If I stay with my employer's health insurance when I retire, will I be able to enroll in the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) at a later date?

Yes. If you do not enroll at retirement, you will have the opportunity to enroll in the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program when you attain age 65 (if you are younger than 65 at retirement), when you become eligible for Medicare, when coverage under another insurance plan is involuntarily terminated, or during the annual Benefit Choice period (typically held in May with coverage beginning July 1) if you previously have never been enrolled in TRIP. TRIP enrollment is allowed without regard to pre-existing conditions.

If I am eligible for the College Insurance Program, which is offered to community college retirees, can I decline enrollment in that program and still enroll in the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP)?

Yes. You may enroll in whichever plan you choose. You may also enroll in both plans.

I have TRS-covered service with a state agency. Is my State of Illinois group insurance affected by the 2.2 formula?

No. The cost for the state insurance is based upon years of service.

If you have fewer than 20 years of state service when you retire, the State of Illinois will subsidize your premium by 5 percent for each year of state employment instead of automatic free coverage. If you have at least 20 years of service with a state agency at retirement, you will continue to receive state health insurance at no cost.

If you meet the minimum number of years to receive a state pension, five years contributing to TRS as a state employee or eight years contributing to the State Employees Retirement System, any service under TRS as a public school teacher will be added to the state service to reach the 20 years to receive state health insurance at no cost.

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