Paul Sanchez
The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) offers medical insurance to retired local education support staff and local government participants hired before July 1, 2015, who are eligible for Medicare Part A and receive a monthly retirement allowance. This is known as The Tennessee Plan and offers supplemental medical insurance for retirees with Medicare, covering eligible spouses and dependent children. The plan is available to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees. The state pays a portion of the monthly premium for retirees with 15 or more years of service as state employees or teachers.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Who is eligible for The Tennessee Plan? | Retired local education support staff members and local government participants hired by their qualifying employer prior to July 1, 2015, and eligible for Medicare Part A who receive a monthly retirement allowance from TCRS. |
| Who can be included in The Tennessee Plan? | Eligible spouses and dependent children. |
| What are the benefits of The Tennessee Plan? | Quality coverage at low group premium rates; if a retiree has more than 15 years of service as a state employee or teacher, the state will pay part of the monthly premium. |
| What is not covered under The Tennessee Plan? | Prescription drugs and medical expenses covered by a Medicare Advantage Plan. |
| How to apply for The Tennessee Plan? | Visit umr.com/thetennesseeplaninfo for plan details or call UMR at 888.477.9307 (Monday-Friday, 7 a.m.-4:30 p.m. CT). |
| How to choose a prescription drug plan? | Medicare has a tool available on their website or call 800.633.4227 for more information. |
| Who to contact for questions about member or dependent eligibility or enrollment? | Service Center at 800-253-9981 or email at [email protected]. |
| What are the health premiums for 2025? | Teachers, support staff, dental, and vision. |
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What You'll Learn
TCRS medical insurance eligibility
The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) offers medical insurance to retired state, local education, and local government employees through the Tennessee Plan. This supplemental medical insurance is available to retirees with Medicare, and their eligible spouses and dependent children. To be eligible for The Tennessee Plan, individuals must have been hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and be eligible for Medicare Part A. They must also receive a monthly retirement allowance from TCRS.
The Tennessee Plan offers quality coverage at low group premium rates, and the premiums are not based on age. If a retiree has more than 15 years of service as a state employee or teacher, the state will contribute to the monthly premium. This insurance plan helps cover some medical expenses not fully paid by Medicare.
For those with internet access, Medicare has an online tool to assist in choosing a prescription drug plan based on the drugs an individual is currently taking. Additionally, individuals can call Medicare at 800.633.4227 for more information. It is important to note that The Tennessee Plan does not cover prescription drugs, so members are encouraged to enroll in Medicare Part D for prescription drug coverage.
Eligible employees may continue insurance coverage at retirement for themselves and their covered eligible dependents. The qualifications for continuing insurance coverage differ for central state, higher education, local education, and local government retirees, so individuals should review the information for their specific employer group. Active employees can seek guidance from their human resources director or agency benefits coordinator, while retirees can contact the Benefits Administration service center for assistance.
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TCRS insurance for retirees
The state of Tennessee offers The Tennessee Plan (Supplemental Medical Insurance for Retirees with Medicare) to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees. This plan is also extended to their eligible spouses and dependent children.
To be eligible for The Tennessee Plan, retirees must have been hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and receive a monthly retirement allowance from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) or a higher education optional retirement plan. They must also be eligible for Medicare Part A.
The Tennessee Plan offers quality coverage at low group premium rates, which are not based on age. If a retiree has more than 15 years of service as a state employee or teacher, the state will contribute to the monthly premium.
Prescription drugs are not covered under The Tennessee Plan, and members are encouraged to enroll in Medicare Part D for their prescription drug needs. Additionally, The Tennessee Plan will not pay benefits if the member is also enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
For those who qualify and enroll within 60 days of their initial eligibility, coverage cannot be denied based on age or health. For more information on The Tennessee Plan, individuals can refer to the brochure or member handbook available online.
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TCRS insurance for spouses
The state of Tennessee offers The Tennessee Plan (Supplemental Medical Insurance for Retirees with Medicare) to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees and their eligible spouses and dependent children.
To be eligible for The Tennessee Plan, retired state employees or local education certified teaching staff must have been hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and receive a monthly retirement allowance from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) or a higher education optional retirement plan. They must also be eligible for Medicare Part A.
Once the retiree is eligible for The Tennessee Plan, they may apply to include their spouse on the plan. The spouse may be enrolled when the retiree becomes Medicare-eligible and enrolls in The Tennessee Plan, or the spouse may be added effective January 1 of the year following the retiree's initial eligibility and enrollment without going through the late applicant process. After January 1 of the year following the retiree's initial eligibility, the spouse would have to apply as a late applicant, including a medical underwriting process, to be enrolled in coverage, if approved.
It is important to note that if the retiree is not eligible for The Tennessee Plan at the time of retirement or when the spouse becomes Medicare-eligible, the spouse may not enroll in the plan.
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TCRS insurance for dependent children
The Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS) offers medical insurance to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees and their eligible spouses and dependent children through the Tennessee Plan. This supplemental medical insurance is designed for retirees with Medicare and helps cover medical expenses not fully paid by Medicare.
To be eligible for The Tennessee Plan, retired state employees or local education certified teaching staff must have been hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and receive a monthly retirement allowance from TCRS or a higher education optional retirement plan. They must also be eligible for Medicare Part A.
Once a retiree is eligible for The Tennessee Plan, they may apply to include their spouse and dependent children. The spouse can be enrolled when the retiree becomes eligible for Medicare and enrols in The Tennessee Plan, or the spouse can be added effective January 1 of the year following the retiree's initial eligibility without going through the late applicant process. After January 1 of the following year, the spouse would have to apply as a late applicant, including a medical underwriting process, to be enrolled in coverage if approved.
For those who qualify and enrol their dependent children within 60 days of their initial eligibility, coverage cannot be denied because of age or health. The Tennessee Plan offers quality coverage at low group premium rates, and if a retiree has more than 15 years of service as a state employee or teacher, the state will contribute to the monthly premium.
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TCRS insurance for retired teachers
Eligible retired teachers in Tennessee can continue their insurance coverage at retirement for themselves and their covered eligible dependents. The qualifications differ for central state, higher education, local education, and local government retirees, so it is important to review the information for your particular employer group.
Retired teachers who were hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and are eligible for Medicare Part A while also receiving a monthly retirement allowance from the Tennessee Consolidated Retirement System (TCRS), can apply for coverage under The Tennessee Plan (Supplemental Medical Insurance for Retirees with Medicare). This plan is offered to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees and their eligible spouses and dependent children.
The Tennessee Plan offers quality coverage at low group premium rates, and if a retiree has more than 15 years of service as a state employee or teacher, the state will contribute to the monthly premium. It is important to note that The Tennessee Plan will not pay benefits if the member is also enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, and prescription drugs are not covered under this plan.
If you have questions about member or dependent eligibility or enrollment in one of the state retiree insurance plans, you can contact the Service Center at 800-253-9981 or email [email protected]. Online payments can be made via credit card or eCheck at https://hub.edison.tn.gov/ords/r/tn_ba/benefits-online-payments/home.
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Frequently asked questions
TCRS does offer medical insurance to retired local education support staff members and local government participants hired by their qualifying employer before July 1, 2015, and eligible for Medicare Part A. This is called The Tennessee Plan and offers low group premium rates.
The Tennessee Plan is a supplemental medical insurance plan for retirees with Medicare. It is offered to eligible retired state, local education, and local government employees, as well as their eligible spouses and dependent children.
To be eligible for The Tennessee Plan, you must be a retired state employee or a local education certified teaching staff member hired by your qualifying employer before July 1, 2015. You must also be receiving a monthly retirement allowance from TCRS and be eligible for Medicare Part A.
You can apply for The Tennessee Plan by visiting the UMR website or calling their customer service line. You can also refer to The Tennessee Plan brochure or member handbook for more information.
