What's Happening Now?
Summer Enrollment for Plan Year 2027
For active employees and retirees not eligible for Medicare
Learn more about ongoing negotiations between:
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 HealthSelectSM Secondary and Consumer Directed HealthSelectSM Administered by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- HealthSelectSM Medicare Advantage Plan PPO Insured by UnitedHealthcare
Prescription Drug Coverage
- HealthSelectSM Prescription Drug Program Administered by Express Scripts
- HealthSelectSM 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 PlanSM Administered by Delta Dental
- DeltaCare USA DHMO Insured by Delta Dental
Tax-advantaged Spending/Savings Accounts
- TexFlexSM 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$averSM 401(k) / 457 Program Administered by Empower
Texas Income Protection PlanSM (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
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Doing Business with ERS
Vendors, Benefits Administrators, Investment Service Providers or External Advisors
Common Tasks
Premium Rates
Find out how much I pay for coverage each month:
Retirement Benefits
Get answers to questions about my ERS retirement.
New Employees
Read about benefits information for new employees.
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Ready, set, enroll!June 03, 2026
Summer is here which means many of you may be using your vacation leave. But before you get your motor running and head out on the Texas highway, remember Summer Enrollment begins this month. Make sure you have the HealthSelect of Texas® plan and optional benefits that are right for you.
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Your Summer Enrollment checklistJune 03, 2026
Before you hit the road, you make sure you’ve packed all the essentials—and the same goes for your benefits. If you’re not sure where to start this Summer Enrollment, we’ve got you covered. Use our handy checklist to help guide you through the enrollment process.
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Dental plan website now availableJune 03, 2026
You can now search Humana’s dental website to see if your dentist is in network. Learn about what to expect this summer and what to do before Plan Year 2027 begins.
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Know your spots and spot skin cancer earlyJune 03, 2026
It’s summertime! But before you hit the pool or the beach, make sure you pay extra attention to your skin. Checking your body for spots and protecting your skin can help detect and prevent skin cancer.
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ERS coming to a city and screen near youJune 03, 2026
ERS and your benefits plan administrators are coming to a city near you. Stop by and say “howdy” or join us online.
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My first meeting with a Texa$aver retirement plan advisor: Message from a state employeeMay 27, 2027
Ever wondered whether meeting with a Texa$aver Retirement Plan Advisor is worth it? In this story, one employee shares how a quick, friendly review of their 401(k) boosted their confidence and set them up for long-term success.
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6 reasons to consider an FSA this Summer EnrollmentMay 27, 2026
This summer’s plot twist? You might actually love an FSA. Most GBP members aren’t taking advantage of this tax-saving benefit and could be missing out on savings. With Summer Enrollment coming up, now is the perfect time to discover how an FSA can help you keep more money in your pocket and simplify your health and childcare budgeting. Learn the top reasons it might be worth enrolling this year.
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Should you use AI for investing advice?May 27, 2026
As AI becomes more common in daily life, what role should it play in your finances? Experts say it can be helpful, but it also has drawbacks.
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Thinking about adjusting your life insurance during Summer Enrollment? Optional Term Life Insurance can offer valuable protection during your working years. Learn what it is, why it matters, and how to decide what’s best for you.
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The real cost of a quick betApril 29, 2026
Sports betting apps are getting popular and can be fun to use—but it’s easy to lose track of how much you’re spending! A few quick steps can help make it easier to enjoy the game without stressing about money later.
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Retiree wellness from A to ZMarch 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.
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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.
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ERS dental plans to transition to Humana Dental Sept. 1March 17, 2026
Humana Dental will be the new third-party administrator for the State of Texas Dental ChoiceSM PPO (nationwide) and Dental Health Maintenance Organization (DHMO) plans beginning Sept.1, 2026.
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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.
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Zero to 1,000: Retiree couple proves age is just a numberMarch 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.
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Making movement easier: a real-life success storyJanuary 14, 2026
Jordan Fernandez, an employee at the Texas Department of Criminal Justice, had knee pain that sidelined him from playing the sports he loves. Then he discovered Hinge Health, the at-home joint, bone and muscle care program available through his health plan that got him back in the game.
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Book people: Keeping up with the LewisesSeptember 17, 2025
Retirement doesn’t have to be the day you close the book on a career. When Preston and Harriet Lewis both retired, they began writing a new chapter in their love story by starting their own publishing company.
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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 HealthSelectSM participants to help maintain her mental health.
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At the “heart” of her return to work: Affordable health insuranceFebruary 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.
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Beating pre-diabetes through diet and exerciseNovember 03, 2021
Pre-diabetes is no match for Luciano Chavez Jr.'s determination to beat it!