The recording of the April 22nd webinar
"The Loss of Normalcy: Coping with Grief and Uncertainty During COVID-19" is available.
http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/p4qex1e21bz4/
(April 24, 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 Illinois is responding to Coronavirus (COVID-19) visit
Coronavirus.illinois.gov or
Illinois Department of Public Health website for more information.
For additional 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.
Employee Assistance and Support Programs
To support the emotional health and well-being of our employees during this stressful time, both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Personal Support Program (PSP) have expanded their operations. All services are free and confidential.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Magellan
The State of Illinois offers the EAP through Magellan Health for all non AFSCME31 employees. Learn more about the services available at
https://magellanascend.com/. The State of Illinois and Magellan are also extending telephonic EAP support to employees that are not benefit eligible, such as part-time and contract employees. Employees can contact Magellan Healthcare 24/7 at (866)659-3848 for a free, confidential consultation with a Magellan EAP clinician.
Personal Support Program (PSP) for AFSCME31 Employees
The PSP is a unique, union-based employee assistance program designed specifically for AFSCME31 employees and their families. The PSP offers services statewide through a network of licensed professionals who are specially trained to provide confidential assistance on a wide variety of concerns and problems. To receive help, AFSCME employees can visit
www.afscme31.org or call (800)647-8776 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
Additional information and support is offered via the following topical webinars:
Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit (DEVA)
While a large majority of dependents included in the audit have been successfully verified, CMS has worked with HMS Employer Solutions, the vendor conducting our Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit, to extend the due date for remaining dependent documentation to
June 18, 2020 to provide additional time to access appropriate documentation.
- Members with dependents still requiring 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.
- Please note: Keepsake copies of documents received from the church, courthouse or hospital can be submitted as valid documentation of marriage or birth as long as both the Member and Dependent are listed on the document.
- Dependents not verified as eligible with required documentation will be removed from coverage, effective July 1, 2020.
The HMS call center remains open and available from 7 am to 7 pm CT, Monday through Friday to respond to any questions members may have.
RETIREES should contact HMS at 855-424-0849
EMPLOYEES should contact HMS at 855-424-0850
COVID-19 Benefit Updates
-
All Benefit Choice health plans are providing ALL COVID-19 testing and treatment at no expense to the member.
·
All Total Retiree Illinois (TRAIL) Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans are providing ALL COVID-19 testing and treatment at no expense to the member.
· The
Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security Act, or the CARES Act, expands the list of eligible expenses for Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) to include over-the-counter medicines and menstrual products, retroactively to January 1, 2020. Participants enrolled in the State's Medical Care Assistance Program (MCAP) can utilize their cards and file MCAP claims for items found on the
FSA eligible expense list.
· Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) – if you've experienced a significant change in the cost of dependent care, this is a qualifying event to change your DCAP election. Visit
MyBenefits.illinois.gov and utilize the Self-Service tools, or call MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 and request a Significant Change in Daycare Provider Costs event. You will be required to provide documentation or a written statement explaining the change for the event to be approved.
If you have specific questions related to your coverage, please contact your plan administrator directly. Plan administrator information is listed below for your convenience.
Plan Administrator Directory
*Pursuant to Executive Orer 2020-09 (link
https://www2.illinois.gov/Documents/ExecOrders/2020/ExecutiveOrder-2020-09.pdf), acrriers shall not impose any cost-sharing (copayments, deductibles, or coinsurance) for Telehealth services provided by in-network providers throughout the duration of the Gubernatorial Disaster Proclamation. Please contact your provider to determine availabilty of Telehealth services.
Additional Plan Administrator Information
(04/09/2020) Documents and recording from April 03 "Budgeting, Relationships and Life Events" webinar are available.
Title: Budgeting, Relationships and Life Events
Description:
- Discuss how to create financial wellness
- Learn financial wellness growth opportunities
- List four crucial financial issues to discuss in relationships
- Describe life events that change financial plans and how to handle them
Format: URL for Viewing: http://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/pcx9vxc6hq23/
Documents:
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/
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
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
(01/28/20) 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
(01/03/20) 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
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
-
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
-
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 05/26/2020