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Source: https://www.ers.texas.gov
Archived: 2026-04-23 14:51
Home | ERS
ERS Home
A healthy and productive workforce makes Texas stronger
Learn how
What's Happening Now?
Summer Enrollment for Plan Year 2027
For active employees and retirees not eligible for Medicare
State of Texas Dental Transition
Learn more about negotiations between:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Memorial Hermann in the Houston area
UnitedHealthcare and Texas Tech
Tune into the latest episode of the
ERS Money Talks Podcast
for timely resources and money saving tips.
Benefit Programs
The following links will take you off the ERS website and to the websites of our benefit programs.
Health Insurance
HealthSelect of Texas
®
, including HealthSelect
SM
Secondary and Consumer Directed HealthSelect
SM
Administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
HealthSelect
SM
Medicare Advantage Plan PPO
Insured by UnitedHealthcare
Prescription Drug Coverage
HealthSelect
SM
Prescription Drug Program
Administered by Express Scripts
HealthSelect
SM
Medicare Rx
Administered by Express Scripts Medicare (PDP)
Life and AD&D Insurance
Basic Term, Optional Term, Dependent Term and Retiree Fixed Optional Life Insurance;
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Dental Coverage
State of Texas Dental Choice Plan
SM
Administered by Delta Dental
DeltaCare USA DHMO
Insured by Delta Dental
Tax-advantaged Spending/Savings Accounts
TexFlex
SM
health care, dependent care and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts
Administered by Inspira Financial
Consumer Directed HealthSelect health savings accounts
Administered by Optum Bank
Retirement
State of Texas Retirement
Administered by ERS
Texa$aver
SM
401(k) / 457 Program
Administered by Empower
Texas Income Protection Plan
SM
(TIPP)
Short-term and long-term disability insurance Administered by Alight Solutions
State of Texas Vision
Administered by EyeMed
Dependent Eligibility Verification
Administered by Alight Solutions
Discount Purchase Program
Administered by Beneplace
Benefits Coordinator Community Group
News and resources for benefits coordinators and HR professionals
Register with us
Go to Community
Doing Business with ERS
Vendors, Benefits Administrators, Investment Service Providers or External Advisors
Start Here
Common Tasks
Health Benefits
Guide to Appeals
Review health plan information
Find out who is eligible for coverage
Review frequently asked questions
Wellness
Wellness resources
Buena Vida
Premium Rates
Find out how much I pay for coverage each month:
Employees and survivors
Retirees
Learn about Plan Year 2026 health plan premium increases
Retirement Benefits
Get answers to questions about my ERS retirement.
Retirement eligibility
Apply for retirement
Review frequently asked questions
Meet with an ERS Retirement Counselor
New Employees
Read about benefits information for
new employees
.
Review all FAQs
Employee News
Employee Financial News
Retiree News
Your Benefits, Your Story
Know your options. Pay less.
April 01, 2026
Knowing your options and deciding where to go can make a big difference in how much you pay.
Do these four things before your doctor's visit
April 01, 2026
A little preparation can make your doctor’s visit go more smoothly and help you remember to ask any questions you have.
Keep your TexFlex in check
April 01, 2026
From submitting the proper documentation on time to dealing with a suspended TexFlex debit card, staying on top of your TexFlex account is key. Here are some tips to help make the claims process faster and easier.
Understanding prior authorizations for prescriptions
April 01, 2026
Prior authorization can feel like a hurdle—but it’s there to help ensure your medications are safe, appropriate and covered. Here’s what you need to know, plus tools to make the process smoother while your request is reviewed.
ERS dental plans to transition to Humana Dental beginning Sept. 1, 2026
March 04, 2026
Humana Dental will administer the State of Texas Dental Choice PPO and DHMO plans beginning Sept. 1. Delta Dental will continue through Aug. 31.
More news for ERS State employees
More than 80% of state employees aren’t using this pre-tax budgeting benefit
March 18, 2026
Have you considered enrolling in a TexFlexSM flexible spending account (FSA) but weren’t sure if it’s right for you? You’re not alone. With taxes top of mind, now is a great time to learn how an FSA can help lower your taxable income while making it easier to budget for everyday expenses.
A change is coming to the Texa$aver program
March 18, 2026
A money market fund is coming that’s designed to benefit you. Find out what’s changing, why it matters and how staying on track can help you meet your retirement goals.
Watch out for scammers playing the long game
March 18, 2026
Scammers don’t always try to take your money right away. Sometimes they keep in touch for weeks or months, calling or texting to gain your trust and build a relationship. Then, they turn the conversation to money and make their move.
Your Medicare basics
March 18, 2026
Enrolling in Medicare doesn’t have to be stressful. The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) has tools and guides to help you navigate the process as you get closer to eligibility.
Explainer: Buena Vida Bucks
March 18, 2026
The new and improved Buena Vida launched in January. Look for these exciting updates to help pursue your best life in 2026!
More news from Money MattERS
Retiree wellness from A to Z
March 17, 2026
Learn about which ERS programs that support your well-being from A to Z—no matter what health plan you're enrolled in.
Message from the executive director: ERS is here to help support your well-being
March 17, 2026
Whether you’re beginning a new fitness routine or working on a goal to lead a healthier lifestyle, you have many resources to keep you supported, at whatever stage of retirement you’re in.
ERS dental plans to transition to Humana Dental Sept. 1
March 17, 2026
Humana Dental will be the new third-party administrator for the State of Texas Dental Choice
SM
PPO (nationwide) and Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans beginning Sept.1, 2026.
Annual preventive checkups vs. diagnostic visits — know the difference
March 17, 2026
Don't be surprised when you get a bill for a service you expected to be covered at 100%. Find out how to make sure your annual preventive checkup is covered at no additional cost to you.
Zero to 1,000: Retiree couple proves age is just a number
March 17, 2026
When this retiree couple joined the gym through the SilverSneakers
®
program, they gained more than strength—they found camaraderie, friendship and a new goal: 1,000 pounds.
More news for ERS State retirees
Member story: Healthy mind, healthy body
April 02, 2025
Jewell Smith with the Office of the Attorney General got more than she expected when she went to her agency’s on-site preventive checkup: “It was life-changing for me.”
Member story: Jennifer Thompson and the gift of mental health self-care
January 08, 2025
This new year, be inspired by Jennifer’s story of finding a fresh start through mental health care and yoga. This state agency employee has lived with chronic depression and anxiety for more than 15 years. Read how she uses the Fitness Program available to all HealthSelect
SM
participants to help maintain her mental health.
At the “heart” of her return to work: Affordable health insurance
February 02, 2022
Stacey Brown's heart health was among the reasons Brown decided to join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in March 2019.
Beating pre-diabetes through diet and exercise
November 03, 2021
Pre-diabetes is no match for Luciano Chavez Jr.'s determination to beat it!
A public servant for public health
May 05, 2021
Rachel Edberg, a program evaluator for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), knows all about the need for good health care coverage.
More news from Your Benefits, Your Story
View event calendars
ERS Home
A healthy and productive workforce makes Texas stronger
Learn how
What's Happening Now?
Summer Enrollment for Plan Year 2027
For active employees and retirees not eligible for Medicare
State of Texas Dental Transition
Learn more about negotiations between:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield and Memorial Hermann in the Houston area
UnitedHealthcare and Texas Tech
Tune into the latest episode of the
ERS Money Talks Podcast
for timely resources and money saving tips.
Benefit Programs
The following links will take you off the ERS website and to the websites of our benefit programs.
Health Insurance
HealthSelect of Texas
®
, including HealthSelect
SM
Secondary and Consumer Directed HealthSelect
SM
Administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
HealthSelect
SM
Medicare Advantage Plan PPO
Insured by UnitedHealthcare
Prescription Drug Coverage
HealthSelect
SM
Prescription Drug Program
Administered by Express Scripts
HealthSelect
SM
Medicare Rx
Administered by Express Scripts Medicare (PDP)
Life and AD&D Insurance
Basic Term, Optional Term, Dependent Term and Retiree Fixed Optional Life Insurance;
Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
Dental Coverage
State of Texas Dental Choice Plan
SM
Administered by Delta Dental
DeltaCare USA DHMO
Insured by Delta Dental
Tax-advantaged Spending/Savings Accounts
TexFlex
SM
health care, dependent care and limited-purpose flexible spending accounts
Administered by Inspira Financial
Consumer Directed HealthSelect health savings accounts
Administered by Optum Bank
Retirement
State of Texas Retirement
Administered by ERS
Texa$aver
SM
401(k) / 457 Program
Administered by Empower
Texas Income Protection Plan
SM
(TIPP)
Short-term and long-term disability insurance Administered by Alight Solutions
State of Texas Vision
Administered by EyeMed
Dependent Eligibility Verification
Administered by Alight Solutions
Discount Purchase Program
Administered by Beneplace
Benefits Coordinator Community Group
News and resources for benefits coordinators and HR professionals
Register with us
Go to Community
Doing Business with ERS
Vendors, Benefits Administrators, Investment Service Providers or External Advisors
Start Here
Common Tasks
Health Benefits
Guide to Appeals
Review health plan information
Find out who is eligible for coverage
Review frequently asked questions
Wellness
Wellness resources
Buena Vida
Premium Rates
Find out how much I pay for coverage each month:
Employees and survivors
Retirees
Learn about Plan Year 2026 health plan premium increases
Retirement Benefits
Get answers to questions about my ERS retirement.
Retirement eligibility
Apply for retirement
Review frequently asked questions
Meet with an ERS Retirement Counselor
New Employees
Read about benefits information for
new employees
.
Review all FAQs
Employee News
Employee Financial News
Retiree News
Your Benefits, Your Story
Know your options. Pay less.
April 01, 2026
Knowing your options and deciding where to go can make a big difference in how much you pay.
Do these four things before your doctor's visit
April 01, 2026
A little preparation can make your doctor’s visit go more smoothly and help you remember to ask any questions you have.
Keep your TexFlex in check
April 01, 2026
From submitting the proper documentation on time to dealing with a suspended TexFlex debit card, staying on top of your TexFlex account is key. Here are some tips to help make the claims process faster and easier.
Understanding prior authorizations for prescriptions
April 01, 2026
Prior authorization can feel like a hurdle—but it’s there to help ensure your medications are safe, appropriate and covered. Here’s what you need to know, plus tools to make the process smoother while your request is reviewed.
ERS dental plans to transition to Humana Dental beginning Sept. 1, 2026
March 04, 2026
Humana Dental will administer the State of Texas Dental Choice PPO and DHMO plans beginning Sept. 1. Delta Dental will continue through Aug. 31.
More news for ERS State employees
More than 80% of state employees aren’t using this pre-tax budgeting benefit
March 18, 2026
Have you considered enrolling in a TexFlexSM flexible spending account (FSA) but weren’t sure if it’s right for you? You’re not alone. With taxes top of mind, now is a great time to learn how an FSA can help lower your taxable income while making it easier to budget for everyday expenses.
A change is coming to the Texa$aver program
March 18, 2026
A money market fund is coming that’s designed to benefit you. Find out what’s changing, why it matters and how staying on track can help you meet your retirement goals.
Watch out for scammers playing the long game
March 18, 2026
Scammers don’t always try to take your money right away. Sometimes they keep in touch for weeks or months, calling or texting to gain your trust and build a relationship. Then, they turn the conversation to money and make their move.
Your Medicare basics
March 18, 2026
Enrolling in Medicare doesn’t have to be stressful. The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) has tools and guides to help you navigate the process as you get closer to eligibility.
Explainer: Buena Vida Bucks
March 18, 2026
The new and improved Buena Vida launched in January. Look for these exciting updates to help pursue your best life in 2026!
More news from Money MattERS
Retiree wellness from A to Z
March 17, 2026
Learn about which ERS programs that support your well-being from A to Z—no matter what health plan you're enrolled in.
Message from the executive director: ERS is here to help support your well-being
March 17, 2026
Whether you’re beginning a new fitness routine or working on a goal to lead a healthier lifestyle, you have many resources to keep you supported, at whatever stage of retirement you’re in.
ERS dental plans to transition to Humana Dental Sept. 1
March 17, 2026
Humana Dental will be the new third-party administrator for the State of Texas Dental Choice
SM
PPO (nationwide) and Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans beginning Sept.1, 2026.
Annual preventive checkups vs. diagnostic visits — know the difference
March 17, 2026
Don't be surprised when you get a bill for a service you expected to be covered at 100%. Find out how to make sure your annual preventive checkup is covered at no additional cost to you.
Zero to 1,000: Retiree couple proves age is just a number
March 17, 2026
When this retiree couple joined the gym through the SilverSneakers
®
program, they gained more than strength—they found camaraderie, friendship and a new goal: 1,000 pounds.
More news for ERS State retirees
Member story: Healthy mind, healthy body
April 02, 2025
Jewell Smith with the Office of the Attorney General got more than she expected when she went to her agency’s on-site preventive checkup: “It was life-changing for me.”
Member story: Jennifer Thompson and the gift of mental health self-care
January 08, 2025
This new year, be inspired by Jennifer’s story of finding a fresh start through mental health care and yoga. This state agency employee has lived with chronic depression and anxiety for more than 15 years. Read how she uses the Fitness Program available to all HealthSelect
SM
participants to help maintain her mental health.
At the “heart” of her return to work: Affordable health insurance
February 02, 2022
Stacey Brown's heart health was among the reasons Brown decided to join the Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) in March 2019.
Beating pre-diabetes through diet and exercise
November 03, 2021
Pre-diabetes is no match for Luciano Chavez Jr.'s determination to beat it!
A public servant for public health
May 05, 2021
Rachel Edberg, a program evaluator for the Texas Department of State Health Services (DSHS), knows all about the need for good health care coverage.
More news from Your Benefits, Your Story
View event calendars