Statewide Insurance Program

Medical insurance for retirees over age 65 is provided in a Statewide Schools retiree group. Under age 65 retirees are included in their home district’s SWS Medical plan as required by Idaho Code.
Premiums are paid to Blue Cross of Idaho through the Public Employees Retirement System of Idaho either from the retiree’s Sick Leave Severance Account or from the retiree’s monthly benefit payment, or it may be paid from a bill directed to the retiree by Blue Cross.
Individual retirees who participate in the Statewide Schools insurance program may elect to participate in this program at the time of retirement.
Retirees are transferred to the over age 65 retiree plan from the active employee group when they become eligible and sign up for Medicare.
The Council publishes a FAQ brochure entitled “Thinking About Retirement” which is available in participating school district offices.

True Blue, Blue Cross of Idaho’s Medicare Advantage health maintenance organization (HMO) plan offers coverage with affordable premiums, no deductibles, and predictable costs. You can choose your primary care physician from a network of more than 1,600 participating providers – and you don’t need a referral to see a specialist. Your primary care provider will assist in coordinating care and obtaining prior authorization for some services.
In addition, True Blue for Statewide School (SWS) retirees includes name-brand prescription drug coverage in the gap. Because True Blue has its own drug formulary, be sure your drugs are included before changing coverage.
True Blue is available in select Idaho counties and may not be available to all SWS retirees. Retirees from those schools who are members of the Idaho School District Council can use PERSI funds to pay for True Blue premiums.

To find out more about True Blue for SWS retirees contact Blue Cross of Idaho at:

Idaho School District Council