blog posts

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 13, 2023 11:30 am10 views

  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, 2024 - November 30, 2025. 

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2024

  Sep 19, 2024 9:00 am22 views

  Only a couple weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2024 plan year!

• America Saves Week 2025

  Apr 1, 2025 2:30 pm25 views

  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:

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

  May 31, 2024 4:00 pm25 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 11, 2025 10:00 am29 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.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Sep 12, 2024 1:00 pm33 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.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Apr 18, 2024 8:00 am36 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.

• Health Alliance Participants: the Benefit Choice Deadline is Approaching

  May 29, 2025 3:00 pm39 views

  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.

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

  May 30, 2024 8:00 am39 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. 

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  May 2, 2025 11:30 am40 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.

• Springfield Clinic Letter

  Apr 21, 2022 1:00 pm42 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.

• State Health Plan Transition of Services

  Jul 1, 2025 11:00 am42 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.  

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 24, 2024 10:00 am42 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 17, 2023 8:30 am43 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.

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends May 31!

  May 21, 2024 8:00 am44 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.

• Saving For Your Future? Supplemental Retirement Plans Can Help!

  Jul 23, 2025 1:15 pm44 views

  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.

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2023

  Sep 19, 2023 8:00 am44 views

  Only a couple weeks remain to submit your Flexible Spending Account (FSA) claims for the FY2023 plan year! You are receiving this email because our records indicate that you participated in an FSA during FY2023. Any remaining claims for services from July 1, 2022 through June 30, 2023, must be submitted by September 30 for reimbursement.

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 5, 2023 8:00 am44 views

  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. 

• Navigating Market Volatility With TIAA and Fidelity

  Jun 13, 2025 8:45 am45 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. 

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 21, 2023 11:00 am47 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.

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2023 8:00 am48 views

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

• MyBenefits Plus Webinar

  May 7, 2024 2:00 pm48 views

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

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2023 8:00 am48 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, 2023, 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!

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by May 31

  May 15, 2024 8:00 am51 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, 2024. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs. 

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

  May 30, 2023 8:00 am51 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.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Sep 14, 2023 2:00 pm51 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.

• State Spouse Life Insurance Reduction for Spouses Age 60+

  Nov 6, 2024 11:15 am53 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. 

• Coming Soon: Open Enrollment for University Long Term Disability Plan

  Feb 13, 2023 9:00 am54 views

  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.

• CVS Caremark® Prescription Drug Coverage Information

  Oct 6, 2025 9:30 am55 views

  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.

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 10, 2024 3:00 pm56 views

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

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 4, 2023 8:00 am58 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. 

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 15, 2024 8:30 am60 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: Make Your Choices by May 31

  May 12, 2023 8:00 am64 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, 2023. For help registering and logging in to MyBenefits, see the MyBenefits FAQs.

• Aetna OAP System Update and Claim Reprocessing

  Sep 16, 2025 4:00 pm66 views

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

• Commuter Benefit Program Contribution Limit Increase for 2025

  Nov 25, 2024 3:45 pm70 views

  The Commuter benefit program contribution limit is increasing for 2025.

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2022

  Sep 15, 2022 8:00 am73 views

  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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 28, 2025 9:00 am74 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.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jul 16, 2025 2:30 pm79 views

  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.

• 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.

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 28, 2024 9:00 am80 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, 2024, you have until May 31 to do so. 

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice ends June 2nd

  May 22, 2025 4:00 pm82 views

  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

• Review Your Fidelity Beneficiary Designation

  Aug 26, 2025 8:00 am82 views

  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. 

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Aug 6, 2024 2:00 pm84 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.

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

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am85 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.

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends May 31!

  May 19, 2023 8:00 am86 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, 2023.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 25, 2024 9:00 am87 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. 

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2023 8:30 am89 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.

• Updated State Benefits Handbook Now Available

  Aug 20, 2025 2:00 pm93 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

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  Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Apr 12, 2023 8:00 am95 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.