blog posts 2008 Benefit Choice Enrollment Jul 2, 2008 2:30 pm27 views The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that there will be two Benefit Choice Enrollment periods this year. 2008 Benefit Choice Enrollment - Period 2 Sep 23, 2008 2:30 pm13 views The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced Benefit Choice Enrollment Period 2. Important Information about Beneficiary Designations May 5, 2009 2:45 pm124 views Important reminder for employees to update their beneficiary designation(s) under University benefit plans when they experience a life event. Events Planned for Savings Bonds Program May 14, 2009 2:45 pm11 views US Savings Bonds Program Changes Savings Bonds Enrollment Opportunity Sep 4, 2009 8:30 am12 views Savings Bonds Enrollment Opportunity Savings Bond Enrollment Opportunity Sep 17, 2009 8:30 am6 views A representative from National Bond and Trust will be available on the Urbana campus to answer questions and assist with enrollments. QCHP and QCDP Claim Payment Delay Notice Oct 6, 2009 8:30 am35 views Please see the CMS website for information regarding claim payment delays with the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) and the Quality Care Dental Plan (QCDP). Payroll Deduction Info for University Life Insurance Plan May 17, 2010 8:30 am17 views Employees who participate in the University Life Insurance Plan with ING/ReliaStar may notice a change in their payroll deduction. New Dental Claim Form Jul 22, 2010 8:30 am12 views A new Humana/CompBenefits Dental Claim Form is available for immediate use. Please note that the claim filing address has changed. You may wish to notify your provider or provide them with a copy. Retail Maintenance Pharmacy Network Changes effective 9/20/2010 Aug 31, 2010 8:30 am38 views The Retail Maintenance Pharmacy Network for the Quality Care Health Plan, Health Alliance Illinois, Humana-Winnebago and HealthLink OAP will be changing significantly effective 09/20/2010. Important MCAP Reminders Sep 10, 2010 11:00 am16 views Central Management Services (CMS) would like to share a few important reminders with FY2010 and FY2011 participants in the Medical Care Assistance Plan (MCAP). Free Seasonal Flu Shots at University of Illinois at Chicago Sep 21, 2010 11:00 am59 views Seasonal flu shots will be available at no charge to eligible State of Illinois employees and retirees on October 12 and October 19, 2010 on the UIC campus. Flu Shot Clinic at Urbana-Champaign Campus Oct 18, 2010 11:00 am92 views Eligible employees may receive free Flu Shots (influenza vaccine) at McKinley Health Center and other campus locations. Fall 2010 Dependent Certification Period Extended Nov 3, 2010 11:00 am13 views Eligible dependents can be reinstated if the Fall Certification deadline of October 31, 2010 was missed. Did you know you can defer vacation and/or compensable sick leave payouts to your 403(b) or 457(b) account upon separation/retirement from the University? Nov 5, 2010 11:00 am387 views Contact your campus UPB Benefits Services office on or before 60 days prior to your last day of employment to submit an election form. Rush Health Associates Nov 19, 2010 12:00 pm28 views HMO Illinois participants who have selected Rush Health Associates #332 (Rush) as their medical group provider: Please be aware of possible contract changes effective January 1, 2011. 2010 Annual Update to Prudential Long Term Disability Premiums Dec 3, 2010 11:00 am18 views Employees who participate in the University LTD Plan may notice a change in their payroll deduction on their first paycheck in December. Federal Health Care Legislation Required Notice - FYI Only Dec 6, 2010 11:00 am11 views You will soon be receiving a federally mandated announcement from The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) related to a provision of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA). It is a "for your information" announcement and does not require you to take any action. QCHP and QCDP Claim Payment Delays Dec 7, 2010 11:15 am15 views There are claim payment delays under the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) and Quality Care Dental Plan (QCDP). MCAP Over-the-Counter (OTC) Change Effective 1/1/2011 Dec 17, 2010 12:00 pm58 views Effective January 1, 2011, OTC drugs and medicines will no longer be eligible for reimbursement without a prescription from the attending provider. QCHP Changes Effective 3/1/2011 Jan 19, 2011 12:00 pm14 views Effective March 1, 2011, changes are being implemented in the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP). Dependent Eligibility Certification Spring 2011 Feb 15, 2011 12:15 pm12 views Central Management Services (CMS) Certification Statements for dependent children age 19 and older will be mailed to employees' home addresses. Attend an IGPA Pension Panel Discussion Mar 23, 2011 11:30 am37 views Informative Pension Panel Discussions presented by IGPA will be hosted on each campus. Additional events focused on retirement, pensions, and state budget issues are also upcoming. Update: State of Illinois Managed Care Plans Apr 19, 2011 12:15 pm26 views University of Illinois President Michael Hogan sent a letter to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services to communicate the impact of the State's recent managed care plan decision upon the University. Legislative Hearing on Managed Care Decision (Health Alliance) Apr 26, 2011 12:15 pm13 views A hearing about the State of Illinois decision to discontinue its contract with Health Alliance as a managed care provider will be held on April 27 at 4 PM in Room 114 of the State Capitol Building in Springfield. Benefit Choice FY2012 Apr 29, 2011 12:15 pm30 views The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the annual Benefit Choice Enrollment period will begin May 1. FY2012 Benefit Choice Urbana Campus Outreach Sessions May 2, 2011 12:30 pm17 views The Urbana campus UPB Benefits Services office is sponsoring Benefit Choice Outreach Sessions. University Advocates for Employees in Managed Care Decision May 19, 2011 12:30 pm13 views We are voicing your concerns about access to trusted physicians and specialists, affordability of coverage, and continuity of care. FY2012 Benefit Choice (NESSIE) Enrollment Period May 1st - June 17th May 25, 2011 12:15 pm20 views CMS has announced the final decision regarding the state's managed care contracts. Those in discontinued plans must select a new health plan. Employees may make Benefit Choice changes online in NESSIE until June 17. Update: State Pension Legislation May 31, 2011 11:15 am9 views Recent events include President Hogan's testimony before the House of Representatives on the pension changes proposed in SB 512 and a statement by lawmakers postponing consideration of pension changes. Springfield Campus: Attend a Benefit Choice Computer Lab Session Jun 2, 2011 10:00 am13 views Open computer lab sessions are available to assist employees with making their Benefit Choice changes in NESSIE. Benefit Choice Update: Latest News from CMS Jun 2, 2011 10:15 am10 views The June 17 deadline to make Benefit Choice changes, as well as the health plan contracts announced in April are not changed by recent legislation. Urbana & Springfield: OAP Information for Benefit Choice Jun 3, 2011 12:15 pm50 views View a brief overview chart and frequently asked questions about the Open Access Plan options. Reminder - FY12 Benefit Choice (NESSIE) Enrollment Period will end on June 17 Jun 7, 2011 10:15 am13 views If you currently participate in a discontinued health plan and have not yet made your Benefit Choice election, please do so soon. Springfield Campus: Attend a Benefit Choice Computer Lab Session Jun 8, 2011 10:15 am20 views Open computer lab sessions are available to assist employees with making their Benefit Choice changes in NESSIE. Judge's Order in State of Illinois Managed Healthcare Plans Jun 11, 2011 12:30 pm7 views A judge's order in a lawsuit filed by Health Alliance and Humana has created uncertainty about the Benefit Choice Period. Urgent Notice: Benefit Choice Healthcare Options Jun 13, 2011 10:00 am24 views As of June 13, 2011, the only plan choices effective for July 1 are HMO Illinois, Blue Advantage HMO, and QCHP. Employees must still make a choice by June 17. Benefit Choice Update: COGFA allows new 90-day healthcare contracts Jun 14, 2011 12:30 pm13 views The State is negotiating 90-day contracts with health insurance plan vendors. Options and details will be made available as they are known. Benefit Choice deadline remains June 17. Urgent Notice: 90-Day Healthcare Plans Available Now Jun 15, 2011 10:15 am11 views Agreements have been reached with some current providers, including Health Alliance and HealthLink OAP. Faculty and staff can make changes or reset their choice in NESSIE. Urgent Notice: Additional 90-Day Healthcare Plans Available Now Jun 16, 2011 10:15 am11 views Agreements have been reached with PersonalCare HMO and PersonalCare OAP. Faculty and staff can make changes or reset their choice in NESSIE. Benefit Choice: DEADLINE EXTENDED TO JUNE 20 Jun 16, 2011 12:00 pm18 views The Benefit Choice Period has been extended to Monday, June 20. Important Changes to the University's ING/ReliaStar TriTerm Life Insurance Program Jun 21, 2011 10:15 am74 views New enrollments in the University life insurance program will be discontinued July 1, 2011. Coverage for current participants will continue according to policy provisions as long as premiums are paid through payroll deduction or direct payment to ING/ReliaStar. Holiday Schedules 2011-2012 Jun 27, 2011 1:00 pm25 views The 2011-2012 holiday schedules for the University are now available. Answers to Post-Benefit Choice FAQs Jun 28, 2011 12:00 pm27 views Answers to common questions asked after the close of the Benefit Choice Period. Healthcare Update from CMS Aug 17, 2011 12:00 pm11 views Members remain enrolled in and covered by their current health carrier. Healthcare Update: Special Enrollment Period Timeframe Scenarios Aug 30, 2011 12:00 pm19 views CMS identifies two possible scenarios for the Special Enrollment Period(s) due to the health plans' 90-day extensions ending on September 28, 2011. Healthcare Update: Managed Care Contracts Extended Through June 30, 2012 Aug 31, 2011 10:15 am9 views CMS announces managed care contracts extended through June; special enrollment to be held in October. SURS Money Purchase Factors Change Effective July 2, 2012 Sep 1, 2011 11:30 am294 views SURS announces changes to Money Purchase factors used to determine monthly annuity benefits. SURS Retirement Planning Seminars on the Urbana Campus Sep 7, 2011 11:30 am20 views Register now for on-campus seminars presented by SURS on September 16 & 27. Lower Expense Ratio Funds for the University's Supplemental 403(b) Plan Sep 20, 2011 10:30 am40 views TIAA-CREF and Fidelity introduce new Share Class for Funds