Texas Tech University

Current Employees

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The Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GPB) is the insurance program administered by the Employees Retirement Systems of Texas (ERS). ERS administers benefits for employees and retirees of state agencies, higher education institutions, and other groups.

2024 Plan Year Rates

New Employee Benefits Guide

Health Benefits

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is the third-party administrator for HealthSelect™ of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect™. Both plans include a $5,000 Basic Term Life policy and prescription drug coverage. Deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums reset January 1st of each year. You will be required to select a primary care physician (PCP) and obtain a referral from you PCP to a specialist, as needed.

HealthSelect™ of Texas is available in all Texas counties, and you may enroll based on the county where you live or the county where you work. Levels of coverage for HealthSelect™ of Texas are:

  • In-Network
  • Out-of-Network

For in-depth information regarding eligibility, services that are covered and not covered, and how benefits are paid, you may refer to the Master Benefits Plan Document and Summary of Benefits and Coverages here.

Changing Your Primary Care Physician (PCP)

You can change your PCP by: 

  • Calling a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at 800-252-8039
  • Logging into BlueAccess for Members
    • Follow instructions for creating an account
    • Go to “Doctors & Hospitals” tab
    • Click “Change Primary Care Physician”

Consumer Directed HealthSelect

Consumer Directed HealthSelect™ is a high-deductible health plan paired with a Health Savings Account. Designation of a PCP is not required, but you will pay less money for health care if you receive services by an in-network provider.

You are responsible for paying the full cost of medical visits and prescriptions until you reach your annual individual or family deductible. Deductibles, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums reset January 1st of each year.

For in-depth information regarding eligibility, services that are covered and not covered, and how benefits are paid, you may refer to the Master Benefits Plan Document and Summary of Benefits and Coverages here.

Prescription Benefits

Optional Benefits

COBRA

COBRA stands for Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1985. It allows you and your dependents to keep your health, dental, and vision coverage under the Group Benefits Program (GBP) for a certain period of time after you leave employment. This is called "COBRA continuation coverage."

If you choose COBRA continuation coverage, you will pay the full cost of your premium(s), plus a 2% administration charge.

COBRA continuation coverage is limited to the benefits you have when you leave employment. For example, if you wish to continue your health coverage after you leave state employment, you have to be enrolled in a state health plan on your last day on the payroll.

After you leave employment, ERS will send you a COBRA Notification, election form and instructions for paying your premiums. Read the notice carefully and call ERS if you have questions.

Each benefit listed on the website includes a COBRA section in the plan details. Review these benefits to find out about the options available to you.

Changing Your Benefits

Qualifying Life Event

Experiencing a qualifying life event gives you the opportunity to add or change coverage for yourself or your dependents. You have 31 days from the date of the following QLEs to make benefit changes, and they must be consistent with the QLE:

  • Marriage
  • Birth of a child
  • Employment changes
  • Divorce
  • Insurance eligibility changes

Changes resulting from a QLE are done via the ERS OnLine Portal. Please refer to the ERS Online Enrollment instructions for assistance in creating your ERS profile.

Year-round Enrollment

You can begin, change, or stop contributions to a Texa$aver 457 Plan and/or Tax Deferred 403(b) Plan at any time during the year. 

For Retirement information click here.

 

Resources

Contact

Employee Service Center
hrs.employee.services@ttu.edu
Phone: 806-742-3851

Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS)
www.ers.texas.gov
Phone: 877-275-4377

Health Select of Texas (BCBS)
www.healthselectoftexas.com
Phone: 800-252-8039