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