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Do you need more retirement planning assistance?
Date: 5/18/2012
This brief survey is meant to gather your feedback about specific needs regarding your retirement planning. We are continuously working to improve the availability of information. We want to know what format you prefer to receive the information. This is your chance to let us know. We encourage everyone's participation. Responses will be kept confidential, and no individuals will be identified. It should only take a couple of minutes to complete. This survey will only be available for a limited time.
HR has launched a new career website
Date: 5/10/2012
Human Resources recently launched a brand new website, www.WorkatTexasTech.com, that showcases the many benefits of working at the university. The new site lists opportunities that staff and faculty can take advantage of, including employee enrichment, entertainment, conveniences and health/wellness.
Work@TexasTech explains our campus culture and details the value of living in Lubbock. Additionally, there are several employee profiles where staff and faculty speak directly through video what it's like to work here.
We're asking all our current employees to take a minute to browse through the site, then to please pass it along to any friends and family members they think would be a good fit as a new employee.
Thank you for helping us grow the Texas Tech family!
ERS Selects UnitedHealthCare Services, Inc. to Administer HealthSelect of Texas as of September 1, 2012
Date: 4/24/2012
(Click here for a PDF document containing the following questions and answers.)
1. Why are we switching?
ERS rebids all of the Texas Employee Group Benefits Program (GBP) contracts regularly to ensure members get quality benefits at a reasonable cost. ERS selected United HealthCare Services, Inc. after a rigorous eight-month review process. The new contract is expected to save the health plan money, while still providing quality benefits. Because the health plan is self-funded, saving money for the plan benefits all HealthSelect members by helping to offset some of the plan costs.
2. What do I need to do?
Starting September 1, 2012, United HealthCare Services, Inc. will take over the administration of HealthSelect. UnitedHealthcare will process claims, provide customer service, offer health and wellness programs, and manage the HealthSelect network starting September 1, 2012. You just need to show your new medical ID card to your doctor or other medical provider starting September 1, 2012. You will receive your new cards before September 1, 2012.
3. Can I still see my doctor?
Go to the website to find out if your doctor is in the network. UnitedHealthcare will be reaching out to providers who are not currently part of the network and asking them to join. The online directory is the most current source of information on network providers.
If you are a retiree age 65 or older in the HealthSelect plan, you continue to have out-of-area benefits and can continue to see your current providers.
All other HealthSelect members can see any provider, but an out-of-network provider will cost you more in out-of-pocket expenses.
If your doctor decides not to join the network, you may want to switch to a network provider; otherwise, you will receive non-network benefits.
4. Am I going to pay more because of the switch?
The legislature and/or the ERS Board of Trustees determine the plan design and premium changes. ERS examines the benefit design and premiums and determines if changes are necessary on an annual basis at the May Board of Trustees meeting. We will provide information on any changes after the May board meeting.
5. Are the copays, deductibles, or out-of-pocket maximums changing?
No. Copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums are not changing due to this transition; however, the ERS Board of Trustees re-evaluates the plan's expenses and funding to determine if plan design changes are necessary at the May board meeting. At this point, we do not anticipate plan design changes for Plan Year 2013 that starts September 1, 2012. We will provide information on any changes after the May board meeting.
6. Will my premiums increase?
HealthSelect premiums are expected to increase on September 1 as part of the annual premium review process. The premium increase was projected during the last legislative session as part of the state budget for health insurance programs. Employers absorb most of the increased cost since full-time employees and qualified retirees are provided health insurance at no cost. If you are covering any family members, your cost for coverage will increase since you are paying 50% of the cost for their coverage. The ERS Board of Trustees will determine the rates at the May 22 board meeting. We will provide information on any changes after the May board meeting.
7. Is the HealthSelect plan changing to the UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus plan?
No. United HealthCare will manage the HealthSelect network using their UnitedHealthcare Choice Plus network. The benefits are the same HealthSelect benefits. If you'd like a reminder of what the HealthSelect plan covers, take a look at the HealthSelect webpage on the ERS website.
8. What about my prescriptions?
Your prescription drug benefit is not changing as part of this transition. Caremark will continue to manage the HealthSelect prescription drug program.
9. Where is UnitedHealthcare located?
UnitedHealthcare's call center and claims processing unit is located in San Antonio, Texas.
10. Where can I get more information?
ERS will provide full details on this transition during Annual Enrollment. In the meantime, ERS will provide monthly updates and post information on our website.
11. The provider search tool looks different than it did previously. What happened?
ERS worked with UnitedHealthcare to enhance the provider search tool to make it easier for you to find out if your doctor is in the network. There are three easy ways to search:
• Find a doctor
• Find a hospital or other facility
• Find a mental health provider
12. Can I use the online provider search tool to see if my behavioral health provider is in the network?
Yes. Click on "Find a Mental Health Provider" to search for a provider by name or behavioral health specialty.
13. What is liveandworkwell.com?
If you are using the online provider search tool for a mental health specialist, you will be redirected to United Behavioral Health (UBH) clinicians and facilities at liveandworkwell.com.
14. Can I search for a provider by zip code using the online search tool?
Yes. Click on "Find a physician near you," then click on the type of doctor you want to see under "Physician Specialty." Then, you can enter a zip code and a radius of miles to include in your search.
15. If I don't see my doctor listed, can I ask UnitedHealthcare to contact my doctor to join?
Yes. Provider nomination instructions have been added to the provider search webpage at www.healthselectoftexas.com.
16. Will I have to re-enroll myself and my dependents because we are switching to UnitedHealthcare?
No. HealthSelect members are not changing health plans; therefore, there is no re-enrollment process for you or your dependents.
17. Is a PCP and a referral to a specialist still required for network benefits?
Yes. You must designate a PCP for network benefits to apply to your office visit. You will continue to get referrals to most specialists. You will not need a referral for your annual eye exam or any OB/GYN appointments.
18. Do I still have to get pre-certifications for hospital stays?
Yes. Your provider will need to get pre-authorization for any planned hospital stay.
19. Will I still have my Basic Term Life Insurance?
Yes, this coverage is not changing. The transition to UnitedHealthcare has no effect on your life insurance options.
20. Will my Blue Points transfer?
No. Blue Points are specific to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). They are not transferrable to UnitedHealthcare. You will need to redeem your Blue Points by August 31, 2012 or you will lose them. Visit www.bcbstx.com/hs/ or call BCBSTX toll-free at (800)252-8039 for more information on how to redeem your Blue Points.
21. Can I continue in the Bariatric Program?
During the transition, members who are currently in the Bariatric Program can continue in the program at the same clinic. Those who have a planned surgery at the time of transition can proceed with their surgery as planned at those locations.
22. Are the qualifications for the Bariatric Program changing with the transition to UnitedHealthcare?
No. The qualifications for the program are not changing for current or new Bariatric Program participants due to the transition. However, the facilities approved to perform the procedure may change in the future. Those who have already started the program and have a planned surgery at the time of transition can proceed with their surgery as planned at those locations.
Engagement Survey closes April 6th, 2012
Date: 4/3/2012
The Texas Tech Human Resources Employee Engagement Survey will close this week on Friday, April 6. This is your last chance to give your input and help make this university a better place to work. If you have not yet completed the survey, please take a moment to do so. We value your feedback. The results will help us find what needs are not being met and how to increase all employees' morale and productivity. Login with your eRaider credentials to take the survey now. A high response rate helps ensure accurate results and demonstrates the commitment of our workforce. Both your participation and honest feedback are needed. To ensure the confidentiality of your responses, surveys will be kept confidential and no individual data will be used in any reporting. Thank you in advance for your participation. If you have any questions, please contact James Hodgins with Texas Tech Human Resources.
Engagement Survey launches March 26th, 2012
Date: 3/26/2012
Your opinions matter! Texas Tech University Human Resources is conducting a brief survey to gather your feedback about your working environment and our institution. We are working to continuously improve our environment and we would appreciate your participation. We ask that you take 2-3 minutes to complete our survey. Your responses will be kept confidential to Human Resource professionals and data will only be presented in summative form. Individuals will not be identified in any reporting. Thank you in advance!
November 2011 - Winter Weather Instructions
Date: 11/08/2011
October 2011 - Health Insurance Coverage for Tobacco Users
Date: 10/01/2011
Under state law, tobacco users will pay higher premiums for their health insurance coverage starting January 1, 2012. If an employee or a covered family member uses tobacco, they will pay $30, $60, or $90 more each month in additional health insurance premiums, depending on how many tobacco users are covered.
The links below provide more information to be distributed to your employees about this new law. The last link is information about free services for employees who want to quit smoking. If additional information is needed, please contact the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) at 1-877-275-4377.
September 2011 - New and Improved Human Resources Website
Date: 09/28/2011
Human Resources (HR) is proud to introduce our new and improved website. The focus of our new website is on you, the customer. Simply find your role in the left navigation menu:
- Prospective Employee - Job opportunities and the many benefits of working at Texas Tech
- New Employee - Onboarding Information to assist new employees before the first day of work through the first six months. Includes the I-9/New Employee Packet (NEP)
- Current Employee - Information on benefits, services, and important rules and policies
- Manager / Supervisor - Tools for recruitment and hiring, compensation and position management, new employee onboarding, talent support, talent transition, professional development, HR reporting (Cognos), and HR system security
- HR Partners - Tools for business managers, Employee Service Coordinators (ESC's) and departmental support staff who partner with Human Resources to coordinate and manage HR functions at the department level
Need to contact someone in Human Resources? You can still find us in the left navigation menu:
- HR Sections - Links for Employee Services Center, Compensation & Operations, Talent Management, Professional Development, and HR Systems.
- Staff Directory - All of our contact information listed on one page.
Our old website will redirect to our new website for a couple of months, but if you have saved any of our links as favorites/bookmarks, we recommend saving the new ones soon.
If you have questions about this announcement or the new site, please contact us at
Health Insurance Coverage of Children to Age 26
Date: 08/23/2011
On September 1, 2011, the federal Affordable Care Act raises the age for children's eligibility in the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) to 26, regardless of marital status.
During Annual Enrollment, July 11-August 5, you can enroll children who turned 25 before September 1, 2011, or children under age 26 who are married. This includes children covered by COBRA. You did not have to cover your children through the GBP previously to enroll them during this summer's Annual Enrollment.
Evidence of insurability (proof of good health) is not required in the GBP during Annual Enrollment. Their coverage will begin September 1.
Retiree and Family Guide | Information for Active Employees| Plan Year 2012 Rates
SKIP end August 31, 2011
Based on state funding and pending legislation, the State Kids Insurance Program (SKIP) will end on August 31, 2011. State employees are now eligible to apply for the Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) or Children's Medicaid; both programs let employees pay reduced premiums for their children age 18 or younger.
On June 17, ERS sent a letter to current participants about SKIP ending. ERS does not administer the CHIP program and is not part of the application process. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC) will contact participants about applying for CHIP or Children's Medicaid. If you have questions, call HHSC toll-free at (877) 543-7669 or visit www.chipmedicaid.org.
For more information, see the frequently asked questions.
Annual Enrollment Benefits Fair
Wednesday, July 27, 2011 | 9AM - 12PM | International Cultural Center, 601 Indiana.
Annual Enrollment Benefits Fair | Annual Enrollment Poster | TexFlex Poster | TexFlex Information
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