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TRS-Care: Be Ready Before You Need It

The Pulse
August 2026

One of the best parts of retirement is having more time and freedom to focus on the things you love — travel, grandkids hobbies you never had time for before. The last thing you want is to lose time hunting for a phone number, wondering where to go for care or trying to decipher what your health plan actually covers, all while you're not feeling well.

Taking a few simple steps today can help you feel confident and prepared, no matter what comes your way. Here's where to start. 

  • Know Where to Turn for Care

    Not every health concern calls for the same kind of care, and knowing your options ahead of time can help you avoid unnecessary costs and get seen faster.

    • In-network providers — Search by location and specialty with Provider Finder® if you're on TRS-Care Standard, or Find a Provider if you're on TRS-Care Medicare Advantage.
    • Urgent care locations — for things that need attention soon but aren't emergencies.
    • Virtual care options — TRS-Care Standard participants have access to TRS Virtual Health through Teladoc® and RediMD for non-emergency visits from home. TRS-Care Medicare Advantage participants can use HouseCalls and virtual visits through UnitedHealthcare — ask your Customer Service team what's available on your plan. 

    Knowing where to start before a health need comes up can make the moment it actually happens a lot less stressful. 

  • Keep Important Information Handy

    When a question about your coverage comes up, having the right information within reach saves you time and frustration. Consider keeping these on hand — in your wallet, on your fridge or saved in your phone: 

    • Customer service contact information for your plan (see the numbers below)
    • Your health plan member ID card — for TRS-Care Medicare Advantage, that's your UCard, which also unlocks over-the-counter (OTC) purchases, rewards and more
    • Personal Health Guide contact information, if you're on TRS-Care Standard
    • Important health plan websites bookmarked on your computer or phone:  

     

    Key numbers to save now: 

    NeedTRS-Care Standard (retired under 65)TRS-Care Medicare Advantage (retired on Medicare)
    Plan customer service Personal Health Guides: 1-866-355-5999  UnitedHealthcare Customer Service: 1-866-347-9507 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT) 
    Prescriptions Express Scripts: (855) 778-1459 (24/7)Express Scripts: (844) 863-5324 (24/7)
    Eligibility & enrollment TRS Health: 1-888-237-6762 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT) TRS Health: 1-888-237-6762 (Monday–Friday, 7 a.m.–6 p.m. CT) 
    UCard activation/support N/A1-866-757-1864 or activate.uhc.com 
older couple sits at table with plates smiling at camera

  • Check Your MyTRS Account

    If you haven't logged in recently, now's a good time. A few minutes today can help make sure your personal information is current and put important benefit details at your fingertips later, when you actually need them.

    • Log in (or register) at the MyTRS Member Portal — health plan information lives under the "Health Coverage" tile.
    • Confirm your address, dependents and beneficiary information are up to date, especially after any life changes.
    • Bookmark it now, so you're not searching for the login page later. 

  • Take Advantage of Resources Included in Your Plan

    Many retirees are surprised to learn about everything included with their plan — often not until they needed it. A few minutes exploring now can help you get more value out of your benefits all year. Here are just a few that you may not know about. 

    If you're on TRS-Care Standard:
    • The Fitness Program — affordable, no-contract gym memberships nationwide, from digital-only access starting at about $10 a month up to full-network access, along with discounts on acupuncture, massage and personal training. Explore it under Health and Wellbeing.
    • Well onTarget® wellness coaching — free, one-on-one coaching from dietitians, nurses and other credentialed experts to help you set and reach personal health goals. Learn more.
    • Mental health support — including Headway for finding an in-network therapist and Learn to Live for self-guided programs on stress, anxiety and depression.
    • Member Rewards — earn money back for services such as a mammogram, colonoscopy or an annual wellness visit. Details are under Member Rewards.
    • Personal Health Guides — call 1-866-355-5999 with a question or to help you decide where to go for care.
    If you're on TRS-Care Medicare Advantage:
    • Renew Active® — a fitness program included at no extra cost, with access to a nationwide gym network (including all Life Time locations), on-demand workout videos and a brain-health program. Access it through your UCard or the UnitedHealthcare app.
    • Rewards through your UCard — earn funds for completing preventive activities such as your annual wellness visit, and redeem them at participating retailers. A quarterly $40 over-the-counter (OTC) credit ($160 a year) is also loaded onto your UCard for covered over-the-counter items.
    • HouseCalls — an in-home preventive visit, plus virtual video visit options if you'd rather not leave home. 
    • Explore more at Coverage and Benefits or the Resources page. 

Enjoy the Confidence of Being Prepared

Health care needs don't come with advance notice, but a little preparation can help you navigate them with far more confidence. By knowing where to find information, who to call and what resources are already part of your plan, you'll be ready for whatever comes up — and free to focus on what matters most: Enjoying your retirement. 

Want to be prepared for all of life's curveballs?

Check out TRS' new resource, Plan with Purpose. Live with Confidence., for helpful, downloadable worksheets.