blog posts

• Updated State Benefits Handbook Now Available

  Aug 20, 2025 2:00 pm96 views

  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 Benefit Choice booklet serves as an annual supplement to this Handbook, which describes any changes and annual rates for that plan year.

  Please review the updated Handbook

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

  Apr 22, 2024 2:00 pm100 views

  Have you considered participating in the State of Illinois Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Plan? 

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 22, 2023 9:00 am106 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts) starts on July 1, 2023. If you made any changes during Benefit Choice, you should have received or will soon receive a mailing from CMS at your home address confirming your Benefit Choice elections. Any changes you made will be in effect July 1, 2023. 

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2022 8:00 am115 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.

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 6, 2022 8:00 am115 views

  Participants in the University LTD Plan may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually and is effective for the period of December 1, 2022 - November 30, 2023.

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends June 1!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am135 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 12, 2021 7:30 am141 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.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2025 2:00 pm147 views

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

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 29, 2022 8:00 am147 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending accounts) started on July 1, and any changes you made during Benefit Choice are now in effect. If you have not already done so, now is a great time to verify your benefit elections and payroll deductions.

• New Benefit: Life Insurance With Long-Term Care

  Dec 3, 2025 4:00 pm147 views

  There’s still time to secure the new Life Insurance with Long-Term Care benefit through MyBenefits Plus. Open Enrollment has been extended through Friday, December 12, 2025. 

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

  Apr 19, 2023 8:00 am155 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. 

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

  Apr 22, 2021 12:00 pm155 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.

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends May 31!

  May 20, 2022 1:00 pm162 views

  The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until May 31 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, 2022.

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

  Apr 19, 2022 8:00 am171 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.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by May 31

  May 13, 2022 8:00 am172 views

  We’re halfway through Benefit Choice at https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov! Remember, you have until May 31 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year. Elections will be effective July 1, 2022. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2022 8:30 am172 views

  The end of Benefit Choice is May 31. If you haven’t re-enrolled in the Flexible Spending Account (FSA) Program for the plan year beginning on July 1, 2022, you have until May 31 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!

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am185 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!

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2022 8:00 am194 views

  Receive State-benefits notices from MyBenefits faster by providing your email address!

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 12, 2023 8:45 am194 views

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

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2021 8:00 am195 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.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by June 1

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am197 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.

• Important Update: Changes to the 403(b) Retirement Plan

  May 30, 2025 1:45 pm200 views

  The University of Illinois System is committed to offering a best in class 403(b) Plan to help you prepare for your retirement goals. After a recent review, an important update to the Plan fee structure is being made, as detailed within this blogpost. 

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 3, 2021 1:00 pm205 views

  Participants in the University LTD Plan may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually, and is effective for the period of December 1, 2021 - November 30, 2022.

• Benefit Choice Virtual Benefit Fairs

  Apr 27, 2021 8:00 am210 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.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Dec 8, 2022 8:00 am219 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 16, 2024 2:00 pm227 views

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

• MetLife Advantages Program

  Oct 14, 2021 3:00 pm229 views

  Did you know that in addition to basic term life coverage, SEGIP benefits-eligible employees have access to additional services through the State Life Insurance vendor, MetLife?

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2021

  Sep 15, 2021 7:30 am230 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.

• Last Chance: Benefit Choice Ends Tuesday, May 31!

  May 27, 2022 8:30 am231 views

  Benefit Choice ends Tuesday, May 31! 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, 2022.

• HSHS Medical Group Provider Coverage for FY22

  May 27, 2021 4:30 pm243 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.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 23, 2022 8:00 am246 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending accounts) starts on July 1, 2022. If you made any changes during Benefit Choice, you should have received or will soon receive a mailing from CMS at your home address confirming your Benefit Choice elections. Any changes you made will be in effect July 1, 2022.

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

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am247 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

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am252 views

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

• Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Feb 3, 2021 8:00 am277 views

  Have you designated or reviewed your beneficiaries for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage? We recommend that you periodically review your beneficiary designations for your Securian Financial (Minnesota Life) coverage and make a designation if you haven't already!

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Sep 30, 2021 7:30 am277 views

  Receive State-benefits notices from MyBenefits faster by providing your email address!

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 13, 2022 9:00 am286 views

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

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 17, 2021 1:00 pm310 views

  Have you reviewed your mailing address recently?

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 4, 2024 8:00 am313 views

  You are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from your health plan. No matter which plan you are enrolled in, receiving health care from an out-of-network provider will significantly increase your out-of-pocket medical costs.

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 30, 2021 11:00 am331 views

  The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending accounts) started on July 1, and any changes you made during Benefit Choice are now in effect. If you have not already done so, now is a great time to verify your benefit elections and payroll deductions.

• Benefit Choice Fairs available in May 2025

  Apr 25, 2025 10:00 am337 views

  Do you have questions about changes and plan options available during the FY2026 Benefit Choice period? The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Fairs will be held in-person and will have recordings available online throughout the month of May.

• LTD Plan Open Enrollment Begins February 20

  Feb 20, 2023 9:00 am352 views

  Open Enrollment for the University Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan is available now through March 10, 2023!

• Expanded Funeral/Bereavement Leave and Parental Leave

  May 3, 2021 8:00 am364 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.

• State Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 14, 2021 8:00 am374 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.

• HealthLink Participants: Watch for Your Updated ID Card

  Jul 9, 2021 11:45 am382 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.

• Reminder: State Benefit Updates Effective July 1

  Aug 16, 2021 7:30 am393 views

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

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 30, 2021 11:00 am408 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 23, 2021 8:00 am419 views

  You are encouraged to use in-network providers to receive the best value from your health plan. No matter which plan you are enrolled in, receiving health care from an out-of-network provider will significantly increase your out-of-pocket medical costs.

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 2, 2024 8:00 am421 views

  Did you know that as a full-time State benefits-eligible employee you have access to MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program?

• MyBenefits Unavailable September 8 - 12

  Sep 2, 2021 7:30 am468 views

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

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Mar 31, 2022 4:00 pm537 views

  Ensure your life insurance benefits are distributed according to your wishes by designating or reviewing your beneficiary designations for your State of Illinois Life Insurance coverage