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TRS Health Plans Pharmacy Updates

First Published: July 2026 | Modified: Oct. 2026

TRS updated the SaveOn® Specialty Drug List and the $0 Preventive Drug List for TRS’ non-Medicare health plans. TRS implemented the updates to TRS-ActiveCare on Sept. 1, 2026. TRS-Care Standard updates start Jan. 1, 2027.

The updated drug lists reflect current clinical guidance, federal requirements, and pharmacy standards. As those standards change over time, TRS updates the lists to stay aligned. Updates like these help keep coverage compliant and sustainable over the long term.

  • TRS-ActiveCare

    TRS-ActiveCare members have access to programs and medications that can help lower prescription drug costs and support preventive care. SaveOn may reduce costs for certain specialty medications through manufacturer assistance programs, while ACA-required preventive medications may be covered at no cost when eligibility requirements are met. Other preventive medications may have a cost depending on the plan and formulary rules.

    Resources

  • TRS-Care Standard

    TRS-Care Standard members have access to programs and medications that can help lower prescription drug costs and support preventive care. SaveOn may reduce costs for certain specialty medications through manufacturer assistance programs, while ACA-required preventive medications may be covered at no cost when eligibility requirements are met. Other preventive medications may have a cost depending on the plan and formulary rules.

    Resources

What’s Changing

Updates to the $0 Preventive Drug List are being made to align with ACA requirements and Express Scripts’ standard preventive list starting Sept. 1, 2026 for TRS-ActiveCare and Jan. 1, 2027 for TRS-Care Standard. Certain medications that don’t meet these criteria will no longer be on the $0 preventive list. The SaveOn drug list is also changing, with some prescriptions no longer in the program.

Some preventive medications will no longer be covered at $0 or included on the SaveOn program’s list starting Sept. 1, 2026.

These medications are still covered by TRS-ActiveCare, but standard copays or coinsurance will apply. If you’re enrolled in a Primary plan, you’ll generally pay a low copay for affected generic drugs, and lower-cost alternatives may be available.

TRS is providing advance notice so you have time to review your options, talk with your doctor, and estimate costs for the 2026–27 plans before Sept. 1, 2026.

You will not lose coverage for these drugs, but what you pay may vary based on your plan and whether the medication is generic or brand-name. Some plans may be a better fit if you take multiple and/or higher-cost prescriptions.

If you were enrolled in the Blue Essentials HMO plan:

The Blue Essentials HMO plan contract with TRS ends Aug. 31, 2026. If you don’t choose a different plan, you’ll be automatically enrolled in TRS-ActiveCare Primary+. 

Starting Sept. 1, 2026, your prescription benefits will be provided through Express Scripts by Evernorth for the 2026-27 plan year. To help avoid delays in filling your prescriptions, please take a few important steps before you need your next refill.

Some preventive medications will no longer be covered at $0 or included on the SaveOn program’s list starting Jan. 1, 2027.

These medications are still covered by TRS-Care Standard, but standard copays or coinsurance will apply. TRS is providing advance notice so you have time to review your options, talk with your doctor, and estimate costs for the 2027 plan year before Jan. 1, 2027.

You will not lose coverage for these drugs, but what you pay may vary based on your plan and whether the medication is generic or brand-name. Some plans may be a better fit if you take multiple and/or higher-cost prescriptions.

Next Steps

  1. Review your medications

    To find out whether your prescriptions are impacted by these updates, visit your TRS health plan's Express Scripts website for a list of impacted SaveOn drugs. 

  2. Compare total costs

    Look at premiums, copays or coinsurance, and how prescriptions apply to your deductible. To compare prescription copays and coinsurance, visit the enrollment guide for your TRS Health plan. 

  3. Talk with your doctor or pharmacist

    Ask about lower-cost options, including generics or alternative medications before the changes to TRS-ActiveCare (Sept. 1, 2026) or TRS-Care Standard (Jan. 1, 2027).

  4. Use available tools and support

    Express Scripts can help you estimate costs and understand your options. Express Scripts customer service is available 24/7. 

Additional Tools

SaveOn isn’t the only option for help with specialty drug costs. TRS cannot recommend or guarantee any outside program, but these resources may help you get started. Visit Tools to Explore Medication Assistance Programs.

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