The Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS), which administers health and other insurance benefits for State of Texas employees, has designated Monday, June 24, to Friday, July 5, 2024 as UHD’s open enrollment period. During this time, employees can make changes to their benefits portfolios without a qualifying life event.

This is your opportunity to:

• Enroll in a health care and/or dependent care spending account or cancel an existing one
• Add or drop health insurance
• Add or drop dependent insurance
• Increase life insurance coverage
• Add or drop disability insurance
• Make other changes to your insurance coverage

During the two-week enrollment period, you can choose a new medical plan or add eligible dependents, with changes effective on September 1, 2024. If no changes are needed, your current coverage will continue automatically.

What’s new?

Starting September 1, 2024, HealthSelect of Texas participants, including those in Consumer Directed HealthSelect, will have access to new condition management programs such as Hello Heart, Hinge Health, and Learn to Live. Enrollment information will be available on the HealthSelect website. Additionally, effective January 1, 2025, the in-network annual out-of-pocket maximum for all HealthSelect medical plans will increase to $8,050 for employee-only coverage and $16,100 for family coverage. This maximum includes expenses for medical and prescription drug copays, coinsurance, and deductibles.

The Healthy You Healthy Texas Summer Enrollment Brochure provides information on HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect medical plans, detailing benefit changes and resources for Plan Year 2025. Register for live webinars and in-person Summer Enrollment fairs through the ERS Events Calendar to ask questions directly to ERS and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas representatives.

Condition management programs:

The Hello Heart program, available at no cost to eligible HealthSelect of Texas participants, focuses on cardiovascular health by preventing or managing heart disease. It includes a free blood pressure monitor that pairs with a smartphone and uses AI, behavioral science, and personalized digital coaching via the program’s mobile app to encourage lifestyle changes. Participants can manage blood pressure, medication adherence, detect irregular heartbeats, and become aware of heart issues. Eligible participants must be 18 or older, living in the U.S., and have certain clinical conditions related to cardiovascular health. For more information, check out the Hello Heart FAQ.

Hinge Health is a digital, PT-led musculoskeletal care program available at no cost to eligible participants. It offers anytime access to the Hinge Health app and a care team, including a health coach and physical therapist, providing personalized exercise therapy, one-on-one health coaching, and interactive education. HealthSelect of Texas participants aged 18 and older, including those in Consumer Directed HealthSelect, are eligible to enroll. For more information, check out the Hinge Health FAQ.

Learn to Live is an online, self-paced mental health service based on cognitive behavioral therapy, offering programs to address depression, insomnia, panic, stress, anxiety, social anxiety, and substance use. Participants can access videos and interactive features online and receive support from a coach via their preferred communication method. Available to HealthSelect of Texas participants aged 13 and older, including those in Consumer Directed HealthSelect, Learn to Live requires an internet connection and any device such as a smartphone, tablet, or computer. For more information, check out the Learn to Live FAQ.

Questions?

We know that navigating benefits changes can feel overwhelming, and we are here to help! Please review UHD’s Summer Benefits Enrollment webpage or contact the Benefits Team at Benefits@uhd.edu if you have any questions or if you would like any support in reviewing your benefits elections for Plan Year 2025. We are happy to schedule an appointment with you to ensure that you make the most appropriate elections for your situation.