Northern Illinois University will continue to routinely notify CMS of any employment transaction affecting health insurance benefits, such as unpaid leaves (seasonal, educational, personal, illness, etc.) 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 will specify a date that the remittance must be received at the CMS office. Employees must recognize these dates or CMS may terminate insurance benefits for non-payment of premiums. If for any reason, employees are unable to pay a 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 new CMS billing statements should be directed to the CMS Premium Collection Unit. If necessary, employees may contact the NIU Insurance Office to facilitate inquiries to CMS.

This announcement only applies to CMS billing statements. Employees should contact the NIU Insurance Office in Human Resource Services at 753-0191, to make changes to current insurance coverage options.

For Prudential Long Term Disability benefits and Reliastar Term Life Insurance, the vendors of these programs will also bill employees directly at their home address during any unpaid status. Any questions concerning these billings may be directed to the NIU Insurance Office at 753-0191. HRS will notify affected employees of this change in billing procedure and we also appreciate your assistance in informing employees (especially those who are on unpaid leave during the summer months) of these new billing procedures.