System HR News

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.

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

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!

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.

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.

 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. 

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.

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.

403(b) Supplemental Retirement Plan - 2026 Universal Availability Notice

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. 

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.

Did you change health plans to a plan that utilizes CVS Caremark® for prescription drug coverage? Please review this information to make the most of your benefits.

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.

The last day to make Benefit Choice changes will be here soon! Remember, you only have until June 2 to make your State benefit elections or changes for the upcoming plan year on https://MyBenefits.illinois.gov

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

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.

Control where your University of Illinois Fidelity 403(b) inheritance goes! Life changes, and so do your wants and needs. If something happens to you, make sure your beneficiary information reflects your current wishes. 

The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts) starts on July 1, 2024. 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. 

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.

The new plan year for State benefits (health/vision, dental, and life insurance, and flexible spending and health savings accounts) started on July 1, 2025. 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 went into effect on July 1, 2025.

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.

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.

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

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.

The University of Illinois System was made aware of an Aetna OAP claim processing error that may have impacted your billing.

As a participant in the University LTD Plan, you may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually and is effective for the period of December 1, 2025 - November 30, 2026.

As a participant in the 403(b) retirement plan, we understand that market volatility can raise questions and concerns. While short-term shifts can be unsettling, it’s important to stay informed and focused on long-term goals. 

If you switched to a new health plan this year under the State Employees Group Insurance Program, there are some important things to know about emergency ambulance services.

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, 2024, you have until May 31 to do so. 

Did you know that as a full-time State benefits-eligible employee you have access to MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program? MyBenefits Plus, administered by Corestream, offers a variety of services available to you through payroll deduction. 

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.

Please note: Health Alliance HMO will no longer be available on July 1, 2025.

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, 2023.

The Commuter benefit program contribution limit is increasing for 2025.

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.

Are you contributing to a supplemental retirement and investment plan? If not, now may be a good time to start!

The University 403(b) Plan is one of three supplemental retirement plans available to help you start or increase your retirement savings. Enrollment is voluntary and available at any time. There is no employer contribution on the supplemental retirement plans.

Due to a change in the Group Insurance Act 5 ILCS 375/7a(5), State Spouse Life Coverage was reduced for spouses aged 60 and over, from $10,000 to $5,000 and the corresponding premium rate of $5.70 was reduced to $2.85 effective October 1, 2024. 

You may be eligible for the University Supplemental Long Term Disability (LTD) Plan. This voluntary plan is a supplement to the State Universities Retirement System (SURS) disability benefit and may provide additional coverage if you become unable to work due to sickness or injury.

Only a few weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2022 plan year! You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you participated in an FSA during FY202. Any remaining claims for services from July 1, 2021 through June 30, 2022, must be submitted by September 30 for reimbursement.

Are you interested in learning more about MyBenefits Plus, a voluntary benefit program? 

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, 2023. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

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

The second week of April marks America Saves Week, a week of opportunity to focus on your savings strategies. University of Illinois System approved 403(b) retirement plan investment companies, TIAA and Fidelity Investments, offer these tips and resources to help you help you build a strong financial future:

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, 2024. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs. 

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.

You may have received a letter from Springfield Clinic regarding health care claims. The letter only applies to Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) Open Access Plan (OAP) members. Please disregard if you participate in a BCBS HMO (HMO Illinois or BlueAdvantage HMO) plan.

As a participant in the University LTD Plan, you may notice a change to your payroll deduction amount. The deduction is calculated annually and is effective for the period of December 1, 2023 - November 30, 2024. 

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.

The following information is intended for Health Alliance plan participants:

If you fail to make elections prior to midnight on June 2^nd, you and any covered dependents will be defaulted into the Quality Care Health Plan effective July 1, 2025.

The following is important information for employees enrolled in State of Illinois health insurance coverage who made a health plan change for the new plan year, beginning July 1.  

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.