Supporting Your Health Care in Retirement

What is TRACS?

TRACS (Trust for Retirees of Associated California Schools) is a public joint labor-management trust established to help public school employees defray the cost of post-retirement health insurance premiums. It was founded in February 2000 by the Amador County Teachers Association, the California School Employees Association (Local 239), and the Amador County Unified School District.  It has since expanded to include the California School Employees Association (Local 827) and the Special Educators of Amador County as members of the trust.

TRACS functions as a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA), allowing eligible retirees to use accrued funds to pay for medical, dental, vision, prescription drug, and long-term care insurance premiums for themselves and their eligible dependents.
 

Key Plan Features

• Eligibility: To receive benefits, you must:
  • Retire from ACUSD/ACOE with current contributions being made on your behalf immediately preceding your retirement.
  • Retire from pension benefits from CalPERS or CalSTRS within 90 days of your last day of employment.
• Funding: Contributions are made by you and/or your employer based on collective bargaining agreements.
• Benefit Calculation: Your total benefit amount is calculated using the following formula:
  • (Total Months of Contributions) × (Final Monthly Contribution Rate) × 2.25.
  • Example: 25 years (300 months) of contributions at a final rate of $59.58 would result in a total benefit of $40,216.50.
  • Interested in learning your estimated benefit amount? Contact Payroll@acusd.org
• Usage: Funds can be used only for insurance premiums (medical, dental, vision, long-term care). They cannot be used for deductibles or co-payments.
• Payment Options: You can choose to have TRACS pay 100%, 75%, 50%, or 25% of your monthly premiums until your account balance is exhausted.
• How to Get Payment Issued to Insurance Carrier or Retiree: After notifying the payroll department of your intent to retire from ACUSD/ACOE, the TRACS administration office will mail a packet outlining the formal process. An award letter from CalPERS or CalSTRS, along with invoice(s) for your health plan(s), will need to be sent to TRACS. Monthly premium payments will be mailed to the retiree. Retirees have the option of having TRACS issue a check payable to the insurance carrier or to the retiree to pay for the health insurance premium. Payments to retirees have tax implications, so please consult with your local tax professional on how this may impact you.
• Learn More:
  TRACS Benefit Summary (PDF)
  How the TRACS Benefit Secures Your Health Care in Retirement (FAQ Sheet) (PDF)
  Complete Summary Plan Description (PDF)
   

Retiring Soon? Steps to Take

1. Plan Ahead: Schedule retirement counseling with CalPERS or CalSTRS at least 90 days before your retirement date.
2. Notify Your Employer: Submit a letter of intent to retire to the District. We will notify TRACS, who will then mail you an election packet.
3. Enroll: Complete the TRACS enrollment forms and select your payment percentage.
4. Important Note: TRACS does not pay retroactive premiums. Benefits begin with the first premium due after 20 days from the receipt of your completed documentation.
    

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

• Can I cover my spouse or dependents?
  • Yes. You can use your TRACS benefit to pay premiums for your spouse and eligible dependents.
• What if I want to use Covered California?
  • Using TRACS benefits will make you ineligible for federal premium subsidies (tax credits) through Covered California or other exchanges. You have the option to "opt out" of TRACS if you prefer to seek these subsidies.
• Can I delay my benefit?
  • Yes. If you are covered by another plan (e.g., a spouse's plan) after retirement, you may delay the start of your TRACS payments.
• Does TRACS provide the insurance?
  • No. TRACS provides financial assistance to pay for insurance you obtain through the District, another group plan, or an individual policy.
     

Questions Regarding TRACS? (Active Employees)

If you are currently an active employee and have questions regarding TRACS (i.e., what it is, your current estimated benefits, etc.), feel free to reach out to our Payroll Department, which can assist you.

• Payroll Department
• Phone: (209) 257-5345
• Fax: (209) 223-1733
• Email: Payroll@acusd.org

Contact TRACS Administration (Retirees or After Submitting Your Retirement Paperwork)

If you are a retiree or have submitted your paperwork for TRACS and have questions for TRACS administration on the process or other related questions, please contact:

• Phone: (559) 225-3030 or (800) 282-5246 x101
• Fax: (559) 225-6837 
   

TRACS Board of Trustees Representatives

The TRACS Board of Trustees is composed of District Administration, Confidential Staff, and Representatives from each Labor Unit. If you have an inquiry and wish to engage with your representative, please email your representative below:

Robert Norton - Chair - Administration Representative | robert.norton@acusd.org

Dan Klement - Co-Chair - ACTA Representative | dan.klement@acusd.org

Alicia Whitson - ACTA Representative | awhitson@acusd.org

DeAnna Bell - CSEA 239 Representative | deanna.bell@acusd.org

Justin Henricus - CSEA 239 Representative | justin.henricus@acusd.org

Haley Van Lieshout - SEAC Representative | haley.vanlieshout@acusd.org

Jami Hattan - CSEA 827 Representative | jami.hattan@acusd.org

Sadie Hedegard - Administration Representative | sadie.hedegard@acusd.org

Terry McCrory - Confidential Representative | terry.mccrory@acusd.org

Rachael Miller - Confidential Representative | rachael.miller@acusd.org

Daisy Soto - Confidential Representative | daisy.soto@acusd.org