An updated State of Illinois Employees Benefits Handbook was published by the State's department of Central Management Services (CMS).
This Handbook is updated every five years and it details the State of Illinois health, dental, life insurance, and other programs. The Benefits Choice booklet serves as an annual supplement to this Handbook, which describes any changes and annual rates for that plan year.
You are encouraged to review and familiarize yourself with the new Benefits Handbook. Some important topics are highlighted below:
Employee Responsibilities
It is your responsibility to know your benefits, including coverage limitations and exclusions, the benefits and "allowable charges" for services rendered by both in-network and out-of-network providers/facilities and to review the information in the Benefits Handbook. See pages 3 and 4 for a list of important responsibilities and notifications and Section 2 for an overview of plan benefits, limitations and exclusions.
Enrollment and Qualifying Event Changes
You may enroll, opt out or change benefit selections with supporting documentation only during specific time periods.
- Review pages 8-10 for deadlines and effective dates for changes associate with the annual benefit choice period, qualifying events, dependent enrollment, and other allowable change periods.
- See the 'Documentation Requirements' chart beginning on page 13 for specific documents required when making a change.
- A valid social security number (SSN) is required to add dependent coverage. If the SSN has not yet been issued for a newborn or adopted child, the child will be added to your coverage upon receipt of the birth certificate or adoption order without the SSN. However, you must provide the SSN within 90 days of the date the coverage was requested in order to continue the dependent's coverage.
Time Away From Work - Continuation of Insurance Coverage
If you are away from work for reasons including but not limited to, approved medical or personal leave, or for the annual summer break, your insurance coverage may continue for a specified period of time. In some cases, CMS may bill you directly for insurance coverage when you are off payroll, but on an approved leave of absence. More details about specific types of leave begin on page 20.
Questions?
Contact University Payroll and Benefits (UPB).
- Email: benefits@uillinois.edu
- Urbana: 217-333-3111
- Chicago: 312-996-6471
- Springfield: 217-206-7144 or 217-206-7211
Note: A separate Handbook is available for retirees.
State of Illinois Retiree, Annuitant, and Survivor Benefits Handbook
