Texas Tech University

New and Newly Benefits Eligible 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. As a benefits-eligible employee, you have the opportunity to enroll in benefits that will best meet the needs of you and your dependents. 

The State of Texas pays 100% of the monthly medical premiums for full-time employees and half the premiums for their dependents. If you are a full-time employee, working at least 30 hours per week, you will be automatically enrolled in HealthSelect unless you actively opt out. 

If you are regularly scheduled to work at least 20 but less than 30 hours per week, you can elect health coverage for you and your dependents, but you will not be automatically enrolled. The state pays 50% of the monthly medical premiums for part-time employees and 25% of their dependent's premiums. 

Medical and prescription coverage is effective the 1st of the month following 60 days of employment. However, if you have transferred from another state agency or institution without a break in coverage, were covered as a dependent, on COBRA in the GBP, or moving from a part-time benefits eligible position, the 60-day waiting period may be waived. Please reach out to your Benefits Advisor in the Employee Services Center at hrs.employee.services@ttu.edu if any of these scenarios apply to you.

Employees may opt-out of the employer-sponsored medical coverage if they have existing coverage that they would like to keep. Opting out can only be done within the first 30 days of employment and may include being eligible for an opt-out credit. 

If you enroll in a GBP health insurance plan, you must certify you and your dependent's tobacco-user status. 

We encourage all newly hired or newly benefits-eligible employees to attend a Benefits Orientation session. This orientation will provide you with information on health insurance and retirement, as well as enrollment procedures. 

After attending a Benefits Orientation session, please complete and return the COBRA Acknowledgement via email to the Employee Services Center. Retain this notice for your records.

Timing Is Everything

By signing up for benefits when they first become available, you won't have to provide proof of good health.

If you miss your first opportunity to enroll in benefits, your next opportunity will be during the Summer Enrollment period. Your options may be limited, and proof of good health may be required.

You can only sign up during the year if you have a qualifying life event, such as getting married or having a baby. Even then, proof of good health may be required.

Your First 31 Days

During your first 31 days of employment or promotion into a benefits-eligible position you have the opportunity to enroll in:

  • Dental coverage: ERS has two dental plans, both of which are managed by Delta Dental. More information, including costs, benefits, and participating dentists can be found here 
  • Vision Insurance: You and your dependents can enroll in State of Texas Vision, to help cover all or a portion of costs associated with eyeglasses, contacts, and other services. Find more information here
  • Optional insurance coverage: Optional insurance coverage can protect you and your loved ones in the event of an accident, disability, or death.
  • TexFlex Dependent Care: TexFlex is a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) that lets you pay out-of-pocket dependent daycare expenses tax-free. You decide how much to contribute out of your paycheck into a dependent daycare account.

Your First 60 Days

During your first 60 days of employment or promotion into a benefits eligible position you have the opportunity to enroll you and your family in health insurance, TexFlex health care FSA, or a Health Savings Account. Full-time employees are automatically enrolled in HealthSelect™ of Texas health coverage that starts the first day of the month after your 60th day of employment.

HealthSelect of Texas

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.

Selecting a Primary Care Physician (PCP)

You have 60 days from your date of hire to select a PCP. Once selected, all services must be coordinated through you PCP to receive in-network benefits. If no PCP has been designated, out-of-network benefits will apply.

  • You can select or change your PCP by 
  • Completing and mailing the PCP Supplemental Information Form
  • Calling a BCBSTX Personal Health Assistant toll-free at 800-252-8039

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.

Enrollment

Enrollment can be done via the ERS OnLine Portal at www.ers.texas.gov. Please refer to the ERS Online Enrollment instructions for assistance in creating your ERS profile. 

 

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