Many members of the Texas Retired Teachers Association (TRTA) who are age 65 or over have called and emailed asking about the probable changes that will occur with their medical insurance after the legislative session ends. While there are many questions to address regarding all of the tenets of HB 3976, this Inside Line specifically addresses concerns about the TRS Medicare Advantage plan through Humana.
As our members may know, if HB 3976 passes through the legislative process and becomes law, TRS retirees age 65 and over who participate in a TRS-Care insurance plan will be transitioned to the TRS Medicare Advantage plan. This plan will be the only option available. This plan would go into effect on Jan. 1, 2018.
Any retirees entering the program on or before Dec. 31, 2017 will join the current TRS-Care plan, then be transferred to the new plan on Jan. 1, 2018.
Projected 65 and Over Retiree Premium Costs for Medicare Advantage (Retiree only):
| Plan Year 2018-2021: | $146/month |
The projected premium cost to cover the retiree and spouse is $590 per month. (TRTA recognizes that the spousal cost is very high and our members are asking us to explore alternative options for their spouses. This information may not be available until after the Legislative Session.)
Members call us asking if their doctors will be able to participate in the MA plan if they are out of network. Many others have said their providers have stated simply that they do not accept any MA plans whatsoever.
While TRTA will continue to work with the Legislature and the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) on statewide acceptance of the plan, TRS has provided some answers to your questions about the plan that we would like to share with you now. The fact sheets below are also available online.
FAQs: TRS-Care Medicare Advantage Fact Page
Think Your Doctor Won’t Accept TRS-Care Medicare Advantage? Fact Page
Thank You
Thank you for your membership to TRTA. We are fighting ardently for your benefits every day at the Capitol. If you are not yet a TRTA member, please join here. Be sure to read our comprehensive Frequently Asked Questions about TRS-Care here.
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