Insurance benefits include medical, prescription drugs, dental, vision, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, optional term life insurance, dependent term life insurance, accidental death and dismemberment insurance, short term disability and long term disability.
The plan administrator for ERS health plans is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX). OptumRx is the prescription drug provider.
Annual enrollment in State of Texas-sponsored health and optional benefits is scheduled each summer. Enrolled employees with a qualifying life event such as marriage, divorce, birth or adoption of a child may adjust benefits to accommodate that change within 30 days of its occurrence.
Enrolled employees should register and obtain an ERS name and password to access their account or may contact ERS by phone or email. Human Resources staff cannot access an individual account. Changes made to System EIS employee preferences are not recorded by ERS.
Coverage selected during annual enrollment is effective from Sept. 1 through Aug. 31, the fiscal year for the State of Texas.
Flexible Spending Account (TexFlex) - Health Care, Dependent Care
Flexible Spending Account (TexFlex) - Commuter and Transit
Short Term and Long Term Disability Insurance - Texas Income Protection Plan
Please note that ERS administers only these benefits. ERS manages a retirement program for certain state agencies - not for employees of institutions of higher education. Find retirement information.
State law requires enrollees and their dependents to certify tobacco use. Learn more.
TexFlex Flexible Spending Accounts allow employees to pay for certain medical expenses,dependent care and certain commuter and transit expenses with funds deducted from pay prior to tax calculations. Benefits-eligible employees must enroll in TexFlex during the first 31 days of employment. TexFlex is administered by WageWorks.
Visit the TexFlex website to find eligible expenses, create an account, find forms, upload claims and monitor your balance.
Questions? Contact TexFlex Customer Care, 1-844-884-2364, from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday through Friday.
When salaries or wages are paid to regular employees, the System also must make associated fringe benefit payments.
Employee Assistance Program - free confidential counseling and information
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA) - time away for illness and certain medical issues; a federal law
Leave - time away from work for vacation, illness or personal needs; military leave
Longevity Pay - compensation for years of service; certain eligible staff only; faculty are not eligible
Perks for Employees - scholarships, merchandise discounts, campus events and area entertainment
Retirement - savings plans, insurance and state service options
Questions? Contact a Benefits Coordinator, or call the Records Center, 1-855-878-7650, Option 2, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Records Center secure FAX is 1-817-735-7655.