blog posts

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 17, 2021 1:00 pm28 views

  Have you reviewed your mailing address recently?

• SURS Money Purchase Factors Change

  Sep 16, 2021 4:00 pm57 views

  Earlier this year, SURS announced that the factors table used to calculate SURS retirement benefits under the Money Purchase calculation will change effective July 2, 2022. This change is a result of a study required by state statute. Read on to determine if you are impacted by this change, and for important considerations if you are thinking about retirement. 

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2021

  Sep 15, 2021 7:30 am77 views

  Only a few weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2021 plan year! Any remaining claims for services from July 1, 2020 through June 30, 2021, must be submitted by September 30 for reimbursement.

• Keep Your Personal Information Updated

  Sep 9, 2021 7:30 am210 views

  Do you have emergency contacts on file with the University of Illinois System? Are they current? 

  It is important to keep up-to-date emergency contact information on file, so U of I System representatives know who to call on your behalf in the unfortunate event of an emergency or accident.

• MyBenefits Unavailable September 8 - 12

  Sep 2, 2021 7:30 am368 views

  The MyBenefits Service Center and MyBenefits.illinois.gov will be unavailable from 6 p.m. September 8th – September 12th for a system upgrade.

• September 2021 Wellness Connection

  Sep 1, 2021 1:00 pm0 views

  The September 2021 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Lifestyle Changes to Improve Cholesterol, Slow Cooker Pork Chops with Apples and Onions, Addiction and the Brain, Prepare to Protect, and Interview with Vice President Adrienne Nazon.

• Time Off for COVID-19 Vaccination Purposes

  Aug 27, 2021 9:00 am282 views

  The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) enables the University of Illinois System to provide COVID-19 vaccine-related time off to faculty and staff through September 30, 2021.

  Employees of the University of Illinois System who meet the qualifying criteria may now be eligible for leave related to accompanying or caring for a related individual receiving a COVID-19 vaccination.

• University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct

  Aug 16, 2021 7:30 am164 views

  The University of Illinois System Statement on Sex Discrimination, Sexual Harassment and Other Sexual Misconduct is available on the System HR website. Please take a few minutes to review this important information.

• Reminder: State Benefit Updates Effective July 1

  Aug 16, 2021 7:30 am302 views

  We’d like to provide a general reminder about some State benefits changes that took effect July 1, 2021.

• 403(b) Plan Changes Complete: Review Your Account

  Aug 12, 2021 3:00 pm462 views

  Changes to the University of Illinois 403(b) Plan are now complete.

  Now that funds have been mapped to the new streamlined fund lineup, you are encouraged to log into your Fidelity and/or TIAA account to review your portfolio to ensure the asset allocation is consistent with your retirement goals. You may make fund changes at any time (up to once per business day). No action is necessary if you do not wish to make any changes.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 12, 2021 7:30 am109 views

  During an unpaid leave, Central Management Services (CMS) mails bills directly to State benefit participants, and bills are to be paid in full to CMS. Failing to pay premium bills can result in your coverage being terminated.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Login with HealthSafe ID

  Aug 6, 2021 7:30 am276 views

  Last month, we communicated that the FSA vendor, ConnectYourCare (CYC), is transitioning to Optum Financial. As part of this change, participants will now log into their accounts using HealthSafe ID. HealthSafe ID provides the enhanced security of two-factor authentication to keep your information secure.

• August 2021 Wellness Connection

  Aug 4, 2021 1:00 pm0 views

  The August 2021 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Summer Sun Safety Month, Fig and Arugula Salad with Goat Cheese & Pecans, Self-Care: Finding the Time, Eight Dimensions of Wellness, and an Interview with the UI Stride Winners.

• Last Chance! 403(b) Plan Changes: Attend a Webinar

  Aug 2, 2021 7:30 am255 views

  Upcoming 403(b) Plan enhancements will be effective soon. You have just a few more days if you’d like to make any changes prior to the fund mapping for streamlining of the fund menu. If you would like to make any changes to your asset allocation prior to mapping, you must complete your transaction(s) ahead of the stock market closing (3:00 PM CST) on Friday, August 6th.

• Juneteenth Holiday

  Jul 26, 2021 7:30 am161 views

  As President Killeen announced in his June 17th communication, we are pleased to add Juneteenth National Independence Day to the University of Illinois System holiday schedule beginning June 2022.

• Reminder! 403(b) Plan Changes: Attend a Webinar

  Jul 19, 2021 7:30 am292 views

  Last month, we announced important upcoming enhancements to the University 403(b) Plan.

  Prepare for Upcoming Changes
  To help you navigate this change to the new streamlined fund lineup, transition guides and live informational webinars are available. The same webinar will be repeated multiple times with each company.

• State Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 14, 2021 8:00 am281 views

  We recently communicated that MetLife is the new Life Insurance Carrier for the State of Illinois Employees’ Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). See below for some important updates regarding this transition.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2021 8:00 am164 views

  At the beginning of a new benefit year, it’s a good idea to review your payroll deductions to ensure the appropriate amounts are being withheld. You should view the benefit deductions on your Earnings Statement to ensure your FSA deductions and other benefit deductions are correct.

• HealthLink Participants: Watch for Your Updated ID Card

  Jul 9, 2021 11:45 am177 views

  New for FY 2022, your HealthLink ID card will only have your (the primary member’s) name listed.  You will not receive separate cards with covered dependents’ names as you have in previous years.  Additionally, your middle initial(s) will not be on the ID card.

• July 2021 Wellness Connection

  Jul 7, 2021 3:30 pm0 views

  The July 2021 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Strengthen Your Social Muscles, Southwestern Crockpot Chicken, Healthy Habits, The Power of Time Off, and Employee Spotlight with Cassie Tafilaw.

• 403(b) Plan Changes: Attend a Webinar

  Jul 7, 2021 1:00 pm304 views

  Last month, we announced important upcoming enhancements to the University 403(b) Plan.

  To help you navigate this change to the new streamlined fund lineup, transition guides and live informational webinars are available. The same webinar will be repeated multiple times with each company.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 30, 2021 11:00 am354 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending accounts) starts on July 1, 2021. If you made any changes during Benefit Choice, you should have received a mailing from CMS at your home address confirming your Benefit Choice elections. Any changes you made will be in effect tomorrow.

• New State Life Insurance Carrier - MetLife

  Jun 29, 2021 3:00 pm559 views

  MetLife is the new Life Insurance Carrier for the State of Illinois Employees’ Group Insurance Program (SEGIP) with coverage transitioning July 1, 2021. Please watch your mail regarding the plan summary and rate information. 

• Unemployment fraud, phishing on the rise via text, email, social media

  Jun 28, 2021 12:30 pm840 views

  Following is a general notice and reminder to all University of Illinois System faculty and staff to be aware of an increase in identity theft-related unemployment fraud and phishing schemes.

  The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) issued a press release urging citizens to be on high alert for phishing schemes attempting to impersonate and exploit IDES and unemployment systems across the country. Note: IDES will never send a text message seeking your personal information, such as your social security number or driver’s license number.

• Reminder: Be Alert for Phishing Attempts

  Jun 24, 2021 4:15 pm62 views

  Be cautious of unexpected messages or emails asking you to urgently log in to a website or service. Please protect your personal information.

• Introducing University 403(b) Plan Enhancements

  Jun 22, 2021 8:30 am2981 views

  We are pleased to announce important upcoming enhancements to the University 403(b) Plan.

  The University of Illinois System is committed to providing a best in class Supplemental 403(b) Plan to help support your financial wellbeing and to help you prepare for your retirement goals.

• ConnectYourCare is transitioning to Optum Financial

  Jun 18, 2021 12:15 pm645 views

  ConnectYourCare (CYC), the current vendor for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), is transitioning to Optum Financial over the coming months. During this time, you may see both the CYC and Optum Financial names on program materials.

• Junteenth Holiday

  Jun 17, 2021 6:00 pm0 views

  I am delighted that President Biden and Governor Pritzker each signed legislation this week declaring Juneteenth a holiday on both the federal and state levels.

• June 2021 Wellness Connection

  Jun 2, 2021 1:00 pm0 views

  The June 2021 Wellness Connection Newsletter is now available! In this issue: Active Recovery for Better Workouts, Cherry Berry Smoothie, Step Up for PTSD Awareness, The Benefits of the Great Outdoors, and A BIG Thank You to Leana Coffey.

• State of Illinois Budget Update

  Jun 2, 2021 8:00 am0 views

  Over the holiday weekend, the Illinois legislature approved a budget for the coming fiscal year that would hold state appropriations at current-year levels for the University of Illinois System. The proposed budget will be sent to Gov. J.B. Pritzker, who is expected to sign it into law.

• HSHS Medical Group Provider Coverage for FY22

  May 27, 2021 4:30 pm157 views

  HSHS Medical Group will continue to serve Aetna HMO, Aetna OAP, Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) and Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) for FY22.

• Last Chance: Benefit Choice Ends Tuesday, June 1!

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am216 views

  Benefit Choice ends Tuesday, June 1! This is your final reminder to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. Elections will be effective July 1, 2021

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am148 views

  The end of Benefit Choice is June 1. If you haven’t re-enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program for the plan year beginning on July 1, 2021, you have until June 1 to do so at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov. No action is required if you are not re-enrolling in an FSA or making any other Benefit Choice changes!

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends June 1!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am112 views

  The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov, including health, dental, life insurance, flexible spending account (MCAP/DCAP) enrollment, and health savings account (HSA) enrollment. Elections will be effective July 1, 2021. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Flex Spending Re-enrollment is not automatic!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am62 views

  Re-enrollment in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is not automatic! To continue participation, you must re-enroll! For more information, see the FSA Program.

• Avijit Ghosh named interim executive VP for U of I System

  May 19, 2021 11:00 am0 views

  Avijit Ghosh, vice president/chief financial officer and comptroller for the University of Illinois System since 2018, has been named interim executive vice president and vice president for academic affairs, effective July 15, President Tim Killeen announced today.

• Salary Program 2021

  May 14, 2021 11:00 am0 views

  I am pleased to announce the authorization of a 2 percent, merit-based salary program for faculty, academic professional and civil service staff across the University of Illinois System, effective August 16, 2021.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by June 1

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am169 views

  We’re half way through Benefit Choice at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov! Remember, you have until June 1 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year. Elections will be effective July 1, 2021. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am183 views

  If you made a Benefit Choice change that requires supporting documentation, please remember to provide your documents by the deadline!

• CDHP and Health Savings Account Benefit

  May 12, 2021 12:15 pm60 views

  Are you considering the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) during Benefit Choice this year? The CDHP is a high-deductible health plan as defined by the IRS. CDHP participants may choose any physician or hospital for medical services; however, you receive enhanced benefits, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs, when receiving services from a CDHP in-network provider. CDHP has a nationwide network of providers through Aetna PPO.

• COVID-19 Funeral Assistance Available

  May 7, 2021 3:15 pm39 views

  Under the Coronavirus Response and Relief Supplemental Appropriations Act of 2021 and the American Rescue Plan Act of 2021, FEMA is providing financial assistance for COVID-19 related funeral expenses incurred after January 20, 2020.

• Expanded Funeral/Bereavement Leave and Parental Leave

  May 3, 2021 8:00 am200 views

  The University of Illinois System is pleased to announce the expansion of funeral/bereavement leave and parental leave for leave benefit-eligible employees. These leave enhancements are effective 8/16/21.

• Barbara J. Wilson named president of the University of Iowa

  Apr 30, 2021 6:30 pm0 views

  Barbara J. Wilson, a longtime University of Illinois faculty member and administrator who has served as second-in-command of the U of I System since 2016, was unanimously approved as president of the University of Iowa today by the Board of Regents.

• Benefit Choice Virtual Benefit Fairs

  Apr 27, 2021 8:00 am166 views

  Do you have questions about changes and plan options available for the FY2022 Benefit Choice period? The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Fairs will be held online throughout the month of May.

• FY 2022 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 26, 2021 8:00 am419 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end June 1, 2021.

• Benefit Choice: Save on Taxes with a Flexible Spending Account!

  Apr 22, 2021 12:00 pm122 views

  Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? If you spend $265 or more per year on recurring eligible medical or dependent care expenses, then you may save money by paying for them with an FSA. You can reduce your taxable income when you contribute to this plan.

• Springfield Clinic Provider Coverage for FY22

  Apr 22, 2021 8:00 am635 views

  Effective July 1, 2021, Springfield Clinic will no longer have providers available under the HMO Illinois (Physicians Health Association of Illinois (PHAI) Medical Group) or Blue Advantage HMO plans for State of Illinois.

• Urbana: Faculty and Staff Emergency Fund Drive Spring 2021

  Apr 19, 2021 8:00 am17 views

  The Emergency Fund needs your help!

• 2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Awards

  Apr 16, 2021 10:00 am110 views

  We are pleased to announce the recipients of the 2021 Distinguished Employee Leadership and Team Awards!

• Reminder: Academic Vacation Leave Rollover

  Apr 12, 2021 8:00 am121 views

  Last June, we communicated that all academic employees (faculty, academic professional, and post docs) who are eligible for vacation leave would be allowed to rollover a maximum of 53 (increased from 48) vacation leave days from AY 2019/2020 to be used in AY 2020/2021. Employees who rolled over up to five (5) days of accrued but unused vacation from AY 2019/2020, in addition to the 48 days maximum, must use those extra days by August 15, 2021. The rollover maximum of 48 days will be restored for AY 2021/2022.