Insurance Qualification FAQs:

1. How often will my ACA eligibility be evaluated?

The University of Houston System will perform annual eligibility reviews.

2. How will I know if I become eligible?

Your primary employer (the UHS component where your benefits-driven record is entered) will contact you via email. Please be sure you are checking your university email regularly if you think you may become eligible.

3. I was on an approved leave. How does this affect my eligibility?

Approved leaves such as FML, Military Leave and Short Work Break, do not count against a variable-hour employee and will be removed from consideration of ACA eligibility.

4. Can I keep my insurance if I quit working for UH or if my hours drop below 30 per week?

You remain eligible through August 31, regardless of changes to your hours or employment status. If you are no longer working at any UH component campus, however, you will become responsible for paying the full amount of your insurance premium. Information on how to continue coverage will be mailed to your home address.

Coverage Option FAQs:

1. How much will I pay each month for the HealthSelect Medical plan?

If you are an ACA-eligible employee working an average of 30 or more hours per week, you will not pay for your own HealthSelect of Texas medical premium. If you cover eligible dependents, you will pay a portion of the dependent premiums.

2. Will I be able to see my same doctor if I purchase coverage through the Marketplace?

Maybe. Insurance purchased through the Marketplace may have different provider networks than the HealthSelect plan.

3. Will I be eligible for a subsidy if I purchase medical coverage through the Marketplace?

Those without access to qualified healthcare coverage through their employer may be eligible for government subsidies to help pay for health insurance premiums for plans purchased in the Marketplace based on their income level and number of dependents. Most UH System employees are not eligible for these subsidies and UHS does not subsidize medical insurance premiums except through HealthSelect of Texas.

4. If I purchase medical coverage for myself or my dependents through the Marketplace, can I drop my HealthSelect plan?

Yes. Gaining other coverage is considered a qualified status change. You will have 31 days from the first date of coverage through the Marketplace to drop your HealthSelect plan. Bear in mind that the University of Houston System will not cover any portion of the premium on medical insurance other than HealthSelect.

5. What if I purchase coverage through the Marketplace for myself or my dependents and later decide I want to re-enroll in HealthSelect of texas?

If you lose your Marketplace medical coverage due to non-payment, you will not be able to add HealthSelect coverage until the next ERS Annual Enrollment and you will need to still be an ACA-eligible employee at that time. Your coverage would begin September 1, regardless of the actual date of re-enrollment.

If you drop your medical insurance during the specified Marketplace drop period, you could re-enroll in HealthSelect within 31 days of the last date of your Marketplace coverage, or you could enroll in HealthSelect of Texas during the plan year as long as you remeain eligible and experience some other type of Qualifying Life Event (QLE).

All Other Questions:

If you didn't find your question here, please call:

 713-743-3988