Who can join TRIP
Members with 8 or more years of TRS Illinois service receiving a monthly retirement benefit; survivors of such members receiving a monthly benefit; disability recipients regardless of service. Tier 1 Guide p. 23, Health insurance; Tier 2 Guide p. 22
Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) sets benefits and premiums under the State Employees Group Insurance Act of 1971; TRS Illinois determines eligibility and collects premiums. No TRS Illinois monies fund TRIP; it is financed by the THIS Fund. Tier 1 Guide pp. 2 and 23
What retirees pay each month (July 1, 2026 - June 30, 2027)
| Plan | Under 26 | 26 to 64 | 65+, no Medicare |
|---|---|---|---|
| Managed care plan | $127.24 | $389.30 | $529.00 |
| TCHP, where managed care is available | $323.82 | $899.87 | $1,365.03 |
| TCHP, where managed care isn't available | $163.92 | $453.18 | $686.26 |
Premiums for a benefit recipient. TCHP is the Teachers' Choice Health Plan. TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2, Monthly Premium Contributions Through June 30, 2027
At 65: TRAIL
Benefit recipients eligible for Medicare Parts A and B must move to the TRAIL Medicare Advantage (Aetna MAPD PPO) plan within six months of the 65th birth month. TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2, When you turn 65; Medicare Advantage TRAIL Program
From Jan. 1, 2027 the TRAIL premium is $8.11 a month for a member and $29.93 for a dependent. TRAIL Summary 2027, p. 2, Monthly Contributions (effective Jan. 1, 2027)
Two TRS Illinois documents show different Medicare (TRAIL) premiums: $7.72 on the FY27 slides and $8.11 from Jan. 1, 2027.
What we use: We show each with its date.
When you can sign up
At retirement (within 60 days of the pension effective date), when other group coverage ends (within 60 days), at 65/Medicare, or in the Benefit Choice Period (usually May; effective July 1). TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2, Enrollment
Dependents may enroll, but their rates are not subsidized. TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 55
What the guides say
- TRIP is retiree health insurance for TRS Illinois annuitants with at least 8 years of TRS Illinois service, survivors of such members, and anyone on TRS Illinois disability.Tier 1 Guide p. 23, Health insurance
- The state's Department of Central Management Services runs TRIP and sets premiums. TRS Illinois checks eligibility and takes premiums out of your pension. No TRS Illinois pension money funds TRIP.Tier 1 Guide p. 23
- You can join at retirement (within 60 days), when other group coverage ends, at 65, or during Benefit Choice each May.TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2, Enrollment
- For July 2026 to June 2027, a retiree age 26-64 pays $389.30 a month for a managed care plan, or $899.87 for the PPO (TCHP) where managed care is available.TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2, Monthly Premium Contributions
- At 65, if you qualify for Medicare A and B, you must move to the TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan; the 2027 member rate is $8.11 a month.TRIP Summary FY27, p. 2; TRAIL Summary 2027, p. 2
- Dependents can be covered, but their premiums are not subsidized.TRS Illinois Tier 2 slides, slide 55
Questions
Do I get retiree health insurance from TRS Illinois?
Yes, through TRIP, if you have at least 8 years of TRS Illinois service and receive a monthly pension. You pay a monthly premium.
What happens at 65?
If you qualify for Medicare Parts A and B, you must move to the TRAIL Medicare Advantage plan. The 2027 member premium is $8.11 a month.
Can my spouse join TRIP?
Yes, dependents can enroll, but their premiums are not subsidized.
Source: TRS Tier 1 and Tier 2 Member Guides, September 2026, Tier 1 Guide pp. 2, 23; Tier 2 Guide p. 22; TRIP Summary FY27 p. 2; TRAIL Summary 2027 p. 2; Tier 2 meeting slide 55. Last reviewed .