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Important changes made to tobacco use certification for ERS members
Beginning Sept.
1, ERS members who do not certify their tobacco-use status will
be charged a monthly tobacco user premium � even if they don�t
use tobacco.
Under the new policy, ERS members must certify that they and
their dependents do or do not use tobacco, or be charged a
premium of $30 each (up to $90 per household per month). Members
will have until Aug. 31 to certify and avoid incurring the
additional premium for non-certification. The new policy is
based on legislation passed in the recent session.
The following chart provides an overview of who will pay an
additional $30 premium each month (up to $90 per household).
Please note that only adults who fail to certify will be charged
the additional premium; those under 18 who are not certified
will not be charged. Certified tobacco users of any age �adults
and minors � will be charged.
ERS understands this is a significant change and will be
notifying members in annual enrollment materials, at annual
enrollment fairs and in News About Your Benefits about the need
to certify, the possible additional premium, and how to certify
themselves and their dependents.
Please make this certification online at
www.ERS.State.Tx.Us (click on �Tobacco User
Certification�) then save your selection(s).
Questions can be directed to the HR Service center either via
email at
csc@uh.edu or by phone at 713-743-3988.
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