Network Family: $6,800 → $7,000 (+200)
TRTA’s Advocacy to Reduce Health Care Costs For Retirees
The Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) has long advocated for affordable, sustainable health care benefits for retired educators.
TRS-Care has significantly improved its financial health over the years. In 2017, the fund faced a $1.1 billion shortfall that resulted in major plan changes and increased premiums for participants. As a result, more than 36,000 retirees and their dependents left the plan.
Since then, the TRS-Care fund’s financial condition has improved dramatically, thanks to the collaborative efforts of TRTA, TRS, and Texas elected officials. In 2025, retirees saw substantial premium reductions that saved participants between $720 and $4,884 annually.
While this latest premium reduction is welcome news for Medicare Advantage participants, TRTA will continue working with state leaders and TRS to ensure retired educators have access to high-quality, affordable health care for years to come.
TRTA would also like to recognize Katrina Daniel, TRS Chief Health Care Officer, for her outstanding leadership in strengthening the TRS-Care fund. TRS is fortunate to have many exceptional and dedicated staff members, and Daniel is among the very best. She worked closely with key stakeholders to help stabilize the fund, improve its long-term financial outlook, and position it for the premium reductions retirees are experiencing today.
In June, Daniel announced that she will retire from TRS effective Aug. 31. TRTA extends its heartfelt appreciation for her years of service and unwavering commitment to providing retired educators with an affordable, sustainable health care program.
TRTA will share additional information about the new premiums and the upcoming enrollment opportunity as it becomes available.
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