TRS Tools

We are proud to administer health benefits for the Teacher Retirement System including the following benefit plans:

  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary+
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Arlington ISD
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Region 4
  • TRS-Care Standard 

Specialist Referrals
Participants with TRS-ActiveCare Primary, TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Arlington ISD, and TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Region 4 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.

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

  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary, TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, TRS-ActiveCare Primary Arlington ISD, and TRS-ActiveCare Primary Region 4
    • Copays for doctor visits before meeting deductibles
    • Primary care provider 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 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?
Effective Sept. 1, 2026: The following information reflects updates to TRS-ActiveCare plans, network codes, alpha prefixes, group numbers, and tiering structures for the 2026-27 plan year.

  • 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, a network code of TRH, and a three-character prefix of T2U. TRS-ActiveCare Primary group number is 385003 and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ group number is 385001.
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo, network codes TRM + TRB, a three-character prefix of T2S, and group number 385000.
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2 plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo, network codes TRM + TRB, a three-character prefix of TNT, and group number 385002. This plan features tiered benefits based on the participant’s PCP and specialist selection.
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Arlington ISD plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo, network code TRH, a three-character prefix of TFB, and group number 468752. This plan features tiered benefits based on the participant’s PCP and specialist selection.
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Region 4 plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-ActiveCare logo, network code TRH, a three-character prefix of THB, and group number 468753. This plan features tiered benefits based on the facility used.
  • TRS-Care Standard plan holder ID cards indicate the TRS-Care logo, a 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. We strongly recommend that you  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.

Effective Sept. 1, 2026: TRS-ActiveCare plan offerings have been updated. Providers should pay close attention to the new tiered benefit designs, as participant cost sharing may vary based on their selected PCP, specialist, or facility.

  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary and TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ remain non-tiered plans.
  • TRS-ActiveCare HD remains a non-tiered PPO plan.
  • TRS-ActiveCare 2 now uses a tiered benefit structure based on the member's PCP and specialist selection.
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Arlington ISD uses a tiered benefit structure based on the member's PCP and specialist selection.
  • TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Region 4 uses a tiered benefit structure based on the facility used for services.

Providers should verify eligibility and benefits before each visit to determine the participant’s applicable tier and cost-sharing responsibilities.

Prior Authorization Requirements and Recommended Clinical Review

Effective Sept. 1, 2024, TRS participants in ASO plans no longer have any prior authorization requirements. Providers are encouraged to submit a Recommended Clinical Review preservice to prevent post service medical review for services on the TRS RCR list. Refer to the RCR page for information including the TRS RCR list and how to submit requests.  

TRS participants in fully insured plans still have outpatient prior authorization requirements. Fully insured plans can be identified by “TDI” on the ID card.

Providers can check the Prior Authorization Lists for Fully Insured and Administrative Services Only (ASO) Plans page under Utilization Management for the Prior Authorization Procedure Codes List for Fully Insured Plans and Certain ASO Groups for services that require PA for fully insured TRS participants.  

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 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,  TRS-ActiveCare Primary+, TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Arlington ISD, TRS-ActiveCare Primary x Region 4 plan providers should refer members to in-network lab providers for outpatient lab services. To locate participating labs in the Plan network, visit Provider Finder® on the BCBSTX website.

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

Refer to Provider Finder  for additional participating clinical laboratory providers.

Helpful Information

Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSTX. BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations, or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.