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TRS Tools

We are proud to administer health benefits for the Teacher Retirement System's (TRS) which will offer more provider choices Effective Sept. 1, 2020, we handle the administration of the TRS-ActiveCare Primary, TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, TRS-ActiveCare HD, and TRS-ActiveCare 2 plans. Effective January 1, 2021, the TRS-Care Standard plan was added.


TRS Health Plans

Statewide Blue EssentialsSM contracted in-network providers can see participants on these plans:

  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+
    • Copays for doctor visits before meeting deductibles
    • Primary care provider (PCP) selection and referrals to specialists are required
    • No out-of-network coverage, except for true emergencies

Nationwide Blue Choice PPOSM contracted in-network providers can see participants on these plans:

  • TRS-ActiveCare HD
    • High deductible plan which may include a health savings account (HSA) to pay for medical care
    • Does not require PCP selection or referrals
    • Deductibles must be met before the plan pays for diagnostic care
    • Includes out-of-network coverage; participants have a lower cost share when using in-network providers
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2
    • Copays for doctor visits before meeting deductibles
    • Does not require PCP selection or referrals
    • Includes out-of-network coverage; participants have a lower cost share when using in-network providers
  • TRS-Care Standard
    • Deductible must be met before any applicable copays apply
    • Does not require PCP selection or referrals
    • Includes out-of-network coverage; participants have a lower cost share when using in-network providers

How Can You Identify TRS Participants?

TRS participants can be identified by the following on their BCBSTX ID card:

  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo and a three-character prefix of T2U.
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD and TRS-ActiveCare 2 plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo, a three-character prefix of T2S and a network ID of BCA.
  • TRS-Care Standard plan indicates the TRS Care logo and three-character prefix of T3X and network ID of BCA

You should check patient eligibility and benefits using Availity® or your preferred vendor before every scheduled appointment. Eligibility and benefit quotes include patients’ coverage statuses and other important information, such as applicable copays, coinsurance and deductibles. It’s strongly recommended that providers ask to see every patient’s BCBSTX ID card and a photo ID to guard against medical identity theft. If services may not be covered, you should notify patients that they may be billed directly.


How Can You Check Prior Authorization Requirements?

You can check the Utilization Management - Prior Authorization and Predeterminations page for the list of Administrative Services Only (ASO) services and procedure codes that require prior authorization for TRS participants. Refer to How to Submit a Prior Authorization or Prenotification to learn about the submission processes.


How Can You Be an In-network Provider for TRS-ActiveCare or TRS-Care Standard Participants?

  • You must have privileges at Blue Essentials or Blue Choice participating hospitals (unless inpatient admissions are uncommon or not required for your specialty or you have someone who will admit on your behalf).
  • You must have a valid National Provider Identifier (NPI) number.
  • You must sign a Blue Essentials or Blue Choice PPO agreement for the designated TRS-ActiveCare or TRS-Care Standard health plan.

If you have any questions regarding these plans or are interested in participating in our provider networks, please contact your Network Management office or go to the Network Participation – How to Join page.


Outpatient Clinical Laboratory Information:

For TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, providers located on the Reimbursable Lab County List PDF Document can perform labs on the Reimbursable Lab List PDF Document in their offices. All other lab services must be sent to a participating lab.

For all TRS-ActiveCare or TRS-Care Standard participants, providers can use the following statewide in-network clinical labs:

  • Clinical Pathology Laboratory (CPL) — Contact 1-800-595-1275 or visit CPL's website Learn more about third-party links.
  • Laboratory Corporation of America® (LabCorp) — Contact 1-888-LAB-CORP (1-888-522-2677) or visit LabCorp's website Learn more about third-party links
  • Quest Diagnostics, Inc. — Contact 1-888-277-8772 or visit Quest's website Learn more about third-party links.

Refer to Provider Finder® for additional participating clinical laboratory providers.


Helpful Information