2027 Retirement Benefits

Change Your Benefits

2027 Retiree Benefit Guide

Under 65 Rate Sheet

Over 65 Rate Sheet

2027 Retiree Benefits Update


The 2027 premiums, deductibles, and out‑of‑pocket maximums for retiree medical and accompanying plans were approved by Commissioner Court on September 15, 2026.

You can find the 2027 Retiree Benefit Guide linked above. 

Within the next week, you will receive a postcard from us containing important Open Enrollment information. Please review it carefully once it arrives.

What the Postcard Will Include

A QR code for your electronic 2027 enrollment materials. If you are not making any changes, no action is required during Open Enrollment. As long as your 2026 premiums are in good standing, your current coverage will automatically roll over into 2027.

For questions about your payment status, please contact HealthEquity at 1‑888‑678‑4881.

The postcard will also include a reminder to ensure we have your most up‑to‑date contact information. Most of our communication is sent via email, so having an active email address on file helps ensure you receive important updates quickly.

If you need assistance, contact the Tarrant County Retiree Team at HRRetirement@Tarrantcountytx.gov

Schedule a Call with the Benefits Team

Important Steps to Prepare for Your 2027 Retiree Benefits

As we approach the 2027 plan year, we want to help you stay informed and avoid any interruptions in your retiree benefits. Please review the key action items below and take any steps that apply to you.

1. Confirm Your Payments by December 31, 2026

To ensure your benefits continue into 2026, all required payments must be up-to-date by December 31, 2026.
Important: If you have any past-due payments, your 2027 coverage will be canceled.

2. HealthEquity Account Updates Coming Soon

We’re updating all HealthEquity account details for 2027.
You’ll be able to view your elections and 2027 subsidy amounts in your account in December.

3. Pre-65 Retirees: Watch for Your New Medical ID Card

If you're a pre-65 retiree, your new 2027 medical ID card will arrive in December.
Please keep an eye on your mailbox and replace your old card once it arrives.

 4. Access the Latest Benefits Information Online

For the most up-to-date information about your PEBC retiree benefits, plan details, and helpful resources, visit:

Bookmark these pages for easy access throughout the year.

5. Keep Your Coverage Up to Date Year-Round

You don’t have to wait for Open Enrollment to make changes.
If you need to cancel your coverage or drop a dependent, you can do so any time by using the “Change Your Benefits” link below!

 Ever Wonder How Retiree Rates Are Set?

Each year, the Benefits Team:

  1. Reviews the value and cost of benefits for both active employees and retirees.
  2. Recommend rates for the upcoming year.
  3. Submits the recommendation to the Commissioners Court for review and approval.

Once approved, the new rates are shared with all retirees and active employees in the fall to help you plan for the next year.

Premium Payment Policy Reminder

To ensure your benefits remain active, please keep the following in mind:

• Premiums are due on the first day of each month
• A grace period is available through the last day of the month
• If payment is not received by the end of the grace period, all benefits will terminate effective the first day of the following month
• Once terminated for non‑payment, coverage cannot be reinstated

Medicare Information and Resources

Several new Medicare education materials are now available to help support your understanding of plan types, enrollment options, and coverage:

• 2026 Medicare Information Flyer
Overview of Medicare supplements, Medicare Advantage (Part C), prescription drug plans, final expense options, and more. Includes contact information for free consultations with Benefit Solutions by Design.

• Medicare: Your Questions Answered
Explains Medicare Parts A, B, C, D, and Medigap; what each covers; and key questions to consider when choosing a plan.

• Benefit Solutions by Design Brochure
Details individualized support, available plan options, and how Benefit Solutions by Design can help guide Medicare decisions.

Important Notice for Retirees

If you received the 2027 Benefits postcard, there’s no action needed unless you plan to make a change or cancel your coverage.

To confirm you still qualify, make sure your retiree insurance payments are up-to-date with HealthEquity — that’s the main requirement.

You can verify your payment status or confirm your bank draft is processing each month by:

As long as your payments are current, your coverage will automatically continue into 2027.

However, please contact Tarrant County HR if any of the following apply to you:

  • A covered dependent is turning 26 and will no longer be eligible for coverage
  • You are turning 65 in November, December, or January and will be enrolling in Medicare

Email is the best way to reach us: HRRetirement@tarrantcountytx.gov

 

Retiree Resources

Your Medicare Questions Answered

Vendor Contact List

Benefits by Design Information

Benefits by Design Medicare Information

2026  Retiree Town Hall Recording

Retiree Benefits Update Video

For additional information - go to the PEBC Retiree Site

Frequently Asked Questions

Search items by entering keyword(s) in the search field. The table will filter the results as you type. Click the header of a column to alphabetically sort the items. Click again to reverse the order of the sort.

Question Answer
Where can I find retiree benefits information? 
 All retiree benefit details; plan guides, forms, and premium rates are available on the PEBC Retiree website. The 2026 Retiree Benefits Guide includes current plan options, rates, and contact information for vendors.
Who can I contact for help? Tarrant County Benefits Office 
Email: hrbenefits@tarrantcountytx.gov 
Website: PEBC Retiree Site
What medical plans are available for retirees under age 65 (non-Medicare eligible)?

PPO Plan

  • $500 individual / $1,000 family deductible

  • 20 percent coinsurance (after deductible)

  • $15 primary care and $25 specialist copays

  • $0 MDLIVE virtual visits

  • $3,000 individual / $6,000 family out-of-pocket maximum

High-Deductible Plan (HDP)

  • $1,700 individual / $3,400 family deductible

  • 20 percent coinsurance (after deductible)

  • $0 MDLIVE virtual visits

  • HSA-compatible

Prescription Coverage:

  • Retail (30-day): $15 generic / $30 preferred / $60 non-preferred

  • Mail order (90-day): $30 / $60 / $120

  • Specialty: $10 / $20 / $40

  • HDP members pay full cost until deductible is met

Provider and pharmacy information is available at Blue Cross Blue Shield Website.
What plans are available to Medicare-eligible retirees?

Medicare-eligible retirees may choose from two PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plans offered through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas:

Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)

  • Nationwide coverage with no referrals 

  • Access to any provider that accepts the plan

  • Includes Medicare Part A, B, and D coverage

Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage HMO

  • Available to Texas residents 

  • Requires selecting a primary care physician

  • Includes Medicare Part A, B, and D coverage

Both plans include:

  • $35 monthly insulin cost cap 

  • $0 cost for covered vaccines

  • Routine vision and hearing benefits (TruHearing)

  • SilverSneakers fitness program

  • MDLIVE virtual visits 

  • Non-emergency transportation and post-discharge meals

2026 Medicare Part D cap: Maximum annual out-of-pocket for prescriptions is $2,000.
What dental plans are available?

Dental benefits are provided through Delta Dental.
Delta Dental PPO (DPPO)

  • Choose any licensed dentist; in-network providers offer lower costs.

  • Preventive care covered at 100 percent in-network.

  • Basic and major services covered after deductible; annual maximum applies.

DeltaCare USA DHMO

  • Copayment plan with an assigned network dentist.

  • Preventive care typically covered at 100 percent.

  • Fixed copays for other services, no deductible, and no annual maximum.

Find a provider at Delta Dental's Website.
What vision plan is available?

Vision benefits are provided through VSP. 
Coverage includes:

  • Routine eye exams

  • Lenses, frames, and contact lens options

  • Low copays and generous allowances

  • Access to Premier Program providers, including Visionworks

Create an account or find a provider at VSP's Website or call VSP Customer Care at 1-800-877-7195.
How do retiree premium payments work?

  • Premiums are due on the 1st of each month

  • Payments are not deducted from Social Security or TCDRS Retirement Payments

  • You may pay by check or set up automatic bank draft through HealthEquity/WageWorks

Mail payments to: 
HealthEquity/WageWorks 
PO Box 660212 
Dallas, TX 75266-0212

Phone: 1-888-678-4881 
Website: Wage Works Website

Automatic payments are strongly encouraged to avoid coverage interruption.
Can I keep my dependents on my retiree coverage?

Yes. Eligible dependents may remain on your retiree coverage.

  • Medicare-eligible dependents will enroll in a Group Medicare plan

  • Non-Medicare dependents will remain on the PPO plan
Where can I find premium rates and plan documents? Premiums, plan comparisons, and enrollment forms are listed in the 2026 PEBC Retiree Benefits Guide at PEBC's Retiree Website.
What if I miss a premium payment? Coverage may terminate if payment is not received by the due date. To avoid lapses, set up automatic payments with HealthEquity/WageWorks.
I’ve received a card saying if I don’t want to make any changes I should do nothing, and my coverage will just continue. Is this correct even though my Medicare starts in February?

Yes, that message is correct — if you are keeping your current coverage through the end of 2025, you do not need to take any action right now. 

However, when your Medicare coverage begins in February, that will be considered a qualifying life event, and you will need to transition from your current retiree plan to a PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plan at that time.

You’ll receive information and enrollment materials from PEBC and Blue Cross Blue Shield a few months before your 65th birthday to guide you through this change.
When I turn 65 and Medicare starts, is that a life event that requires me to change plans to the Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access PPO (MPD) plan? If so, how and when do I do that?

Yes. When you become eligible for Medicare, it is a qualifying life event that requires a plan change. You’ll move from your pre-65 medical plan to a Group Medicare Advantage plan through Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX).

Here’s what to expect:

  • Apply for Medicare Parts A and B about three months before your 65th birthday.

  • Once your Medicare coverage is active, you will receive a PEBC enrollment packet from BCBSTX with instructions to enroll in one of the available plans:

  • Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)

  • Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage HMO (Texas residents only)

  • Complete your enrollment as soon as you receive your packet to ensure a smooth transition.

Your new plan coverage will begin the first of the month in which your Medicare becomes effective.
When I start Medicare, is that my primary insurance and my County-provided insurance secondary? Once your PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plan becomes active, it replaces your old plan and becomes your primary coverage. 

You will not have separate “primary” and “secondary” coverage — your Medicare Advantage plan combines Medicare Parts A, B, and D with additional retiree benefits from Tarrant County and PEBC.
Does the additional Medicare premium automatically come out of my Social Security benefit payments?

Yes. The Medicare Part B premium (and, if applicable, Part D Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount [IRMAA]) is automatically deducted from your Social Security benefit payments once you begin receiving them.

You do not pay this to Tarrant County or PEBC — it is paid directly to Medicare through Social Security. 
Your retiree medical premium for the Group Medicare Advantage plan will continue to be billed separately through HealthEquity/WageWorks each month.
When my spouse turns 65 later in 2026, is that another life event requiring a plan change?

Yes. When your spouse becomes eligible for Medicare, that is another qualifying life event. 

They will transition from the non-Medicare retiree PPO plan to a PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plan (PPO or HMO).

PEBC will send your spouse enrollment information about two to three months before their 65th birthday. 
Be sure to respond promptly, so there is no lapse in coverage.
Do we need to enroll in Medicare Part D, or are prescriptions covered under the PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plans?

You do not need to enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. 
Both PEBC Group Medicare Advantage plans — the Open Access PPO and the HMO — already include prescription drug coverage (Part D) as part of the plan.

Adding a separate Part D plan could cause you to lose eligibility for the PEBC retiree plan, so it’s important not to enroll in an outside prescription drug plan.