The 15-year rule
TRS 3 and TRS 4. Members who joined on or after July 1, 2008 (TRS 3 and TRS 4) need at least 15 years of service (TRS of Kentucky or another state-administered system).
KRS 161.675(2)(b); TRS 4 SPD p. 17; 2027 KEHP rate chart p. 1TRS 1 and TRS 2 (joined before July 1, 2008). Members retiring on or after July 1, 1974 need at least 5 years of Kentucky service in TRS of Kentucky (or combined under reciprocity).
KRS 161.675(2)(a)Below the line, no coverage. A TRS 3 or TRS 4 member who retires with fewer than 15 years gets a pension (once eligible) but no TRS of Kentucky retiree health coverage. Above it, TRS of Kentucky pays more of the cost the more years you have.
If you're near 15 years, one more year can matter more than the pension increase. The calculator shows the date you'd reach 15.
The retiree health rules count years of service. The sources don't say whether sick-leave service credit counts toward the 15-year (or 5-year) rule.
We count your Kentucky service without sick-leave credit.
KRS 161.675(2)(a)-(b); TRS 4 SPD p. 17Which plan
- Under 65 and not on Medicare, retirees can join the Kentucky Employees' Health Plan (KEHP). At 65 or on Medicare, TRS of Kentucky offers its Medicare Eligible Health Plan (MEHP).TRS 4 SPD p. 17; KRS 161.675(1)
- Members who joined on or after July 1, 2008 (TRS 3 and TRS 4) need at least 15 years of service for TRS of Kentucky retiree health coverage. Earlier members need at least 5.KRS 161.675(2)(a)-(b); 2027 KEHP rate chart p. 1
- How much TRS of Kentucky pays depends on your years of service and entry date. In 2026 the MEHP cost a TRS 3 or TRS 4 retiree $110 a month with 15-19.99 years, $70 with 20-24.99, $20 with 25-25.99, $10 with 26-26.99, and $0 with 27 or more.2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 4
- 2026 MEHP cost for TRS 1 retirees: $150 (5-9.99 years), $100 (10-14.99), $50 (15-19.99), $0 (20 or more). TRS 2: $180, $150, $110, $70, $20, $10, then $0 at 27 years. Spouses pay the full $200.2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 4
- TRS of Kentucky does not contribute to spouse coverage; spouses and dependents can be covered at full cost.2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 21; TRS 4 SPD p. 17
- If you or your spouse go back to work for an employer in a Kentucky state retirement system and are eligible for its health plan, you must drop TRS of Kentucky coverage; you can re-enroll within 30 days of losing that coverage.2027 KEHP fact sheet p. 1; KRS 161.605(4)(c)
- The board can change coverage, eligibility and subsidy levels to stay within available funding; access to group coverage is protected.KRS 161.675(2)(a); TRS 4 SPD p. 18
Medicare plan (MEHP) costs in 2026
2026 monthly retiree cost of the MEHP by years of service and account type. Medicare-eligible spouses and children pay the full $200 premium. Retirees also keep paying Medicare Part B. Reciprocity retirees should contact TRS of Kentucky.
| Years of service | TRS 1 | TRS 2 | TRS 3 and TRS 4 |
|---|---|---|---|
| 5 to 9.99 | $150 | $180 | not eligible |
| 10 to 14.99 | $100 | $150 | not eligible |
| 15 to 19.99 | $50 | $110 | $110 |
| 20 to 24.99 | $0 | $70 | $70 |
| 25 to 25.99 | $0 | $20 | $20 |
| 26 to 26.99 | $0 | $10 | $10 |
| 27 or more | $0 | $0 | $0 |
Monthly cost to the retiree, plus Medicare Part B. A Medicare-eligible spouse pays $200. 2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 4, Monthly Cost of the 2026 MEHP
We found the 2026 Medicare Eligible Health Plan costs but not 2027's.
We show the 2026 table and label it 2026.
2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 4Under 65: KEHP
Under-65 retiree KEHP cost = plan option cost (Chart A) + tobacco surcharge + LivingWell Promise surcharge + time-specific adjustment by entry date and years of service (Chart C before July 1, 2002; Chart D on/after July 1, 2002; on/after July 1, 2008 needs at least 15 years). TRS of Kentucky does not contribute to spouse coverage (spouse pays full premium, Chart B). 2027 KEHP rate chart pp. 1-2; 2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 21
What TRS of Kentucky pays toward coverage depends on years of service at retirement (and entry date). The board sets supplement amounts and percentages annually and may change coverage and eligibility to stay within available funds. KRS 161.675(2)(a), (4)(a); TRS 4 SPD p. 17; 2027 KEHP rate chart p. 2, Charts C and D
What TRS of Kentucky pays toward an under-65 retiree's KEHP premium depends on your years and entry date. The current dollar charts didn't extract cleanly, and the percentages in the 2011 SPD are old.
We show the 15-year rule and the 2026 Medicare plan costs, but not your under-65 KEHP premium.
2027 KEHP rate chart p. 2; TRS 1-3 SPD (2011) p. 58Spouses, going back to work, other systems
- Coverage is available at full cost for spouses (KEHP and MEHP) and dependent children (KEHP); disabled children at full cost regardless of age. A spouse who waives MEHP when first eligible may be unable to enroll later. TRS 4 SPD p. 17; KRS 161.675(4)(c)-(d); 2026 Turning 65 booklet p. 4, Notice to Spouses
- Retirees and spouses eligible for coverage through an employer in a state-administered retirement system must drop TRS of Kentucky coverage; they can re-enroll within 30 days of losing that coverage. 2027 KEHP fact sheet p. 1, Reemployment; KRS 161.605(4)(c)
- A retiree with service in more than one Kentucky state system may enroll through only one system. KRS 161.675(2)(a); 2027 KEHP fact sheet p. 1
- If eligibility conditions are met, members are guaranteed access to group coverage, but details of coverage can change. TRS 4 SPD p. 18; KRS 161.714
See also working after retirement and one more year.
Questions
What is the TRS of Kentucky 15-year rule?
Members who joined TRS of Kentucky on or after July 1, 2008 (TRS 3 and TRS 4) need at least 15 years of service to get TRS of Kentucky retiree health coverage. Members who joined earlier need 5.
What happens if I retire with fewer than 15 years?
If you joined after June 2008, you don't get TRS of Kentucky retiree health coverage. You still get your pension once you're eligible.
What health plan do Kentucky retired teachers get?
Under 65 and not Medicare-eligible: Kentucky Employees' Health Plan (KEHP), administered by the state Department of Employee Insurance. 65 and older or Medicare-eligible: Medicare Eligible Health Plan (MEHP), administered by TRS of Kentucky (a Medicare Advantage medical plan with Part D).
Does TRS of Kentucky pay for my spouse?
No. Spouses and dependents can be covered, but at full cost.
Source: TRS Summary Plan Descriptions and Service Retirement bulletins, TRS 4 SPD January 2022; TRS 1-3 SPD 2011; Service Retirement bulletins March 2023, TRS 4 SPD pp. 17, 18. Also: 2026 Turning 65 booklet pp. 4, 5, 21; 2027 KEHP rate chart pp. 1, 1-2, 2; 2027 KEHP fact sheet p. 1; KRS 161.605, 161.675, 161.714. Last reviewed .