blog posts

• ConnectYourCare is transitioning to Optum Financial

  Jun 18, 2021 12:15 pm1384 views

  ConnectYourCare (CYC), the current vendor for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), is transitioning to Optum Financial over the coming months. During this time, you may see both the CYC and Optum Financial names on program materials.

• FY 2023 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 25, 2022 8:00 am1160 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2023 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end May 31, 2022.

• Springfield Clinic Provider Coverage for FY22

  Apr 22, 2021 8:00 am1078 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.

• New State Life Insurance Carrier - MetLife

  Jun 29, 2021 3:00 pm951 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. 

• MyBenefits Plus Voluntary Benefit Programs

  May 4, 2022 8:00 am931 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.

• FY 2022 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 26, 2021 8:00 am757 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2022 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end June 1, 2021.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Mar 31, 2021 8:00 am611 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

  Mar 31, 2022 4:00 pm508 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 Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Apr 5, 2022 8:00 am488 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Login with HealthSafe ID

  Aug 6, 2021 7:30 am488 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.

• CDHP and Health Savings Account Benefit

  May 12, 2021 12:15 pm477 views

  Are you considering the Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) with a Health Savings Account (HSA) during Benefit Choice this year? The CDHP is a high-deductible health plan as defined by the IRS. CDHP participants may choose any physician or hospital for medical services; however, you receive enhanced benefits, resulting in lower out-of-pocket costs, when receiving services from a CDHP in-network provider. CDHP has a nationwide network of providers through Aetna PPO.

• MyBenefits Unavailable September 8 - 12

  Sep 2, 2021 7:30 am462 views

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

• FY 2024 Benefit Choice Announcement

  Apr 25, 2023 8:00 am424 views

  The State Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has announced that the Fiscal Year (FY) 2024 Benefit Choice enrollment period will begin May 1 and end May 31, 2023.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 23, 2021 8:00 am404 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.

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 30, 2021 11:00 am399 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.

• Reminder: State Benefit Updates Effective July 1

  Aug 16, 2021 7:30 am385 views

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

• State Life Insurance Beneficiary Designation

  Jul 14, 2021 8:00 am357 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.

• Expanded Funeral/Bereavement Leave and Parental Leave

  May 3, 2021 8:00 am355 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.

• LTD Plan Open Enrollment Begins February 20

  Feb 20, 2023 9:00 am346 views

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

• HealthLink Participants: Watch for Your Updated ID Card

  Jul 9, 2021 11:45 am344 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.

• Health Plan Reminder: Out-of-Network Providers

  Sep 22, 2022 8:00 am338 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 am321 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.

• Review/Update Your Mailing Address

  Sep 17, 2021 1:00 pm299 views

  Have you reviewed your mailing address recently?

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 13, 2022 9:00 am279 views

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

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Sep 30, 2021 7:30 am269 views

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

• Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Feb 3, 2021 8:00 am267 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!

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

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am239 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

• Verify Your State Benefit Elections

  Jun 23, 2022 8:00 am239 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.

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am233 views

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

• Deadline September 30: Submit FSA Claims for FY2021

  Sep 15, 2021 7:30 am223 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 am221 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.

• MetLife Advantages Program

  Oct 14, 2021 3:00 pm218 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?

• HSHS Medical Group Provider Coverage for FY22

  May 27, 2021 4:30 pm215 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.

• Designate or Review Your Beneficiaries: State Life Insurance

  Dec 8, 2022 8:00 am208 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

• Annual Update to Long Term Disability (LTD) Premiums

  Dec 3, 2021 1:00 pm198 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 am197 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.

• Benefit Choice: Make Your Choices by June 1

  May 14, 2021 8:00 am189 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.

• Your Flexible Spending Account: Verify Deductions and Reminder

  Jul 13, 2021 8:00 am189 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.

• MyBenefits: Review/Add Your Email Address

  Apr 6, 2022 8:00 am184 views

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

• Benefit Choice: Submit Your Documentation

  May 12, 2023 8:45 am183 views

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

• Flexible Spending Re-Enrollment and Reminders

  May 26, 2021 8:00 am178 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!

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

  Apr 19, 2022 8:00 am163 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 am158 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 am158 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!

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends May 31!

  May 20, 2022 1:00 pm155 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 22, 2021 12:00 pm147 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.

• Reminder: Verify Your Benefit Choice Elections

  Sep 29, 2022 8:00 am142 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.

• Returning from Leave - State Benefits Coverage

  Aug 12, 2021 7:30 am135 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: Save on Taxes with a Flexible Spending Account!

  Apr 19, 2023 8:00 am128 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. 

• Deadline Approaching: Benefit Choice Ends June 1!

  May 20, 2021 8:00 am125 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.