Beginning Sept. 1, 2026, changes to the SaveOn® Specialty Drug List and the $0 Preventive Drug List for TRS-ActiveCare will be updated.
These drug lists reflect current clinical guidance, federal requirements, and pharmacy standards. As those standards change over time, the lists are updated to stay aligned. Updates like these help keep coverage compliant and sustainable over the long term.
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. 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.
What This Means for TRS-ActiveCare Members
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.
How to Choose the Right Plan For You
Follow these steps during Annual Enrollment:
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Review your medications
To find out whether your prescriptions are impacted by these updates, visit the Express Scripts website for a list of impacted SaveOn drugs.
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Compare total costs across plans
Look at premiums, copays or coinsurance, and how prescriptions apply to your deductible. Think about how often you see a doctor, whether you need ongoing care, and your comfort with deductibles vs. lower monthly premiums. Check with your benefits administrator for your employer’s premiums. To compare copays and coinsurance, visit the 2026-27 TRS-ActiveCare Enrollment Guide.
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Talk with your doctor or pharmacist
Ask about lower-cost options, including generics or alternative medications before Sept. 1, 2026.
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Use available tools and support
Express Scripts can help you estimate costs and understand your options. Express Scripts customer service is available 24/7 at (844) 367-6108.
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Sign Up For a Webinar
From A to Z: Your TRS-ActiveCare Plan is a 30-minute webinar that can help you choose the right plan and understand your pharmacy benefits better. Register at TRS Health Care Events.
TRS-ActiveCare Pharmacy Plan Decision Matrix
Start at the left column and scan across to see which plan fits best.
| Pharmacy Feature | Primary | Primary+ | High Deductible (HD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rx deductible / medical deductible | $2,500 individual / $5,000 family medical deductible | $200 brand-only Rx deductible; separate medical deductible applies | $3,400 individual / $6,800 family |
| Out-of-pocket maximum (MOOP) | $8,050 individual / $16,100 family | $6,900 individual / $13,800 family | $8,300 individual / $16,600 family |
| $0 Select preventive generics | Yes, $0 | No, $15 copay for 30-day or $45 for 90-day | Yes, $0 |
| Generic drugs (31-day / 90-day) | $15 / $45 | $15 / $45 | 20% after deductible |
| Preferred brand drugs (31-day / 90-day) | 30% after deductible | 25% after deductible (max $100 / $265) | 25% after deductible |
| Non-preferred brand drugs | 50% after deductible | 50% after deductible | 50% after deductible |
| Specialty drugs (non-SaveOnSP, 31-day supply) | 30% after deductible | 20% after deductible with $500 cap per fill | 30% after deductible (no cap) |
| SaveOnSP specialty drugs | Available | Available | Not available |
| Predictability of Rx costs | Medium | High | Low |
| Best Rx protection for high-cost meds | ◻️ | ◻️ |
Which Plan Fits Your Pharmacy Needs?
| If you… | Best fit | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Take few or no prescriptions | Primary or HD | Lower premiums |
| Take maintenance generics | Primary | $15 generics + $0 preventive options |
| Take brand medications | Primary+ | Lower coinsurance + MOOP |
| Take high-cost specialty drugs | Primary+ | $500 cap per fill |
| Use SaveOnSP medications | Primary or Primary+ | Not available on HD |
| Want predictable Rx costs | Primary+ | Strongest cost protection |
| Want HSA eligibility | HD | Higher risk, HSA compatible |
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.