News About Your Benefits for May 2020

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May 2020

e r s news about your benefits
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Preparing for Summer Enrollment 2020

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For active employees and retirees not enrolled in Medicare

Summer Enrollment 2020 will be here before you know it. Make sure your information in ERS OnLine is correct so you don’t miss important information from ERS. Find out how to update your mailing address.

Headlines for the Month

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May is Mental Health Awareness Month

Feeling stressed out or anxious? Take some time this month to take care of your mental health. Read about mental health services available in your Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) health plan.

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Get the most out of your pharmacy benefits:

early-refill programs, medication home delivery

During this COVID-19 challenge, all Group Benefits Program (GBP) prescription drug programs have early-refill programs to ensure you have the resources you need. The HealthSelectSM Prescription Drug Program also offers medication home delivery–at no cost to you for standard shipping. See how your pharmacy benefits can help you.

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TexFlex updates due to COVID-19

WageWorks and the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) are committed to providing participants with continued access to their TexFlexSM benefits during this unique time. Read the latest ERS message about COVID-19 and your TexFlex account(s).

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Stay invested in your future: Texa$aver Education Counselors available for virtual meetings through the month of May

Education Counselors for the Texa$averSM 401(k) / 457 Program will be available for personalized virtual meetings through the month of May. Find your Education Counselor.

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Vaping and e-cigarettes added to definition of tobacco use in ERS policy

During Summer Enrollment, all participants in Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) health plans who use electronic cigarettes and vaping products must certify as tobacco users and pay the tobacco user premium starting September 1. Learn what you need to do if you or a covered dependent uses these products.

Events Calendar

Some of these events may be full. You can put your name on a waiting list on the Events Calendar page or sign up for another session.

Please note: In rare cases, ERS has to cancel or change events due to issues beyond our control. When possible, we will provide notice of cancellations or changes on the ERS website. We encourage you to check our Events Calendar the morning of the event for any updates.


Webinar: Ready, Set, Retire! for Regular Service Employees, Groups 1, 2 and 3

May 19, 1 – 2:30 p.m. CT

Webinar: Ready, Set, Retire! for Higher Education Institutions

May 13, 1:30 – 3 p.m. CT

May 27, 1:30 – 3 p.m. CT

May 2020 Board Meeting

May 20, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. CT

Wellness events

Visit the Wellness Calendar


May 25 – Holiday closure

ERS will be closed on Monday, May 25, in observance of Memorial Day. 

Discount Purchase Program

administered by BENEPLACE

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Please note: The availability of some Discount Purchase Program offers, particularly those for travel and entertainment, may be impacted by restrictions and developments related to the coronavirus. Find information about some postponed events and closures on the TicketsatWork FAQs webpage.

For questions about a specific service or transaction, contact the vendor or provider. Contact customer service for Beneplace, administrator of the Discount Purchase Program, at (800) 683-2886.

Offers to brighten your day

Check out the Discount Purchase Program’s Save@Home deals for savings to enjoy while you’re staying in.

  • Brighten your home with lighting from YLighting. Save 10% sitewide.
  • Inspire kids to tinker, create and innovate: Save 35% on arts and crafts crates from Kiwi Crate.
  • Protect your devices from malware: Save 60% on McAfee software.
  • Stream Disney classics or enjoy past seasons of your favorite series with a free 7-day trial for Disney+.
  • Get bonus toys for your furry friend with a six- or 12-month subscription to BarkBox.
  • Mother’s Day is May 10. Save 15% on flowers, chocolates, spa baskets and more from 1-800-Flowers.com.

Find these and other deals on the Discount Purchase Program website.