Rapid growth government health plan for Texas public school districts renews Blue Cross Contract – More districts believe the Grass Is Not Greener On The Other Side.
“The Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS) Board of Trustees has been meeting for the past two days. Among the key items considered was the approval of new health care providers for both the active (TRS-ActiveCare) and retired (TRS-Care) health care programs. The Board decided to stay with the same providers for each program that are currently in place, pending successful negotiation of contracts. Starting in September 2026, the provider for TRS-ActiveCare will be Blue Cross Blue Shield.” SOURCE: TRTA
Slide show starts on page 141 – Board Book – February 2026. The following slides were picked at random. Notes are ours – RiskManagers
TRS ActiveCare membership is growing…………..
42% of total spend is prescription drugs……………
Significant migration of districts moving from commercial plans to the TRS ActiveCare government plan. Is this an indication The Grass Is Not Greener On The Other Side or are Texas school districts tired of being in the health insurance business?
Pay attention to the notes on the bottom of the slide…………
Low overall employer contributions continue to be a problem for plan members…..
With increasing health care costs and reluctance to increase district funding pushes more costs on to the shoulders of Texas educators…………..The cost of adding dependent coverage may be deemed unaffordable under ACA regulations for many TRSAC plan members. In the alternative some may qualify for federal subsidies on the ACA Marketplace Plan for similar benefits at lower costs………….Those that take advantage of this option must first make The Great Escape:
HOMEWORK READING ASSIGNMENT: TRS-ActiveCare: What the February 12, 2026 Board Materials Actually Reveal
