With an HMO, you must use providers (such as doctors and hospitals) in the HMO network. Unlike HealthSelect, HMOs provide services by county. You can enroll in an HMO if you live or work in a county served by one of the HMOs in ERS’ insurance program. Except in an emergency, your care will not be covered if you use non-network providers.

To see how an HMO compares to HealthSelect for common services like visits to your doctor, x-rays, and hospital stays, refer to the Health Benefits Chart of Out-of-Pocket Expenses (98 KB PDF).

Notice to FirstCare participants: FirstCare will not provide service in the Abilene, Amarillo, and Lubbock service areas as of September 1, 2009. These service areas include 78 counties. View the letters ERS sent to all FirstCare Abilene, Amarillo, and Lubbock participants providing more information about the transition from FirstCare.