Contact MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 or 844-251-1778 (TDD/TTY)
with questions on how to enroll, or about navigating
MyBenefits.illinois.gov.
Representatives are available Monday - Friday, 8 AM - 6 PM CT.
Latest News
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Important Information
In response to COVID-19, the Illinois Department Central Management Services' (CMS) Bureau of Benefits (Benefits) is working to mitigate any adverse health and financial impacts to our members who may be affected, either directly or indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our members do not experience any issues regarding access to care and have appropriate resources readily available.
Benefits continues to provide uninterrupted service to our members. However, due to a reduction in staffing, we are asking you to take advantage of MyBenefits.illinois.gov, or MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday to address your benefit and enrollment questions. If you have an immediate concern that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, such as access to healthcare, please contact CMS (toll-free) 800-442-1300, select the appropriate option and leave a message. A representative will return your call within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
To learn more about how Illinois is responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit coronavirus.illinois.gov or Illinois Department of Public Health website for more information.
Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit (DEVA) –
To alleviate concerns during this unprecedented time, CMS is postponing the termination of unverified dependents.
Dependents who still require verification should submit required documentation, at www.VerifyOS.com, via fax to (877) 223-8478 or mail to HMS, PO Box 165308, Irving TX 75016-9923. Members may provide keepsake copies of documents received from the church, courthouse or hospital as valid documentation of marriage or birth as long as both the member and dependent are listed on the document. If documents needed to verify eligibility are not received by June 18, 2020, non-verified dependent(s) will be removed from health coverage effective July 1, 2020.
The HMS call center remains open and available to respond to any questions members may have.
RETIREES should contact HMS at 855-424-0849
EMPLOYEES should contact HMS at 855-424-0850
More Helpful Information
For more information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we encourage members to refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites for the most current information.
Additional information and support is offered via the following topical webinars:
If you have specific questions related to your coverage, please contact your plan administrator directly. Plan administrator information is listed below for your convenience.
Did you know? All Total Retiree Illinois (TRAIL) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans are waiving cost-sharing for ALL COVID-19 testing and treatment. Contact your plan administrator for more details.
Plan Administrator Directory
Additional Plan Administrator Information
Two new COVID-19 tip sheets
Financial resilience during the pandemic
With stock market volatility and worrying headlines about how long the pandemic will last, it’s hard not to feel uneasy and question what the future holds. Consider these tips and resources to help you work through financial decisions and challenges that you may face in the weeks ahead.
10 pandemic coping tips for adults
While the pandemic may be causing you and your loved ones feelings of anxiety and apprehension, now is a good time to look for reasons to be happy. Practice these tips to nurture yourself, improve your mood and help others.
New COVID-19 webinar recording: Managing Anxiety and Worry During Uncertain Times
The training team revised Managing Anxiety and Worry During Uncertain Times to make it relevant for the pandemic. The training and handouts are available on Magellan Ascend in the COVID-19 What’s Trending. First time users may register on www.MagellanAscend.com by creating a new account.
Webinar description: The COVID-19 pandemic has brought uncertainty, rapid change, worry and stress to our world. Although we all worry from time to time, excessive anxiety and worry can affect us emotionally and physically, as well as prevent us from functioning effectively in our work and family lives. In this training, you will pinpoint your most significant worries and develop a plan and strategies to better manage them. You will also learn tips to help others in your life manage their anxiety and worry.
URL for viewing: http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/ppi4ppbrskpa/
Two new financial webinars on Friday, April 3 – hosted by My Secure Advantage (MSA)
MSA webinars are available to all Magellan clients and members – whether or not they have legal and financial services. The webinars will be recorded and sent to anyone who registers. We will also post the recordings to www.MagellanAscend.com in the COVID-19 What’s Trending. First time users may register on www.MagellanAscend.com by creating a new account.
Budgeting When Income is Uncertain
Millions of Americans are seeing their income become more and more unpredictable. The good news is that there are many new programs trying to help. This event will take a look at those local, employer and government-based resources as they develop, so you can have a better idea of what’s available to you. We’ll also provide budgeting techniques and tips on debt and credit that can help during these challenging times. Be sure to get your financial questions in as we dedicate the last half of this event to answering what is top-of-mind.
Date/Time: Friday, April 3 at 9:00 a.m. ET
Registration URL: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6879336797587750155
Investment Strategies in Volatile Markets
If you're looking for guidance on what steps you need to be considering with your investment strategy, tune-in to this popular event that will fill up fast! Financial markets are volatile whenever the future earnings of companies, the stability of industries or the direction of global economies are uncertain. So when that happens, what do you do? In this event, we’ll talk about government and corporate actions intended to stabilize the markets, review investing principles you are currently challenged with, and answer the most commonly asked questions we get from our audience.
Date/Time: Friday, April 3 at 12:00 p.m. ET
Registration URL: https://register.gotowebinar.com/register/6272020450474074379
Added March 31, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) Important Information
In response to COVID-19, the Illinois Department Central Management Services' (CMS) Bureau of Benefits (Benefits) is working to mitigate any adverse health and financial impacts to our members who may be affected, either directly or indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our members do not experience any issues regarding access to care and have appropriate resources readily available.
Benefits continues to provide uninterrupted service to our members. However, due to a reduction in staffing, we are asking you to take advantage of MyBenefits.illinois.gov, or MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday to address your benefit and enrollment questions. If you have an immediate concern that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, such as access to healthcare, please contact CMS (toll-free) 800-442-1300, select the appropriate option and leave a message. A representative will return your call within 24 hours Monday through Friday.
To learn more about how to prepare your family, community or business, watch the video below or visit the Illinois Department of Public Health website.
More Helpful Information
For more information related to the coronavirus (COVID-19), we encourage members to refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites for the most current information.
Additional information and support is offered via the following topical webinars:
If you have specific questions related to your coverage, please contact your plan administrator directly. Plan administrator information is listed below for your convenience.
If you have an immediate concern that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, such as access to healthcare, please send an email to CMS.Ben.BCS@illinois.gov. If you have an urgent concern regarding Deferred Compensation, contact CMS.Ben.DEFComp@illinois.gov. These email boxes are being monitored Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM – 4:00 and someone will get back to you.
In addition, CMS and our partners have taken the following steps to keep healthcare members protected during this time:
Emotional health and support. Many of our employees may be feeling anxious or scared as we adapt to our “new normal.” To support the mental well-being of our employees during this stressful time, both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) administered by Magellan HealthCare and Personal Support Program (PSP) administered by AFSCME are available and have expanded their operations to include Telehealth services in addition to their regular telephonic coaching. All services are free and confidential.
View up to date information on how Illinois is handling the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the
Illinois Department of Public Health
The recording of March 23rd's webinar "Improving Your Personal and Work Life with Better Sleep" is now available here: http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/ppre6q6rpr98/ (March 27, 2020)
March – Colorectal Cancer Awareness
Big ones, small ones, everyone's got one. We're talking about bums, bottoms and buttocks. It's true, and it's important that you take care of yours. This March, we are focusing on Colorectal Cancer Awareness, because colorectal cancer is the fourth common type of cancer in the US. There are more than 100,000 new cases each year. But with early detection more than half of those deaths could be prevented. Typically, it's not necessary to participate in colorectal cancer screenings until the age of fifty. But early detection can help to ward off the disease before it even has a chance to turn into a serious condition. Remember to remind your loved ones to get screened because that screening has the potential of saving lives. For more information, contact your plan provider.
Beyond Colonoscopies – 3 Tests to Catch Colorectal Cancer 
colon health blog- March.pdf- Health Alliance's blog is a trusted source of wellness information for our members – and for people throughout the State of Illinois. Among our regular articles, we feature a monthly piece
https://blog.healthalliance.org/ dedicated to the State's current wellness topic.
Health Alliance created this short educational video to answer the most common questions our members have. Our guest this month is Dr. Robert Good, DO, Chief Medical Officer at Health Alliance.
https://vimeo.com/391255100/22c6711f65
For more wellness tools, tips and resources visit HealthAlliance.org/Wellness.
Employees
Embracing differences
Elements of diversity can include people's ethnicity, religious beliefs, cultural preferences, age group, physical abilities or handicaps, economic and educational background, and sexual orientation. You can learn and grow professionally if you make a concerted effort to understand and accept co-workers' differences.
Managers
Developing a culture of kindness
The pace of today's high-stress workplace can impact your emotional balance, mental wellness and physical health. Organizations characterized as having negative or fear-based cultures often is caused by significant workplace stress. Learn how to create a healthier work environment.
Bullying in a Team Environment and the Effects on the Bottom Line │
Wednesday, March 25
Join this webinar to
- Define what overt and covert bullying are, common bully traits and the role of power in a bullying situation
- Discuss who the bully targets and common traits of people who are targeted
- Understand the current research on what makes companies successful and the role power plays in this equation
- Describe the relationship between bullying and the bottom line and why good employees stay
Click Here to Register ***
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If you receive the message "Preparing the room..." and the room doesn't open within a few seconds, please close out of the browser and click on the URL again—when the browser opens, pick the option "Open in Application." If prompted, please download the Adobe Connect Application. If your employer doesn't allow this download, please contact your IT department to assist with downloading the application.
Work-Life For Employees & Managers
Ring In Your Spring
With the days getting warmer, it's the perfect time to shake off your winter blues and hit refresh. Work-Life is available 24/7 with support and tools to help you tackle all of your spring to-dos so you can relax, revive and refocus. Work-Life can:
- Connect you to home improvement and repair specialists
- Locate summer care, camps and programs that meet your family's needs
- Help you find residential cleaning services in your area, within your budget
- Find moving and relocation resources to help de-stress your move
- Help you plan and prepare for a baby, wedding, move or other major milestone
- Provide savings on thousands of everyday products and services
Getting help online is easy! From webinars, live talks and audio to articles and downloadable guides, Work-Life provides insights and information to help warm up your winter. Call your program or go online to get started!
Transform Your Thoughts for Weight Loss Success (HWWL)
Presenter: Joy Braunlich
Join this pre-recorded webinar:
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/pk6xa3baxcz7/ or
https://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/_a825364167/pk6xa3baxcz7/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal
***
If you receive the message "Preparing the room..." and the room doesn't open within a few seconds, please close out of the browser and click on the URL again—when the browser opens, pick the option "Open in Application." If prompted, please download the Adobe Connect Application. If your employer doesn't allow this download, please contact your IT department to assist with downloading the application.
Mindfulness: The Life-Changing Practice for Living a Happier, Healthier Life │
Join this pre-recorded webinar to:
- Discover the many benefits of mindfulness
- Discuss various practices and programs
- Learn how to incorporate mindfulness in your day to day life
- Experience the power of being present
https://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/_a825364167/p7kjujz6ny4o/?launcher=false&fcsContent=true&pbMode=normal ***
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If you receive the message "Preparing the room..." and the room doesn't open within a few seconds, please close out of the browser and click on the URL again—when the browser opens, pick the option "Open in Application." If prompted, please download the Adobe Connect Application. If your employer doesn't allow this download, please contact your IT department to assist with downloading the
application.
Last Updated 03/02/2020
Affordable Care Act tax Forms 1095-B and 1095-C
Per IRS guidance, Forms 1095-B and 1095-C are for record keeping purposes only and are not required to be filed with a participant’s 2019 tax return. The forms are currently being mailed through MyBenefits and should be received by March 2, 2020 per IRS requirements. Please note: You do not need this form to file your taxes. The forms are proof of the 2019 offer and enrollment in health insurance coverage. The information on these forms indicates that the participant and any spouse or dependent were offered coverage and the respective enrollments, if any, for each month during 2019. 1095 FAQs
Posted: 01/28/2020
Tackling Life's Challenges with Resilience and Grit
Ever wonder what gives some people the ability to recover from hardship and reach their long-term goals, while others struggle? The answer might be resilience and grit.
Join us for this pre-recorded, one-hour webinar, brought to you by Magellan Healthcare. You will learn the meaning of resilience and grit, characteristic of people with these traits, benefits to building these skills, and ways you can improve your resilience and grit.
URL for Viewing:
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/pxjr0tohflrc/
Updated: January 24, 2020
As we enter the new year and new decade, add another item to your 2020 Wellness goal-setting.
Take better care of your eyes. Did you know that regular eye exams can detect early signs of certain chronic health conditions?
Ensure your vision and health is 20/20 in 2020 and beyond. Live your Best Life and schedule your eye exam today.
Read more about
The Power of an Eye Exam for your overall Wellness.
#CMSChallengeAccepted2020
Posted January 3, 2020
Recorded Webinar
Emotional Muscle Part Two: How to Grow Resilient School-Age Kids and Become Stronger Parents │
- Define emotional muscle and how it pertains to resilience
- Describe why it's essential for kids and teens to build their emotional muscle
- Learn ways to help kids and teens develop emotional muscle and bounce back from difficulties
Here is a link to the recording Previously aired Wednesday, January 8, 2020:
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/pymt7ag6605j/
Part One was previously offered in August. You may watch it on the link below:
Emotional Muscle: Part One: How to Grow Resilient Children and Become Stronger Parents
∙ Learn about child development through the concept of emotional muscle
∙ Learn how parents and children can grow together through different life stages to become stronger and more resilient
∙ Learn how to bounce back when bad things happen
Here is a link to the recording Previously aired Wednesday, August 14, 2019:
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/p8q6h3w4w0va/
Amended: January 17, 2020
Oh the weather outside is frightful,
and the holiday season is so delightful, but with all those holiday festivities of sharing, hugs and Aunt Betty's kisses might have the flu bug celebrating the most this holiday season.
The flu virus is contagious and preventable. Be sure you're protected this holiday and winter season by getting vaccinated. If you think you don't need a vaccination, think again. It is anticipated that this flu season will be long and quite active. According to the CDC, cases of the flu start to rise in October, peak between December and February, and usually taper off around May. Here are a few myths and facts about flu vaccinations from our friends at Health Alliance:
https://blog.healthalliance.org/flu-prevention-myths-vs-facts/
CMS cares about your health and wellbeing. Take care of your body. It's the only place you have to live.
Posted: December 17, 2019
December – Stress Free Holidays
Surviving the Holidays – Holiday Webinar
The holidays bring lots of joy, festivities and family, and shopping, and overdue bills and they are all rapidly approaching, are you ready? No? Well, take a deep breath. We know just how stressful the holidays can be because we've all been there, and sometimes, we could all just use a little help. That's why CMS is partnering with Magellan to bring you a "Surviving the Holidays" webinar presented by a certified counselor.
This webinar will be chock full of tips and practices to cope through grief or divorce, helping to set up a budget and learning the fine art of 'thrift-giving,' overcoming anxiety, overindulgences and other stressors often associated with the holidays. It is also free to all State of Illinois employees. Click this URL for Viewing:
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/pl6kbyrbg72s/ for the webinar.
CMS Health and Wellness Initiative Video Recordings - December 16, 2019
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Stress Management - Katherine Evans United Health Care
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-1.html
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Silver Sneakers - Katherine Evans - United HealthCare
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-2.html
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Managing your Stress for Health and Wellness - Nicole - Magellan
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-3.html
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Nutrition and Fitness - Eddy Rosales – Blue Cross Blue Shield
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-4.html
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Maintaining Your Health Through the Holidays - Kena Hahn - Health Alliance
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-5.html
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Holiday Blues - Julie Augustine - Health Link
https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-6.html
Posted: December 30, 2019
State of Illinois and AFSCME Agreement Ratified:
- A new agreement between the State of Illinois and AFSCME was ratified on June 22, 2019.
- The contract amends the group health insurance contribution amounts for Members and their Dependents effective July 1, 2020. Contribution amounts will vary based on the Member's salary band and the chosen health plan.
Amended: January 13, 2020
Affordable Care Act tax Forms 1095-B and 1095-C
Per IRS guidance, Forms 1095-B and 1095-C are for record keeping purposes only and are not required to be filed with a participant’s 2018 tax return. The forms are currently being mailed through MyBenefits and should be received by March 4, 2019 per IRS requirements. Please note: You do not need this form to file your taxes. The forms are proof of the 2018 offer and enrollment in health insurance coverage. The information on these forms indicates that the participant and any spouse or dependent were offered coverage and the respective enrollments, if any, for each month during 2018. 1095 FAQs
Archived Notices
The State offers several health plan options that include prescription benefits. Other benefits included in the benefit plans are vision, dental, life insurance coverage and behavioral health coverage. Outside the Benefit Choice enrollment period, members may change coverage elections only when a
qualifying change in status occurs.
All available benefit plans and programs are explained in detail in the Member Handbook and Benefit Choice Options Booklet. Also included are amendments that update the handbook and a summary document indicating the benefit levels of the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP).
Information regarding continuation of coverage.
Whenever questions arise, plan participants have various resources they can use. On the Contact Information page, members may view the phone number for the Group Insurance Division, a listing of agency/university group insurance representatives as well as links for all of the state insurance plan administrator websites.
Coverage elected during the annual Benefit Choice Period remains in effect throughout the entire plan year, unless the Member experiences a Qualifying Change in Status or a special enrollment event which would allow them to change their coverage elections.
Coverage is available for eligible dependents, including spouses, children and unrelated same-sex domestic partners.
Members not currently enrolled in the health, dental, vision and prescription coverage offered by the State due to waiving or opting-out may enroll in the Program during the annual Benefit Choice Period or upon experiencing a qualifying change in status.
Employees who either go on or return from a leave of absence have certain rights and responsibilities regarding their insurance coverage. Employees should read the documents regarding leaves of absence in order to be aware of those rights and responsibilities and to prevent unwanted termination of coverage.
Members on a leave of absence may pay for their group insurance premiums electronically by using E-Pay. E-Pay is a system developed by CMS Group Insurance and the Illinois Treasurer's Office to provide a quick and convenient way for members of the State Employees Group Insurance Program to pay group insurance premiums online.
Information regarding Medicare and how it affects your group insurance coverage.
Notices
The State is required to provide certain federal notices regarding their privacy and insurance coverage.
The State allows for employee, annuitants and survivors who meet certain criteria to opt-out or waive coverage.
The State offers three programs which save employees valuable tax dollars.
In addition to the insurance coverage and pretax programs the State offers, employees are offered additional benefits when
adopting a child, when needing support and information during
difficult times, when participating in an approved
smoking cessation or
weight loss program.
Plan Administrators
Members may view contact information, including phone numbers and addresses, for all plan administrators via these links.
Members can view health, dental and life coverage rates, as well as Quality Care Health Plan deductibles and family caps. Members interested in adding a non-IRS domestic partner, civil union partner, child of a civil union partner or an adult veteran child can view the premiums and imputed income associated with those types of dependent coverage. Full-time employees can calculate the applicable contributions for coverage.
Part-time employees are responsible for a portion of the State’s contribution for their health, dental and dependent coverage. Part-time employees should contact the
group insurance representative at their agency for rate information.
The State offers many valuable wellness programs to help keep our members healthy and help our members get healthier. The goal is for all State members to lead better, more satisfying lives. This
Wellness Chart lists many of the wellness benefits currently available to members through their health plans, most free of charge.
Last Updated 03/31/2020