HealthSelect Medicare Advantage is a group PPO offered through the Employees Retirement System of Texas and insured by UnitedHealthcare. It is not TRS-Care, an individual retail PPO or the HealthSelect coverage used by active employees.
Confirm ERS eligibility
ERS lists Medicare Parts A and B, residence in the United States or Puerto Rico, and age 65 or qualifying Social Security disability among the requirements for eligible retirees, survivors and dependents. ERS also has specific rules for return-to-work retirees and the ESRD coordination period. Check your situation with the program.
| Situation | Why to contact ERS |
|---|---|
| First becoming Medicare eligible | Provide Medicare information and establish the start date. |
| One household member lacks Medicare | Confirm the split-household arrangement. |
| Return to a benefits-eligible state position | Coverage can change from the retiree MA plan. |
| Change in address or eligibility | Update records and verify continued enrollment. |
Provider access includes a billing check
ERS explains that members can use providers who accept Medicare and agree to bill UnitedHealthcare. If a provider does not bill the plan, a reimbursement process may be available. Confirm the process, covered service and expected payment before paying a bill yourself; provider access is not a guarantee of every charge.
Use the current group Evidence of Coverage for medical benefits and authorization rules. HealthSelect Medicare Rx is a related but separate benefit program. Do not use a retail UnitedHealthcare summary to calculate your costs.
Plan the transition
- Submit Medicare details through ERS OnLine or ERS.
- Confirm the effective date rather than assuming immediate activation.
- Review current coverage until the transition is complete.
- Keep cards and enrollment confirmation for each covered person.
Include Medicare premiums and any household contributions in your budget.
Related coverage questions
- Retiree Insurance and Medicare: Before You Change Coverage
- How to Verify Your Medicare Coverage and Plan Enrollment
- Travel With Medicare: U.S. Trips, Foreign Emergencies and Planning