Employee Benefits, Retirement and Wellness

Employee Benefits at Texas Tech Health El Paso

At Texas Tech Health El Paso, we invest in the well-being, security and professional growth of our team members. As a state institution, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support you throughout every stage of your career, from health insurance and retirement planning to educational opportunities and wellness resources.

Texas Tech Health El Paso provides insurance benefits through the Employees Retirement System of Texas (ERS). Eligible employees have access to high-quality plans that offer flexibility, choice and statewide network coverage.

Health Insurance

Our health plans include:

HealthSelect of Texas and Consumer Directed HealthSelect

  • Extensive statewide provider network

  • Online account access through Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Wellness incentives and preventive services

  • Prescription drug coverage through Express Scripts, including cost-saving tools and pharmacy search features

Find a Provider
Quick access to search for in-network physicians, hospitals and care facilities.

Dental Insurance

Employees may choose between:

  • State of Texas Dental Choice Plan (PPO) – broad provider network and flexible coverage

  • DeltaCare USA (DHMO) – cost-effective option requiring a designated primary dentist

Note: Availability for DHMO coverage varies by area.

Vision Insurance

State of Texas Vision Plan
Includes provider search tools, online account access and a clear summary of covered benefits.

Texas Tech Health El Paso offers additional protection for you and your family through:

  • Optional Term Life Insurance

  • Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)

  • Short-Term and Long-Term Disability Insurance

Employees may select coverage levels that fit their needs. (Some coverage levels may require evidence of insurability.)

We support long-term financial security with multiple retirement options:

Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS)

All benefits-eligible employees are enrolled automatically. TRS offers a traditional defined-benefit pension with lifetime annuity options.

Optional Retirement Plan (ORP)

Faculty and certain professional staff may elect this defined-contribution plan administered by approved vendor companies.

Supplemental Savings

Employees may further enhance their retirement savings through:

  • 403(b) Tax-Deferred Account (TDA) plans

  • Texa$aver 457(b) supplemental retirement plan

Resources include vendor lists, education tools and account management through Retirement Manager.

Alongside our core benefits, team members enjoy access to supplemental programs that support personal well-being and career development.

Employee Tuition Assistance

Eligible TTU System employees may receive waived or reduced tuition and mandatory fees for select courses, enabling continued education and career advancement.

Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF)

Texas Tech Health El Paso is a qualified employer for federal PSLF. Employees may submit verification forms through Human Resources.

Health & Wellness Programs

  • Wondr Health – evidence-based digital weight management program at no cost to employees enrolled in HealthSelect

  • VirtualCheckup by Catapult Health – annual at-home health screenings covered by HealthSelect plans

  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – confidential counseling and support services

  • Employee Wellness resources available across campus

Flexible Spending Accounts (TexFlex)

Pre-tax accounts for health care and dependent-care expenses help reduce taxable income and out-of-pocket costs.

Texas Tech Health El Paso offers generous leave benefits aligned with state regulations.

Paid Leave

  • Vacation Leave – accrual based on years of service

  • Sick Leave – 8 hours per month for full-time employees

  • Holiday Leave – annually published holiday schedule

  • Holiday Comp Time – additional accrued hours for eligible employees

  • Emergency Leave – when campus is officially closed

Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)

Eligible employees may take job-protected leave for qualifying family or medical reasons, with continued health insurance coverage.

Leave Without Pay

May be approved for up to one year under specific circumstances, with reinstatement rights following return.

Military Leave

Provided in accordance with Texas Tech System policy and federal/state law.

Sick Leave Pools & Donations

Employees may request additional leave for catastrophic illness or donate unused sick leave to support colleagues in need.

 

Why Choose Texas Tech Health El Paso?

Working at Texas Tech Health El Paso means joining a mission-driven academic health institution that values its employees. Our benefits support wellness, financial stability, education and work-life balance—helping you and your family thrive.