Reminder on Specialist Referrals for Teacher Retirement System Plans

Oct. 3, 2025 (Updated Feb. 10, 2026)

Participants with TRS plans TRS-ActiveCare Primary or TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ need a referral from their primary care provider to see most in-network specialists. However, they don’t need a referral for in-network:

  • Emergency care
  • OB-GYN appointments, including annual well-woman exams
  • Mental health specialists
  • Dermatologist visits
  • Physical therapist visits
  • Eye exams (both routine and diagnostic) with an in-network optometrist or ophthalmologist

Participants with TRS-ActiveCare HD or TRS-ActiveCare 2 don't need a referral to see a specialist.

Learn more about TRS specialist referrals here or visit TRS tools for more information.