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- Covers exams, cleanings, fillings, crowns, implants, and more
- High annual maximum that can increase after one year
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1 March, 2021 to 28 February, 2023.
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- Thousands of eye doctors nationwide
- Covers in & out of network
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Trip/trail Vs Medicare Supplement
Your options with TRAIL are going to be Medicare Advantage plans that have prescription drug coverage built-in.
To help you understand your options better, weâve put together a chart showing you three options:
The TRAIL HMO and the Medicare Supplement Plan G are assuming 1-1-2021 effective dates. The Health Alliance Medicare HMO 40 Rx is a 2020 plan as 2021 plans have not yet been released. The Medicare Supplement Plan G is quoted for a 65-year-old. Rates increase over time due to age and claims experience.
The premiums are relatively close, but we see four major differences when comparing the Medicare Advantage HMOs to a Medicare Supplement:
Why Did Trs Change Its Medicare Program
None of us can say with absolute certainty why TRS decided to change its Medicare program to only offer Medicare Advantage plans. However, we can certainly speculate and make educated guesses.
Itâs no secret the state of Illinois is in financial trouble and has been for decades. Illinois hasnât had a balanced budget since 2001. In 2008 and 2009, Illinois faced spikes in pension contributions, and Gov. Pat Quinn took out more debt to make the 2010 and 2011 budgets balance .
Illinoisâ credit rating was downgraded 13 times from 2009 through 2014. By 2010, Illinois had the worst credit rating out of any state in our country.
When we understand this history, it makes sense that the Illinois government would be looking for ways to save money. We suspect the TRIP program got rid of its top-notch coverage and found significant cost savings by switching to a private Medicare Advantage program.
While this may be in the best interest of the stateâs budget, that doesnât mean itâs in the best interest of our stateâs teachers. Letâs call teachers what they are â public servants that shape our communities. We know of many teachers who spend their own money on classroom supplies and decorations because they arenât given enough to make it happen. Teachers deserve better, and we want to make sure youâre doing whatâs best for you in retirement.
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When Is Trail The Best Choice
We prefer the simplicity and depth-of-coverage Medicare Supplements offer seniors. You get to utilize the Original Medicare benefits youâve been paying into for years.
While we do recommend a Medicare Supplement to the majority of retired teachers we meet, there are always going to be exceptions.
If you take a rare, very expensive medication, weâd encourage you to stay on TRAILâs Medicare Advantage plan. As you saw earlier, their drug coverage is very simple and very good. The most youâd ever pay for a drug is a $100 copay. Youâre probably not going to find another drug plan out there like it.
The other scenario is if youâre covered through the VA. One of our clients is eligible for 100% coverage through the VA. He kept the TRAIL plan, because he knew if he ran into a scenario where he wasnât covered, he could always fall back on the VA. He could go to the VA hospital in Jacksonville if the TRIP option left him hanging.
So those are the two most common situations where weâd recommend you stay on TRAIL: you have a very expensive drug or you also get coverage through the VA.
Retired Teachers In Illinois: Is Trs Really The Best Option
The Teachersâ Retirement Insurance Plan in Illinois was a fabulous program until February 1, 2014. Until then, the program always resembled a Medicare Supplement Plan F, which represents no deductibles, no copays, and no coinsurance for all Medicare-approved charges.
Perhaps what we all took for granted was freedom of choice. Medicare and Medicare Supplements do not have networks, and you can see any provider that accepts Medicare. Our clients loved it, and for good reason!
In 2014, the program changed to only offer a few Medicare Advantage plans. MA plans have deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and most importantly, provider networks. The Teachers Retirement System sent out a letter at that time with language like âgreat newsâ and ânew options.â
Retired teachers were confused and didnât understand â was this a positive change, or were the benefits they grew to know and love in jeopardy? Our organization exists to serve our senior community, so weâre here to clear up the confusion and help you make an educated, informed choice for your retirement.
Jump ahead at any time:
Disclaimer: We are not part of or affiliated with the TRS. Please confirm your TRS plan options and benefits. If you do meet with a Sams/Hockaday, we will ask for more information on the benefits offered to you for a fair comparison of your options. All of the TRAIL benefit information published here is publicly available via Illinois.gov.
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Short Term Care/home Health Care
If youre like most people sidelined by an accident or health issue, youd prefer to recover in the comfort of your own home. Home healthcare, which costs less and can be just as effective as care in a hospital or skilled nursing facility, is not always covered by standard health insurance. A Home Healthcare plan gives you the flexibility to choose the type of care thats right for you.
Costs for hospital stays and for at-home and nursing facility recovery can be devastating. Even those who lead a healthy lifestyle may be at risk for an unexpected health issue requiring therapy and rehabilitation. This insurance can help you manage your expenses and preserve your savings. Benefits are paid directly to you or a medical provider that you designate and given in addition to any other health care coverage you may have.
Research Teaching And Faculty Affairs
RESEARCH
Retired academic staff members may be provided with research assistance on an annual basis and are required to submit a report on that work to the Chancellor.
TEACHING
Faculty who offered graduate courses before their retirement may offer conferences with graduate students providing approval is obtained from their unit head, the dean of the Graduate College, and the Chancellor.
FACULTY AFFAIRS
Retired faculty members may participate, without vote, in meetings of their college or unit faculties. They continue to be eligible for full participation in the Urbana-Champaign Senate.
EMERITUS STATUS
Retired faculty may be granted the title Emeritus on the recommendation of their unit and concurrence by the dean of their college, the Chancellor, the President, and the Board of Trustees. Rights and privileges for emeritus/emerita faculty are defined via Provost Communication #12, Section V. Additional rights and privileges may be granted by the dean/director and faculty of the college/school.
RE-EMPLOYMENT
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Illinois Retired Teachers Association
As the voice of Illinoiss retired educators, the Illinois Retired Teachers Association defends pension and healthcare protection via its lobbying efforts, advocates for retirees, provides group rate dental and vision insurance among other benefits, and provides travel and entertainment options for its members.
Illinois Teaching Salaries And Benefits
Illinois contains one of the largest teacher employee benefit programs in the country, providing the nearly 130,000 teachers in the state with not only a state pension retirement system, but extensive health insurance benefits as well.
As an Illinois teacher, your employee benefits will better prepare for your future retirement and current health needs. As living expenses and health care costs continue to rise, these benefits will help protect you from being sidelined by financial difficulties.
Learn more about becoming a teacher. Contact schools offering teacher education/certification programs in Illinois.
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Retired Teachers Group Sues Illinois Over Looming Health Insurance Cost Changes
The Illinois State Capitol in Springfield, Illinois.
A group of retired Illinois educators is suing the state over what they say is a diminishment of promised benefits. Some see it as another example of the need for constitutional pension reform.
The state is reducing by around $100 million per year what taxpayers pay for retired teachers’ health care starting July 1.
The Illinois Retired Teachers Association said it filed a lawsuit Monday against the Teachers Retirement System Board of Trustees, the Pritzker administration, Illinois comptroller, Illinois treasurer, House Speaker and Senate President in Sangamon County Court.
Retired teacher Pat Hampton said the reduced state contribution would mean increased costs for retired teachers like herself.
It would just be financially, physically, mentally, in so many ways just devastating to me, Hampton told WMAY Monday.
The IRTA is seeking to require the state to pay a sufficient amount.
Our actuary has come forth and said anywhere from one to four years the fund could go belly up, IRTA Executive Director Jim Bachman said.
Wirepoints President Ted Dabrowski said the unfunded health care liabilities are a real concern for beneficiaries.
IRTA officials also said the states reduction would be a diminishment of promised benefits protected by the Illinois Constitution.
Such proposed amendments at the Illinois statehouse have never advanced.
The Teachers Retirement System declined to comment on the pending litigation.
Rockford Public Schools Employees Are Eligible For Insurance Benefits After 30 Days Of Continuous Employment
Insurance includes health, dental and prescription coverage. Employees can choose a medical insurance plan from BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois: a Preferred Provider Organization plan or a High Deductible Health plan with a Health Savings Account .
Employees can also open a Flexible Spending Account for health care and dependent care expenses.
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Access To Affordable Health Insurance
If youve seen how health care costs are rising in this country, its normal to feel a sense of worry when you consider how the cost could affect you and your family. Thankfully, Illinois offers its teachers access to affordable health insurance, assuaging the fears and worries of its public employees.
The Illinois Department of Central Management Services administers all employee benefits to public school teachers, including health insurance. As a teacher, you can choose from the following plans to insure you and your loved ones:
Quality Care Health PlanThe QCHP offers the most comprehensive range of health benefits to teachers of any insurance plan. Through the QCHP, you can choose between any physician or hospital for medical services. However, you receive enhanced benefits and lower costs by obtaining care from in-network providers.
Health Maintenance Organization PlanIn the HMO plan, you must select a primary care physician from a network of providers to act as your health guide. Your primary care physician will direct all of your healthcare needs, from advice on hospital services to specialist referrals.
Open Access PlanThe Open Access Plan offers similar cost benefits of an HMO, with the coverage benefits of a traditional health insurance plan. In the Open Access Plan, youll have access to several tiers of coverage, allowing you to pick from in-network and out-of-network providers with differing costs.
- Physician Visits
Trip And Trail Understanding Your Options As A Retired Teacher
The State of Illinois offers members of the Teachers’ Retirement Insurance Program a healthcare program called Total Retiree Advantage Illinois . In order to join TRIP, you must be receiving a monthly benefit from TRS and have at least eight years of creditable service.
TRAIL provides those who are eligible â and their dependents â health coverage through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan .
This means if youâre a retired teacher enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan the state offers, which includes drug coverage .
All Illinois counties have an HMO, OAP, and TCHP option.
In Macon County, you have the following choices for the 2021 benefit year:
- Teachersâ Choice Health Plan
If Medicare is your primary and you choose an HMO or an OAP, your monthly premium is $112.89. Your dependent beneficiary would be $391.07.
FY2021 Benefit Choice Options, p3 of the
A Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug plan through TRAIL isnât your only option. You have the option to leave TRAIL and utilize your Original Medicare benefits with a Medicare Supplement.
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Health Care Designed For Teachers
Plan administrators can work with UnitedHealthcare to choose a plan for teachers and staff. Combining school districts knowledge of what is important to their teachers with UnitedHealthcares experience helps to make informed decisions and create tailored plans. Drawing on years of experience and thousands of employees served, experts use historical trends to guide health care plans.
We Got Them Back For You
Our association works hard to protect your pension AND your insurance benefits. This is one of the main advantages of being a member and one of the main reasons we are here for you!
Thanks to our trusted partner, Association Member Benefits Advisors , members are eligible for exclusive supplemental insurance. Get special group rates on dental, vision, long-term care, cancer, heart, stroke, accident, life insurance, and other policies.
If youve had trouble getting supplemental insurance at a reasonable rate, heres your chance! Best of all, it’s easy – you can enroll online or by phone.
- Choose from thousands of eye doctors nationwide.
- One-stop convenience for eye exams and eyewear, your local Walmart included.
- Great Benefits and Low Copays:
- WellVision Exam covered every 12 months with a $15 copay.
- Prescription Eyeglasses with a $25 copay.
- Frames covered every 24 months
- $150 allowance on wide selection of frames
- $170 allowance for featured brands
- 20% savings on amount over allowance
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Vision Coverage With A Clear Difference
- Choose from thousands of eye doctors nationwide.
- One-stop convenience for eye exams and eyewear, your local Walmart included.
- Great Benefits and Low Copays:
- WellVision Exam covered every 12 months with a $15 copay.
- Prescription Eyeglasses with a $25 copay.
- Frames covered every 24 months
- $150 allowance on wide selection of frames
- $170 allowance for featured brands
- 20% savings on amount over allowance
Lost Your Insurance Benefits We Got Them Back For You
Our association works hard to protect your pension AND your insurance benefits. This is one of the main advantages of being a member and one of the main reasons we are here for you!
Thanks to our trusted partner, Association Member Benefits Advisors , members are eligible for exclusive supplemental insurance. Get special group rates on dental, vision, long-term care, home healthcare, cancer, heart, stroke, life insurance, and other policies.
If youve had trouble getting supplemental insurance at a reasonable rate, heres your chance! Best of all, its easy you can enroll online or by phone.
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What Is Trs
The Teachersâ Retirement System in Illinois provides retirement, death, and disability benefits for all licensed educators employed in Illinois public schools outside of the City of Chicago.
Retirement benefits are determined by a formula in state law that includes age, final average salary at retirement, and total creditable service time. At the end of fiscal year 2016, TRS had 406,855 members and processed more than $5.8 billion in benefits .
One of the benefits available to retired teachers is TRAIL, or the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois Program. This is essentially a few Medicare Advantage plans you can choose from. It didnât used to be that way, though. Prior to February 1, 2014, retired teachers enjoyed a program that resembled a Medicare Supplement Plan F.
