Central Management Services (CMS) periodically implements comprehensive updates to the state employee health and life insurance program (typically every fourth year) in addition to the annual updates that occur with each Benefits Choice Period.  The next comprehensive update is scheduled for July 1, 2008 (FY09).  All aspects of the CMS program (health, dental, vision, and life insurance) are provided to employees as administered by CMS and the information contained in this correspondence is subject to CMS policies which may be updated from time-to-time.     

Based upon information that CMS has provided, Benefits Choice will be conducted in two phases (Period 1 and Period 2).  Benefits Choice Period 1 will take place during the normal Benefits Choice Period (May 1 - May 31, 2008).  The dates for the second period will be announced when benefit program details are finalized by CMS and Period 2 will reopen choices with new premium/deductible/co-payment schedules.  Employees are encouraged to monitor the Human Resource Services (HRS) website www.hr.niu.edu and the CMS website www.benefitschoice.il.gov (click on state employees) for updated information and announcements.  Information about Benefits Choice Period 2 will be distributed to employees and departments via email (GroupWise) when information becomes available.  It is important that employees take necessary steps to remain informed about CMS health plan benefit changes as they occur during both phases of the Benefits Choice process.

Benefits Choice Period 1 (May 1 - May 31) Information: 

• Employees should make elective changes (if any) during Benefits Choice Period 1, May 1 - May 31.
• Information regarding Benefits Choice will be available on the CMS website at: www.benefitschoice.il.gov and on the HRS website at www.hr.niu.edu beginning May 1.
• At this time, there are no changes in health, dental, or vision plans.  Changes are likely to occur during Benefits Choice Period 2.
• Currently, there is no information available regarding future premium rates, current health and dental rates will continue until Benefits Choice Period 2.  
• Basic life insurance and spouse and child life insurance premiums will decrease slightly effective July 1, 2008.
• Employees who wish to enroll in Flexible Spending Plans (Medical Care Assistance Plan - MCAP and the Dependent Care Assistance Plan - DCAP) will need to enroll during Benefits Choice Period 1.
• During Benefits Choice Period 2, it will still be possible to enroll in MCAP; however, the election will be retroactive to July 1, 2008.  Therefore, to avoid retroactive contributions, it is recommended that employees wishing to enroll in MCAP do so during Benefits Choice Period 1.  Please note: it will be possible to increase or decrease contributions to MCAP during Benefits Choice Period 2 as a result of premium/deductible/co-payment updates.  However, no changes will be allowed to DCAP during Benefits Choice Period 2, nor can anyone withdraw from either plan during the second choice period.
• Benefits Choice Booklets will be mailed to the home addresses of employees and annuitants in early May.

Faculty and Staff not in Pay Status During the Summer:

• Faculty on 9 or 10 month contracts are reminded that they can elect the 12-month payroll option prior to August 1.  This option avoids the requirement of paying CMS insurance bills (after-tax) during the summer and assures eligibility for MCAP and DCAP participation on a continuous basis.
• If you know you will be away for a period of time, contact the CMS Premium Collection Unit (800-442-1300) to discuss how to make your summer premium payments.
• Employees who will be off pay status during the summer may make certain changes to their insurance benefits.  Details regarding benefit options, payment of insurance premiums, and the required forms to request benefit changes can be found on the Human Resource Services website at www.hr.niu.edu.  

 Sick Leave Bank Donation:

• The university has established a Sick Leave Bank program in which regularly appointed faculty, supportive professional staff, and civil service employees are eligible to participate.
• Regularly appointed employees may elect to join the Sick Leave Bank during the first Benefits Choice period, May 1 through May 31, 2008.
• For FY09, current participants will not be required to donate additional sick days to maintain participation due to the adequacy of donated sick days remaining on balance as of this date.
• Otherwise, participation in the Sick Leave Bank program requires an employee (who was not enrolled during FY08) to annually donate at least one day of accrued sick leave prior to the end of the annual Benefits Choice period.  Consistent with the Illinois Sick Leave Bank Act, the Sick Leave Bank program is designed to assist NIU employees who face major health crises and who have exhausted all other available benefits.
• To register for the Sick Leave Bank program for FY09, please complete the enrollment form, available on the HRS Website at http://www.hr.niu.edu/benefitschoice/index.cfm.
• All forms must be received in the Payroll Department by May 31, 2008.  If you have any questions regarding the Sick Leave Bank program, please feel free to contact Human Resource Services at 753-6000.
• Employees on temporary appointments have separate sick leave banks and their donation period is August 16 through October 31, 2008.

Human Resource Services provides this information as guidance to employees.  While we make every effort to assure the accuracy and completeness of this information, employees are urged to directly access the information provided by Central Management Services and the designated care providers who establish and maintain the official policies and procedures.  Where possible, we have provided links to relevant websites for your convenience in accessing additional information and clarification.

Since many faculty and staff will be away from campus during this critical time period, it is important that all employees use every available method to remain informed about CMS health plan benefit changes as they occur during both phases of the Benefits Choice process.