Health Select of Texas

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) administers HealthSelectSM of Texas. HealthSelect 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 are: In-area (network and non-network), and Out-of-area (if you live or work outside of Texas or if you are retired, age 65 or over and have Medicare benefits). You will pay the lowest out-of-pocket costs when you get medical care from a HealthSelect network provider (such as a doctor or hospital). This is called “in- area network.” Just select a HealthSelect primary care physician (PCP) and have him or her refer you to specialists in the HealthSelect network. For more information: Click Here

First Care

With FirstCare, you must use providers (such as doctors and hospitals) in the HMO network. Except in an emergency, your care will not be covered if you use non-network providers. You must also select a primary care physician (PCP) for yourself and your dependents. Individual family members can have different PCPs. The PCP directs your care and refers you to specialists. (You do not need a referral from a PCP to see an obstetrician/ gynecologist.) For more information: Click Here

Prescription Drug Program

Affordable access to prescription drugs is an important part of your health insurance, and it comes standard with your enrollment in HealthSelectSM of Texas or an HMO. Every covered individual in your family pays a $50 deductible during each plan year before benefits and your copayments start. Drugs are classified into three categories, or tiers, by your insurance plan. Tier 1 prescription drugs have the lowest copayments, while Tier 3 drugs are among the highest. For more information on Health Select Prescription Drug Program Click Here or for information on FirstCare Prescription Drug Program Click Here

Basic Group Term Life

 Basic group term life coverage of $5,000 is included with your health insurance through the Group Benefits Program (GBP), at no cost to you. If you die while employed, this benefit is paid to your designated beneficiary. Paid for by the State of Texas, the benefit also includes $5,000 of accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) coverage. You do not have to sign up for this coverage because it is automatic with your enrollment in GBP health insurance. If you have waived or dropped your health insurance with the GBP, you do not have this coverage. For more information about Basic Group Term Life:Click Here

Waiving Medical Insurance and Opt - Out Credit

Some employees and retirees choose not to sign up for health insurance through the Group Benefits Program (GBP). ERS allows you to sign up for other GBP coverage without being enrolled in health insurance; however, we encourage you to consider the decision carefully. Once you waive (or choose not to enroll in) health insurance, you may not be able to get it back later. Find out about waiving health insurance and the Opt-Out Credit: Click Here