The State of Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) has finalized benefit changes effective as of January 1, 2009, and announced Benefit Choice Period 2. This second period is scheduled from October 27 – November 14, 2008. CMS has already mailed the Benefit Choice Options Booklet to members’ home addresses (on file in the Group Insurance Membership System). In addition, on Monday, October 27, employees can access the Benefit Choice information through the Central Management Services website: www.benefitschoice.il.gov (under State Employees Group Insurance Program). The Human Resource Services website www.hr.niu.edu has also been updated.
Human Resource Services will hold two informational sessions to answer your questions regarding the benefit choice changes. Both sessions will take place on Thursday, October 30 with the first session at 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. and the second at 1:00 p.m. - 2:00 p.m. in the Holmes Student Center, Heritage Room. We ask that you register for these sessions by calling 753-6000.

As indicated in the Benefit Choice Options Booklet, employees should take note of the following key points:

• There are no changes in health plans or providers.
o The Quality Care Program, continues to be administered by CIGNA .
o The same Managed Care Plans will remain as providers (see your Benefit Choice Options Book for providers in your area).

• During this Benefit Choice period, you may: change health plans, add or drop dependent coverage, increase or decrease optional life insurance coverage, add or drop child or spouse life insurance, or AD&D coverage (see your Benefits Choice Options book for all changes that can be made during this period).

• You may enroll in the Medical Care Assistance Program (MCAP). However, you may NOT enroll at this time in the Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP), or make changes to a current MCAP or DCAP account.

• Managed Care Plan (HMOs) Changes:
o New prescription deductible of $50 per individual per plan year
o Prescription co-payments will increase slightly, though co-pays for generic drugs remain the same
o Employee and dependent health contributions will increase
o Specialist office visit co-payments will increase to $20

• Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) Changes:
o New prescription deductible of $50 per individual per plan year
o Prescription co-payments will increase, though co-payments for generic drugs remain the same
o Out of pocket maximums will increase slightly
o Employee and dependent health contributions will increase

• Dental Plan deductibles and contributions will increase.

Human Resource Services provides this information as guidance to employees and encourages all faculty and staff to review the CMS Benefit Choice Period 2 information. Current benefit information has been posted and updated on the Human Resource Services website. Questions can be directed to the Human Resources Service Center at 753-6000. Employees are also welcome to meet with one of our benefits counselors in either Human Resource Services or at our Service Center in Swen Parson, room 110.