Health, dental, life and disability insurance benefits are administered by -The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS) – www.ers.state.tx.us. When referring to information provided directly at their Web site the information under higher education should be used for UHCL employees. ERS can also be reached by calling 1-877-275-4377.
Basic health and life insurance are paid by the state for full-time benefits eligible employees. A portion of the premium benefit is provided by the state for part-time benefits eligible employees. Medical, life, dental and AD&D are available to employees’ dependent(s) at a cost. Short and long-term disability coverage is available to the employee as well as the opportunity to participate in health care and dependent care reimbursement accounts. Health insurance coverage for new employees and dependents will not be effective until the first day of the month following the 90th day of employment.
You do not need to enroll in Medicare until you stop working, even if you are 65
If you do not take Medicare when you are first eligible because you or your spouse are working for the State of Texas and have group health plan coverage through the State, you can sign up when you retire during your “Special Enrollment Period” through the Social Security Office. This period includes:
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Any time you are still covered by the employer group health plan, or
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The eight months after the month the employer health plan coverage ends (whichever is first).
For more information
Social Security Administration
toll-free (800) 772-1213
www.ssa.gov
Medicare
toll-free (800) MEDICARE (800-633-4227)
www.medicare.gov
