-
Please note that we're currently updating this website with 2025–2026 plan information. Premiums seen on these pages may not be finalized.
Tips for Choosing Your Health Plan
-
Choosing the right health plan for you and your family is important. Answering a few simple questions and following these steps can help make the decision easier.
-
1. Review your health care needs to get an idea of how you’ll use your health plan.
- Are you and your family generally healthy and mainly need preventive care?
- Are you or a family member managing an ongoing health condition?
- Does an ongoing health condition require frequent doctor visits?
- Are you or a family member taking expensive prescriptions or specialty drugs?
- Are you planning to start a family?
- Are your preferred doctors in network?
-
2. Compare the network features of each plan to see which one best fits your needs.
Health Plan Do you need a PCP? Do you need a referral to see a specialist? Does this plan cover specialty medications? Do you have out-of-network coverage? Does this plan work with a Health Savings Account? TRS-ActiveCare Primary Yes Yes** Yes No* No TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ Yes Yes** Yes No* No TRS-ActiveCare HD No, but we recommend you have one. No Yes Yes, but you’ll pay more for out-of-network care. Yes * In the case of a life-threatening illness or injury, you should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency facility right away. Emergency services are always covered at the in-network benefit level.
** Dermatologist visits, eye exams (both routine and diagnostic) and physical therapist visits don’t require a referral from your PCP. -
3. Compare the costs of each plan, including premiums, deductibles, copays and coinsurance.
Premiums aren’t the only cost to consider.
A plan with lower premiums may have a higher deductible, which means you’ll have to pay more out of pocket before your health plan starts to pay.
A plan with higher premiums may have a lower deductible and copays, meaning your expenses may be more predictable.
Health Plan Premiums Deductible Copays Coinsurance Network TRS-ActiveCare Primary Lowest Mid-range Yes, before deductible After deductible Statewide TRS-ActiveCare Primary+ Highest Lowest Yes, before deductible After deductible Statewide TRS-ActiveCare HD Mid-range Highest No. You pay all costs until you meet your deductible. After deductible Nationwide -
4. Compare the essential features of each plan to make sure you understand what it covers and how it works.
We're Here to Help
-
Harris County Department of Education
Benefits Office
6300 Irvington Blvd.
Houston, TX 77022
Email: benefits@hcde-texas.org
Phone: 713-696-8284Erika Ibarra
HCDE Benefits Coordinator
Email: erika.ibarra@hcde-texas.org
First Financial Group of America
Andrew Sipp, Sr. Account ManagerEmail: Andrew.sipp@ffga.com
Phone: 713-502-4616