News About Your Benefits - Wednesday, February 1, 2017 (state agency edition)

Wednesday, February 1, 2017

News About Your Benefits
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Like ERS on Facebook for discount deals, benefits updates and program reminders.


HealthSelect

HealthSelect transition to Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas

In September 2017, BlueCross and BlueShield of Texas (BCBSTX) will become the new plan administrator for HealthSelect(SM) of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect(SM).

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HealthSelect Prescription Drug Program

HealthSelect(SM) Prescription Drug List – a helpful tool

Consult this list to see which commonly prescribed drugs are covered. More>>

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Wellness

Join us for the February United at Work webinar

Rally is an online app to help you bridge the gap between wanting to get healthy and doing it. Register today

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Stay in the know on legislative activity

The 85th Texas Legislature is underway! It’s easy to keep up with legislation related to your ERS-administered benefits. 

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Your vote counts! 

This spring, ERS members will elect a new Board member.  More>>

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Health plans sending tax Form 1095-B for medical coverage 

All current and former employees and retirees who had medical coverage through the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) in Calendar Year 2016 will receive Form-1095-B by end of February. Medical coverage providers are required to mail Form 1095-B to members. More on Form 1095-B>>

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Texas Income Protection Plan (TIPP)

TIPP transition is complete

The transition of the Texas Income Protection Plan(SM) (TIPP) third-party administrator from Aon Hewitt to ReedGroup is now complete. More about the TIPP transition>>

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facebook.com/ersoftexas

Visit us on Facebook!

Have you seen us on Facebook lately? Visit our page daily for the latest on what’s happening with your ERS benefits, events and other activity. 

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10 Healthy Brown Bag Lunch Ideas

Brown bag lunches aren't just for kids: these meals help save time, money & calories.

 

 

Discount Purchase Program

Discount Purchase Program 

This month, your Discount Purchase Program(SM) has extra-sweet savings that’ll make your heart melt and your wallet sing. Save 20% on flowers, gift baskets, or chocolates for your valentine from 1-800-Flowers.com.  With H&R Block -get your maximum refund—guaranteed. Use your exclusive discount to save on in-office and online tax preparation. Fall in love with a new laptop or home theater system—enjoy exclusive prices with your Dell discount. Click here for these deals, plus special savings on auto parts, baby products and more.


        Events Calendar

        Please check the online Events Calendar for the latest information.

        Webinars:

        Ready, Set, Retire For Higher Education Employees:
        Wednesday, February 8, 2017,
        10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

        For Group 1 Certified Peace Officer/Custodial Officer (CPOs/COs) hired before September 1, 2009:
        Thursday, February 9, 2017,
        10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

        For Group 1 state employees – hired before September 1, 2009:
        Wednesday, February 15, 2017,
        10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

        Wednesday, March 22, 2017,
        10:30 a. m. – 12 p.m.  CT

        Medicare Preparation
        Thursday, March 23, 2017,
        10:30 – 11:30 a.m.  CT

        Presentations:

        Ready, Set, Retire
        Austin: Thursday, March 2, 2017,
        10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
        ERS Auditorium

        Laredo: Tuesday, March 7, 2017,
        11 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. CT
        Texas Department of Transportation

        Corpus Christi: Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 10 – 11 a.m. CT
        Texas Department of Transportation

        For Higher Education Employees:

        Houston: Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT
        HCC West Loop Campus

        Victoria: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 10:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. CT

        Medicare Preparation

        Austin: Thursday, March 2, 2017,
        12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CT
        ERS Auditorium

        Laredo: Tuesday, March 7, 2017,
        1 – 2 p.m. CT
        Texas Department of Transportation

        Corpus Christi: Wednesday, March 8, 2017, 1 – 2 p.m. CT
        Texas Department of Transportation

        Houston: Wednesday, March 29, 2017, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m. CT
        HCC West Loop Campus

        Victoria: Thursday, March 30, 2017, 12:30 – 1:30 p.m., CT
        University of Houston-Victoria

        Contact Information
        Employees Retirement System of Texas
        200 East 18th Street
        Austin, Texas 78701
        (877) 275-4377 toll-free
        www.ers.state.tx.us