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Health insurance for retirees

The state's health care coverage for retirees (TRS-Care) has undergone recent changes, including lowered benefits and higher premiums, and new eligibility requirements. Details on the plan and its costs are available at the TRS Web site.

  • Beginning with retirements after August 31, 2005, to be eligible for TRS-Care the retiree must have at least 10 years of actual service in Texas schools, AND must either meet the Rule of 80 (age and service credit totals at least 80) or have at least 30 years of service credit. Purchased service credit, such as out-of-state service or “air time,” was previously excluded from counting toward the Rule of 80 for TRS-Care eligibility purposes, but pursuant to legislation passed in 2005 purchased credit now WILL count toward the TRS-Care Rule of 80.

  • TRS-Care participants will have a modified open-enrollment opportunity at age 65. This will allow retirees to choose a higher level of coverage in TRS-Care when they turn age 65, if desired.

  • For eligibility requirements affecting retirements before September 1, 2005, check the TRS Web site.