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
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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
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)
Benefits information. At this time, we are asking members to take advantage of MyBenefits.illinois.gov or the MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday to address benefit and enrollment questions. For concerns that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, such as access to healthcare, members should contact CMS toll free at 800-442-1300, select the appropriate option and leave a message. A representative will return calls within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
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.
COVID-19 Resources - Benefits_v2.pdf
As concerns around COVID-19 (Coronavirus) spread through the U.S., the health and well-being of our employees and members is our top priority. We will continue to strive 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 at (844) 251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM 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 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.
View up to date information on how Illinois is handling the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the
Illinois Department of Public Health
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.
Thriving in a Multigenerational Workforce │
Wednesday, March 11
Join this webinar to
- Describe the five generations currently in the workplace
- Learn how each generation impacts the workplace
- Identify tips to help you navigate the multigenerational workforce
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.
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
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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.
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 ***
***
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 03/03/2020
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
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 4, 2019
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
On August 22, 2018, SB 3046 was signed into law by Governor Bruce Rauner,
amending legislation to allow former TRIP members and dependents who previously opted-out of their health benefits plan, to be allowed to opt-back-in during an open enrollment period or other qualifying enrollment opportunity. This law is effective immediately.
◦For Medicare-eligible members, your next Open Enrollment opportunity is
October 15 - November 15, 2018.
◦For non-MAPD members, your next Open Enrollment opportunity will be
during the month of May 2019.
◦Please refer to the Teachers' Retirement Insurance Program (TRIP) Handbook for other qualifying enrollment opportunities.
Archived Notices