blog posts

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2021 8:00 am194 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2022 8:00 am114 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2023 8:30 am84 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Aug 6, 2024 2:00 pm77 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Login with HealthSafe ID

  Aug 6, 2021 7:30 am557 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.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 22, 2023 9:00 am98 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. 

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 23, 2022 8:00 am244 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.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 25, 2024 9:00 am79 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, 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. 

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 30, 2021 11:00 am405 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.

• State Spouse Life Insurance Reduction for Spouses Age 60+

  Nov 6, 2024 11:15 am44 views

  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. 

• State Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 14, 2021 8:00 am368 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.

• State Health Plan Transition of Services

  Jul 1, 2025 11:00 am0 views

  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.  

• Springfield Clinic Provider Coverage for FY22

  Apr 22, 2021 8:00 am1091 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.

• Springfield Clinic Letter

  Apr 21, 2022 1:00 pm41 views

  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.

• Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Feb 3, 2021 8:00 am274 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!

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 17, 2021 1:00 pm304 views

  Have you reviewed your mailing address recently?

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 12, 2021 7:30 am140 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 15, 2024 8:30 am54 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 17, 2022 11:00 am79 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 17, 2023 8:30 am37 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.

• 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.

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 30, 2021 11:00 am327 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.

• Reminder: State Benefit Updates Effective July 1

  Aug 16, 2021 7:30 am389 views

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

• New State Life Insurance Carrier - MetLife

  Jun 29, 2021 3:00 pm971 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. 

• Navigating Market Volatility With TIAA and Fidelity

  Jun 13, 2025 8:45 am17 views

  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. 

• MyBenefits Unavailable September 8 - 12

  Sep 2, 2021 7:30 am467 views

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

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2022 8:00 am189 views

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

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2023 8:00 am47 views

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

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 10, 2024 3:00 pm47 views

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

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Sep 30, 2021 7:30 am274 views

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

• MyBenefits Plus Webinar

  May 7, 2024 2:00 pm41 views

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

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 2, 2024 8:00 am312 views

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

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 4, 2022 8:00 am1200 views

  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.

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 4, 2023 8:00 am55 views

  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. 

• MetLife Advantages Program

  Oct 14, 2021 3:00 pm226 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?

• Message from CMS about higher than expected call volume at MyBenefits Service Center

  May 31, 2024 4:00 pm20 views

  Due to a higher than expected call volume at the MyBenefits Call Center, there could be a longer than normal wait time to speak with a representative. All voicemails received today, May 31, 2024, into the call center to enroll will be honored and processed with you in the next two business days.

• 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!

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

  May 30, 2023 8:00 am44 views

  Benefit Choice ends Wednesday, 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, 2023.

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

  May 27, 2022 8:30 am225 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.

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

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am244 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

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

  May 30, 2024 8:00 am30 views

  Benefit Choice ends Wednesday, 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. 

• Important Update: Health Alliance Insurance Plan Ending - What You Need to Know

  Mar 11, 2025 10:00 am540 views

  The following information is intended for Health Alliance plan participants.  
  
  On February 25, 2025, Health Alliance announced it will discontinue its commercial insurance operations at the end of the 2025 calendar year. As a result, through Health Alliance's collaboration with the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) the decision was made to end coverage with Health Alliance effective July 1, 2025. 

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

  May 30, 2025 1:45 pm120 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. 

• HSHS Medical Group Provider Coverage for FY22

  May 27, 2021 4:30 pm237 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 28, 2025 9:00 am56 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.
  
  Please note: Health Alliance HMO will no longer be available on July 1, 2025.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 31, 2021 8:00 am632 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 4, 2024 8:00 am257 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 5, 2022 8:00 am598 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 5, 2023 8:00 am48 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 21, 2023 11:00 am41 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.