While on the unpaid status, Central Management Services (CMS), Group Insurance Division Premium Collection Unit in Springfield will bill and collect the insurance premiums (health, dental, and state life) which would usually be deducted from your paycheck

• NIU will routinely notify CMS of any employment transaction affecting health insurance benefits, such as unpaid status (seasonal, educational, personal, illness), or unpaid summer/contract break periods.
• If required, CMS will then bill employees once a month as long as the unpaid leave of absence is in effect.
• The billing statement from CMS will specify a date that the remittance must be received in the CMS office.
• Employees must recognize these dates or CMS will terminate insurance benefits for non-payment of premiums.
• If for any reason, employees are unable to pay the premium before the due date, they must contact the Premium Collection Unit at 1-800-442-1300 and let them know the circumstances. The Premium Collection Unit will advise employees accordingly.
• Premium payments for billings received from CMS must be mailed to the address shown on the CMS billing statement. Any questions concerning the CMS billing statements should be directed to the CMS Premium Collection Unit.
• If necessary, employees may contact the NIU Insurance Data Management Office to assist in their inquiry to CMS.

For Prudential Long Term Disability benefits and Reliastar Term Life Insurance, the vendors of these programs will also bill the employee directly at their home address during any unpaid status. Any questions concerning these billings may be directed to Renee Bechtel or Debbie Velez at 753-6000.