If you are an employee who has other group health insurance that is comparable to the Texas Employees Group Benefits Program (GBP) health insurance, you are eligible to Opt-out of your health insurance. Eligible employees can sign up for the Health Insurance Opt-Out Credit to apply toward the premium of certain optional benefits.
Note: State of Texas Vision is not eligible for Opt-Out Credit for Plan Year 2017 (September 1, 2016-August 31, 2017).
Health Insurance Opt-Out Eligibility
- Full-time employees:
- earn up to a $60 credit toward dental and/or Voluntary AD&D premium,
- must be eligible for the state contribution toward your GBP health insurance— 100% for full-time employees and
- you must be able to certify comparable health insurance coverage (e.g., through another employer health plan). Excludes Medicare.
- Part-time employees:
- earn up to a $30 credit toward dental and/or Voluntary AD&D premium,
- must be eligible for the state contribution toward your GBP health insurance— 50% for part-time employees and
- must be able to certify comparable health insurance coverage (e.g., through another employer health plan). Excludes Medicare.
Waiving Health Insurance
Keep in mind that your drug benefits are part of your health benefit. If you opt-out of your health plan, you are also giving up your prescription coverage. By waiving coverage, you no longer have the Basic Term Life coverage.
You cannot participate in the Health Insurance Opt-Out Credit if you are not eligible for the state contribution toward your health insurance premium, such as a COBRA participant, surviving family member, or an adjunct faculty member.