In Macon County, you have the following choices for the 2021 benefit year: If Medicare is your primary and you choose an HMO or an OAP, your monthly premium is $112.89. Further information about MyBenefits Service Center is available athttps://www.illinois.gov/cms/benefits/Teachers/Pages/TRIPContactInformation.aspx. Due to this, the December check is considered taxable in the tax (or calendar) year commencing Jan. 1. See what's covered Featured updates MDLIVE The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has recently announced that open enrollment for the state of Illinois Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) Medicare plans will be Nov. 1- Nov. 30, 2022. Jan. 1 following the date you reachage 61. Retired members in theTeachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois collect a lifetime monthly retirement benefit. The Teachers Retirement Insurance Plan (TRIP) in Illinois was a fabulous program until February 1, 2014. This program provides Medicare-eligible members and their covered dependents comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage through a TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (commonly referred to as "MAPD") plan. There is a charge for Medicare Part B. 1047 0 obj <>/Filter/FlateDecode/ID[<8F4796445AB3564FAB49E5235B338E16><3E1DCD96BE119244AB7372AA4A682262>]/Index[1013 67]/Info 1012 0 R/Length 149/Prev 957470/Root 1014 0 R/Size 1080/Type/XRef/W[1 3 1]>>stream To join any Medicare Advantage plan, including the TRAIL plans, Medicare beneficiaries must first enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B. The Teachers Retirement System of the State of Illinois was created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1939 for the purpose of providing retirement annuities, survivors and disability benefits for PK-12 public school educators outside of the City of Chicago. 2815 West Washington Street Springfield, Illinois 62702. This page includes the contribution rates, a description of benefits offered for the Aetna MAPD PPO, and a list of No-Cost Benefits from the plan. 0 Its no secret the state of Illinois is in financial trouble and has been for decades. It's called Aetna Medicare Plan (PPO) with Extended Service Area (ESA). TRAIL MAPD Plan Monthly Contributions Effective January 1, 2022. However, we can certainly speculate and make educated guesses. While this may be in the best interest of the states budget, that doesnt mean its in the best interest of our states teachers. A Statement of Health application is available by contacting Minnesota Life at 888-202-5525, or by downloading the form atMyBenefits.illinois.gov. Once the annual deductible has been met, each plan participant is subject to a maximum annual dental benefit. Medicare Advantage. State of Illinois . You can find us on any of our social pages or reach out directly. A member's benefits are suspended if the limit is exceeded and the member has not been approved to teach in a subject shortage area. State You should contact your local benefits coordinator for Medigap options. However, the Medicare Advantage plans offered through TRAIL do have a unique benefit structure with a lower out-of-pocket maximum than other MA plans offered. Are you going to be taken care of if you have a medical concern? If you fail to provide a copy of the Medicare card with your MBI number to the Medicare COB unit or your Retirement system, your TRAIL MAPD and TRIP medical insurance will be waived for the dependent(s) with the missing documentation and waived for the entire household if the member's documentation is not provided. All vision benefits are covered once every 24 months from the last date the benefit was used. Members enrolled in any of the four group insurance programs administered by the State of Illinois are provided health and prescription drug benefits. . If you want to maintain your current TRAIL coverage, you dont have to do anything. * You must enroll in both Medicare Parts A and B to qualify for the lower premiums. Jerry explains he got bills for hundreds of thousands of dollars but was only responsible for $21.65. The average nationwide monthly premium for a Part D plan is $30. 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. She has been helping people navigate through the Medicare process in addition to helping with other areas, such as financial products and life insurance needs. To obtain additional coverage you may enroll in a Part D prescription drug plan for prescription drug coverage, re-enroll in the TRIP-Sponsored TRAIL plan throughout the plan year with coverage effective the first of the month following your enrollment request, or enroll during your next annual TRAIL MAPD Enrollment Period. Members cannot outlive their benefits. Retired or disabled public safety employees are eligible to take a tax deduction of up to $3,000 on their federal income tax return for health insurance or long term care insurance premiums. Weve never come across a case where we did not recommend the spouse or dependent to have a Medicare Supplement. Your feedback is very important to us. If youve determined you qualify for this deduction and want IMRF to deduct your premiums from your pension payment and pay your insurer directly, you will need to complete one of the following forms: If you are continuing your health insurance coverage through your employer after retirement and you want to have your premium costs deducted directly from your monthly pension, complete a Health Insurance Continuation Through Employer Premium Deduction Authorization form and return it to your employer. Illinois Department of Central Management Services, State Government Suggestion Award Board (SGSAB), College Insurance Program (CIP) Benefit Plans, Local Government Health Plan (LGHP) Benefit Plans, Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) Program, TRIP Plan Year 2022 Fall Open Enrollment Materials, Prescription Drug Coverage with the TRAIL MAPD Program, Register, Become a Vendor & State Government. Starting in 2007, the Medicare Part B premium is higher for retirees whose income exceeds certain limits. insurance to eligible members under the Teachers' Retirement System (TRS) who retired from an eligible K12 Illinois school district. Be retired and enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, due to age or disability. Health Alliance Medicare HMO Rx 40 Drug Coverage. The state of Illinois offers annuitants and survivors a healthcare program called Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL). TRAIL provides those who are eligible and their dependents health coverage through a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan (Illinois Department of Central Management Services). Send a copy of your Medicare card to TRS. $139.97. Due to your Medicare-eligibility, you cannot keep your current State of Illinois health plan. 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. %PDF-1.6 % Contact schools offering teacher education/certification programs in Illinois. All of the TRAIL benefit information published here is publicly available via Illinois.gov. This page will electronically transmit a document to TRS. Does Medicare Cover Cremation and Other End-of-Life Expenses? HMO Policy. During both opportunities for enrollment (IE & OE), retirees and survivors eligible for the TRAIL MAPD Program willreceive a, No electionsare allowed to be made prior to November 1 during the OpenEnrollment Period, College Insurance Program (CIP) Medicare Retirees and Survivors, State of Illinois Employees' Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) Medicare Retirees and Survivors, Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP)Medicare Retirees and Survivors, Register, Become a Vendor & State Government. What services are available for the Defined Benefit Plan? In any case, the drug coverage offered through TRAIL looks really great to us, and it could be a lifesaver for those who take a rare, very expensive medication. Enrollment in the TRAIL MAPD plan provides you with Medicare Advantage coverage as well as Medicare Part D coverage. While the benefits offered through TRAIL are better than options offered to anyone eligible for Medicare, they simply do not compare to a Medicare Supplement. The State of Illinois offers members of the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) a healthcare program called Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL). Springfield, Illinois 62702. $117.27. The easiest way to apply for Medicare is online at the Social Security website. Under the law, the limits are scheduled to return to 100 days or 500 hours on July 1, 2023. The Teachers Retirement Insurance Plan in Illinois was a fabulous program until February 1, 2014. business-member-directory-association-of-california.jpeg, Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist Crps, Jp Morgan Chase Retirement Plan Administration, Health Insurance Continuation Through Employer Premium Deduction Authorization, teacher education/certification programs in Illinois, State Teachers Retirement System Of Ohio Annual Report, What Type Of Retirement Plan Is Tiaa Cref, Public Employees Retirement System Sacramento. If your TRIP medical and prescription coverage is terminated, you will have only Original Medicare for your medical coverage. Note: If you cancel your TRIP TRAIL MAPD coverage, medical and prescription drug coverage for you and your enrolled dependents will end. If you are a teacher (or employee) retiring from a State of Illinois school district, youll likely have some questions about Medicare and how your TRS retiree medical insurance (TRIP) coverage works. The Teachers Retirement System (TRS) sent out a letter at that time with language like great news and new options.. Current covered employee contributions are 9% of creditable earnings salary. When the first of the month occurs on a weekend or holiday, your financial institution may not post your deposit to your account until the next business day. Since Aetna MAPD PPO is a type of Medicare, you must continue to pay your federal Medicare Parts A and B premiums in order to enroll and remain enrolled in TRAIL MAPD. HMO plans also must use the plans network providers in all circumstances except emergencies. Review the documents that are available to upload. However, you can also call them for an application in the mail or go down to your local office in person. Note: If you cancel your TRIP TRAIL MAPD coverage, medical and prescription drug coverage for you and your enrolled dependents will end. Part B, however, has monthly premiums. By 2010, Illinois had the worst credit rating out of any state in our country. The Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) Program, a sub-program of the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) oversees the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment for State of Illinois retirees and survivors. Our website has current information, forms and publications, benefit videos and your personal information in the secure Member Account Access area. c. 32B, 18. Re-enrollment is allowed for TRIP members throughout the plan year with coverage effective the first of the month following your enrollment request or during your annual TRAIL MAPD Enrollment Period. Members who receive a retirement or disability benefit are eligible for TRIP insurance coverage. For instance, your December retirement benefit will be received on Jan. 1. please contact Teachers' Retirement System of the State of Illinois at 877-927-5877. In most cases, your local community will give you the option of an indemnity plan or a choice of an HMO. This report will be available in late November and you will be notified via email when it is ready for viewing. Retirees and annuitants who have over 20 years of service, as well as survivors whose annuity is based on the death of an employee who had 20 years or more of creditable service, receive their healthcare coverage premium-free through the State. Benefit recipients and all dependent beneficiaries who are eligible for Medicare Parts A & B must enroll in the TRAIL Medicare Advantage Program. You have the option to leave TRAIL and utilize your Original Medicare benefits with a Medicare Supplement. To be eligible for coverage under a MA plans have deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and most importantly, provider networks. If the member's and/or dependent's Medicare Beneficiary Identifier (MBI) number is not on file, it must be provided during your enrollment, please make sure you have this information available. Retired Teachers: Is TRS Really the best Insurance Option? Medicare pays for the COVID-19 booster shot. In order to join TRIP, you must be receiving a monthly benefit from TRS and have at least eight years of creditable service. Employees are currently divided into either Tier I or Tier II based on their hire dates. Use your EyeMed card for all routine vision care. Plan Year deductible and Out-of-Pocket Maximums will start over with your new TRAIL MAPD Health Plan. Your report contains important information about your earnings, years of service, sick leave, optional service credit and designated beneficiaries. To request automatic premium deduction, please complete a Health Care Program Premium Deduction Authorization for IMRF Endorsed Plans, form and return it to Doyle Rowe LTD with your enrollment form. Retired teachers were confused and didnt understand was this a positive change, or were the benefits they grew to know and love in jeopardy? Automatic premium deduction is available on all Doyle Rowe plans except for: Medicare Part D premiums cannot be deducted from your IMRF benefit payment, but you can elect to have them deducted from your Social Security payment. So those are the two most common situations where wed recommend you stay on TRAIL: you have a very expensive drug or you also get coverage through the VA. We dont recommend your dependent to utilize the TRAIL options. The Illinois Department of Central Management Services administers all employee benefits to public school teachers, including health insurance. Contact us: [emailprotected], Dave Urbanek, with Illinois teachers retirement system, discusses surge in teaching retirements, Illinois Teachers Retirement System Report to the IEA. Pat Quinn took out more debt to make the 2010 and 2011 budgets balance . As a TRIP member, who is newly-eligible for enrollment in the TRAIL MAPD health plan, this is your opportunity to enroll in the Aetna MAPD PPO Plan. Doyle Rowe LTD provides a full range of health plan counseling and administrative services to more than 250,000 active and retired members of IMRF. Make sure youre doing whats best for you in retirement! (TRAIL) Medicare Advantage * CMS, July 2020 18,100* PPO (Teachers Choice) HMO You can select your benefits through the State of Illinois' MyBenefits website. Combining school districts knowledge of what is important to their teachers with UnitedHealthcares experience helps to make informed decisions and create tailored plans. You are welcome to visit our offices in Springfield or Lisle, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Starting in 2007, the Medicare Part B premium is based on retirees income: In the past, all Medicare-eligible retirees paid the same premium for their Medicare Part B coverage. *The 5% rates in the chart above do not apply to the following members: Coventry Advantra (An Aetna Company), Health Alliance MAPD or Humana HMOs, Optional Term Life Plan Monthly Contributions, Monthly Contribution Per $1,000 of Coverage, State Government Suggestion Award Board (SGSAB), College Insurance Program (CIP) Benefit Plans, Local Government Health Plan (LGHP) Benefit Plans, Total Retiree Advantage Illinois (TRAIL) Program, State Fall Open Enrollment Materials for Plan Year 2022, Prescription Drug Coverage with the TRAIL MAPD Program, State Universities Retirement System (SURS), Register, Become a Vendor & State Government. Also Check: Best Retirement Funds For Young Adults. More detailed information is available on the TRS website at: https://www.trsil.org. If you or your dependent is actively working and eligible for Medicare, or you have additional questions about this requirement, contact the CMS Group Insurance Division, Medicare Coordination of Benefits (COB) Unit at (800) 442-1300 or (217) 782-7007. Also, enrolling in the three months prior to your birthday month will ensure your benefits begin by the 1st of the month in which you turn 65. If you add a non-Medicare dependent, you will be ineligible to enroll in a TRAIL MAPD plan. Your benefits are unique in that TRIP will transition over to your Medicare and TRIP after age 65. Office: Sams/Hockaday & Associates 122 W. Prairie Ave, #201 Decatur, Illinois 62523. Dependent Coverage. However, some people pay more called an Income Related Monthly Adjustment Amount - based on their modified, adjusted household gross income. Some programs offer additional benefits of vision, dental and life insurance coverage. Retirees who enroll in this coverage get their health benefits, medications and behavioral health coverage from the plan. Your contributions are used as follows: 7.5 percent for retirement annuities 0.5 percent for automatic annual increases in annuities 1 percent for death benefits Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called "Part C" or "MA Plans," are an all in one alternative to Original Medicare. TRS contributions and benefits have fluctuated over the years. An HMO does not pay for any out-of-network services. All members and enrolled dependents have the same vision coverage regardless of the healthplan selected. You may find TRAIL is the best coverage for you, but theres a chance we could offer you significant savings while securing more robust coverage. Yes. If you do not complete the online enrollment process or call the MyBenefits Service Center by your enrollment deadline, we will assume you do not want your TRIP TRAIL MAPD health insurance and will terminate your medical and prescription drug coverage. When you enroll in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, you are no longer in Original Medicare, but still have the same covered services and the same rights and protections as people with Original Medicare. You may terminate the TRAIL MAPD coverage at any time by contacting the plan administrator in writing. When we understand this history, it makes sense that the Illinois government would be looking for ways to save money. As you can see, the Medicare Advantage options offered for retired teachers are not low or $0 premium they cost $112.89 per month for 2021. Elect to re-enroll in coverage. Unlike Original Medicare though, many Medicare Advantage plans also have built in Part D drug coverage. Thankfully, Illinois offers its teachers access to affordable health insurance, assuaging the fears and worries of its public employees. Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan, you and your eligible dependents must: Live in the United States or the U.S. The TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Open Enrollment Period for the 2022 plan year runs October 15 - November 15, 2021. Most TRIP members who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and Bmust enroll in the TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan in order to keep TRIPinsurance coverage after December 31. MA plans have deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and most importantly, provider networks. We're here to help you get the most from your plan. The State of Illinois offers health care benefits to more than 150,000 retirees. All newly-eligible participants, who elect to enroll in the TRAIL MAPD Program will be enrolledin the Aetna Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) PPO Plan. Illinois hasnt had a balanced budget since 2001. The State of Illinois offers retirees, annuitants, and survivors(of the State Employees Group Insurance Program (SEGIP), The Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) and the College Insurance Program (CIP))a healthcare program called Note: If you cancel your TRIP TRAIL MAPD coverage, medical and prescription drug coverage for you and your enrolled dependents will end. This enrollment period is open for Medicare-eligibleretirees, survivors, and theirdependentsto change their elections, or for anyone who previously waived or canceled coverage to re-enroll. Medicare Advantage plans are required to cover all services covered by Original Medicare. Once you have established coverage with the Medicare program, the MTRS will withhold the monthly premium for your Medigap coverage. TRIP Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Plan Monthly Rates for 2017. ** Medicare Primary dependent beneficiaries enrolled in a managed care plan, or in TCHP when no managed care plan is available, receive a premium subsidy, 2815 West Washington Street If you want to make a change to your TRAIL insurance coverage or add a dependent, the fall Open Enrollment Period is the time when you can make that change. In order to join TRIP, you must be receiving a monthly benefit from TRS and have at least eight years of creditable service. The plan offered through the TRAIL Program is a Medicare Advantage plan which includes prescription drug coverage. Since Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare, you must continue to pay your federal Medicare premiums in order to remain enrolled in TRAIL. Since Medicare Advantage plans are a type of Medicare, you must continue to pay your federal Medicare premiums in order to remain enrolled in TRAIL. All members and enrolled dependents have the same dental benefits available through Delta Dentalregardless of the health plan selected. Id encourage you to really take a look at what youre paying for. All of the TRAIL benefit information published here is publicly available via Illinois.gov. Copyright 2023 Sams/Hockaday & Associates, LLC, TRIP and TRAIL Understanding Your Options As a Retired Teacher, Illinois Department of Central Management Services, ADM Retirement Options: Pension and Health Insurance Options Explained, New Health Insurance Change for Retired Caterpillar Union Workers: Here Are Your Options, How to Find Your Medicare Number Without Your Card, Your Medicare ID Cards: From Supplements to Flex Cards. Some services have limits to how often they can be obtained. She came to our house without an appointment, and I'm very glad she did. First health insurance program established 1990: Part-time/Substitute teachers join TRS 1990: 3% Compounded COLA (SS COLA 5.4%) . You are not eligible to enroll in a TRAIL plan. You must provide proof of Medicare ineligibility from the SSA. All official TRAIL documents and forms carry the states TRAIL logo . 2023 TRIP Open Enrollment Guide(for Current Members of TRAIL), Illinois Department of Central Management Services, Beginning January 1, 2023, Aetna Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) PPO Plan will replace your current plan. Illinois Retired Teachers Association (IRTA) knows Retired Educators like you. For questions about your coverage or premium, contact the Group Insurance Commission at 617-727-2310. This guide linked below will show you how to enroll through the MyBenefits website atMyBenefits.illinois.gov. That fund provides each member with a guaranteed lifetime annuity upon retirement, regardless of how much the member and employer contributed to the trust fund for that member. Ill never forget a patient that was told a bunch of misleading things, and when the time came for surgery, their MA plan basically said they hadnt suffered enough and had to do several more weeks of therapy, Dr. Sams explains. hbbd```b``@$e"TF``a , &j`g DN `^e$a^0DH6.v0){ In turn, we forward your premium to your local community on your behalf. All active members, employers and investment income fund the benefit payments of retired employees. For example, Dr. Sams, a board-certified orthopedic surgeon at Decatur Orthopedic Center (DOC), explains he has to go through a lengthy and difficult pre-approval process when a patient has Medicare Advantage. The Aetna MAPD PPO Plan is available throughout Illinois and nationwide. 2022 TRAIL Map . At age 65, TRIP members who are eligible for Medicare Parts A and B must enroll in one of the Medicare Advantage plans offered via the Total Retiree Advantage Illinois program. Read Also: Retirement Communities In South America. Benefit recipients who enroll in the Teachers Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) receive health, prescription and behavioral health coverage. This program provides medical and prescription insurance benefits for annuitants receiving a monthly benefit or annuity from the Teachers Retirement System (TRS) who prior to retiring, were an employee of an Illinois school district. She is a member of the Forbes Finance Council and frequently writes about Medicare, retirement, and personal finance. This program provides Medicare-eligible members and their covered dependents comprehensive medical and prescription drug coverage through TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (commonly referred to as an MAPD) plan. Vision coverage through EyeMed is provided at no additional cost to members enrolled in any of the TRAILMAPD plans. 2024 Summary of Benefits and Coverage. 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. TRS pays two death benefits: a refund of your accumulated contributions and survivor benefits. This program provides medical, prescription, vision, and dental insurance benefits for annuitants receiving a monthly benefit or annuity from the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) who prior to retiring, were an employee of an Illinois community college.