College Insurance Program (CIP) Benefit Plans

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 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  ***

 *** 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  ***

 *** 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/ orhttps://magellanhealth.adobeconnect.com/_a825364167/pk6xa3baxcz7/?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.

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.

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

As we enter the new year and new decade, add another item to your 2020 Wellness goal-setting.  

Take better care of your eyes. Did you know that regular eye exams can detect early signs of certain chronic health conditions?
Ensure your vision and health is 20/20 in 2020 and beyond.  Live your Best Life and schedule your eye exam today.   

Read more about The Power of an Eye Exam for your overall Wellness.

#CMSChallengeAccepted2020

Posted January 3, 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

• Stress Management - Katherine Evans    United Health Care

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-1.html

• Silver Sneakers - Katherine Evans - United HealthCare

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-2.html

• Managing your Stress for Health and Wellness  - Nicole - Magellan

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-3.html

• Nutrition and Fitness - Eddy Rosales – Blue Cross Blue Shield

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-4.html

• Maintaining Your Health Through the Holidays - Kena Hahn - Health Alliance

https://multimedia.illinois.gov/cms/CMS-Health-and-Wellness-Initiative-121619-5.html

• 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 CIP 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.  (08/23/2018)

• 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 College Insurance Program (CIP) Handbook for qualifying enrollment opportunities.
  

SB3046:  http://ilga.gov/legislation/publicacts/fulltext.asp?Name=100-1017

•  For eligible members, the 2019 TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) Open Enrollment period will run October 15 - November 15, 2018.  Watch your mailbox in late September - early October for more information.
• 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 2017 tax return. You do not need this form to file your taxes. The forms are proof of the 2017 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 2017. updated-01.25.2018
• Notice Regarding CCHP and CCDP Claim Payment Delay.  Updated Daily
• Effective July 1, 2015, CVS/caremark is the new prescription benefit manager (PBM) for the self-insured health plans of the College Choice Health Plan (administered by Cigna), Coventry OAP and HealthLink OAP.

• FY2017 CIP Dental Schedule of Benefits has been updated. 04/22/16

• Due to the Mental Health Parity provision of the Affordable Care Act, residential treatment is now eligible for coverage as a behavioral health services benefit under the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) effective July 1, 2014.

• The new TRAIL website has been launched and contains important information for retired members who are enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B. Medicare primary members should visit www.cms.illinois.gov/thetrail to review information about these plans and the enrollment period as new information is updated. 11/04/13

• HMS Employer Solutions (HMS), an independent firm, will be conducting a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit (DEVA).  The intent of this audit is to ensure that only eligible dependents are covered under the College Insurance Program (CIP).  This audit will be required of CIP members who retired on or after September 1, 2013.  09/18/15

• NEW!! The Medicare Advantage plan administrators phone numbers are available. The Retiree Medicare Advantage Seminar Schedule will be posted as soon as it is finalized. Initial letters have been mailed to all impacted members. NOTE: All impacted members should receive their Medicare Enrollment Packet the week of November 11th. 10/28/13
• NEW!! The initial letter that gives more information, including rates, about the new Medicare Advantage plans that are being offered to members enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B will be mailed the week of October 21, 2013. The map of the Illinois counties that the HMO plans are available will be included in the enrollment kit, which member will receive prior to the fall Open Enrollment Period start date of November 12, 2013. 10/21/13
• The enrollment period for the Medicare Advantage plans has been set for November 12 through December 13, 2013. The effective date of the new plan will be February 1, 2014. 10/16/13
• The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced today that the Medicare Advantage procurement has concluded and contracts are being awarded to the winning vendors. 10/02/13
• To ensure that only eligible dependents are covered under the College Insurance Program, CMS has retained the services of HMS Employer Solutions (HMS) to conduct a Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit. 08/22/2013
• The State of Illinois requested bids for a State-sponsored Medicare plan on June 21, 2013. 08/15/13
• Effective April 2nd, Express Scripts acquired Medco Health Solutions. Members will continue to receive medications without changes to the plan or network.  04/04/12
• The College Insurance Program (CIP) Benefits Handbook has been updated and is located on the Benefit Program Books page.  11/16/11
• A Special Enrollment Period is being held from now until January 31, 2013, for all members currently covered under Health Alliance Illinois.  Those members will need to change their carrier by January 31, 2013.  12/15/12
• REMINDER: Medicare-eligible individuals enrolled in the College Insurance Program (CIP) have prescription drug coverage that is on average as good as, or better than, the standard Medicare prescription drug coverage (Medicare Part D) and should not enroll in a Medicare Part D plan during this Medicare Part D open enrollment season, unless you qualify for low-income/extra-help assistance.  10/17/12
• On August 24, 2012, Governor Quinn signed into law SB 3240 that allows College Insurance Program members and their covered dependents to assign their health and dental benefits to out-of-network providers.  09/28/12
• The current emergency contracts with Health Alliance HMO, Health Alliance Illinois and Coventry HMO have been extended until the supplemental managed care procurement is completed, not to exceed June 30, 2013.  Check back for more information once the procurement is finalized.  09/05/12
• The FY2013 Benefit Choice Period will be May 1 through June 15, 2012, for all benefit recipients. 05/21/12 will be May 1 through June 15, 2012, for all benefit recipients. 05/21/12
• Four of the State's managed care plans that will be in place for FY2013 may now be elected during the Benefit Choice Period. 05/08/12
• The FY2013 Benefit Choice Period begins May 1, 2012, for all members. 05/01/12
• The Group Insurance Division will be moving from its current location at 201 E. Madison St. to 801 S. 7th St. in Springfield beginning Wednesday, February 1st.  Phones will be unavailable on February 2nd and 3rd.  Members needing assistance should contact SURS during this time. 01/23/12
• Coventry Health Care HMO members (previously PersonalCare HMO) who utilize a primary care physician (PCP) at Christie Clinic recently received a letter from Coventry Health Care indicating that Christie Clinic will not be a part of the Coventry HMO network after December 31, 2011.  If you received this letter, you have been identified as someone who will no longer be able to utilize their PCP after January 1, 2012, and therefore, have a qualifying event which allows you to change to a new health plan. 12/09/11
• Effective June 1, 2011, in accordance with Public Act 96-1513, members will be permitted to add a civil union partner and/or their children to their coverage. 05/20/11
• Special Enrollment Period will be held from October 10, 2011 through October 28, 2011.

• Important Message - Special Enrollment Period Finalized The Chief Procurement Officer held a hearing today and approved the extension of contracts for all current 90-day emergency managed care vendors through the remainder of the fiscal year, June 30, 2012, for the health plans administered by the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (DHFS) and the Department of Central Management Services (CMS). 08/31/11

• The timeframes for the Special Enrollment Period(s) have been set. 08/30/11

• The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability (COGFA) held a hearing on August 16, 2011, to consider a request by the State to continue to offer self-insured managed care plans. At the end of that hearing, COGFA voted to authorize the State to continue to offer the self-insured managed care plans through June 30, 2012. 08/17/11

• The following vendors have signed a 90-day contract, which will be effective July 1st: Health Alliance HMO, Health Alliance Illinois, HealthLink OAP, PersonalCare HMO, and PersonalCare OAP. These options are in addition to HMO Illinois, BlueAdvantage HMO and CIGNA, which are also available. 06/27/11

• Special Enrollment Period Update. In order to address any member concerns, CMS has committed to a Special Enrollment Period prior to the end of the calendar year. 06/07/11

• On Friday, June 10, 2011, a trial judge for the Sangamon County Circuit Court entered an order prohibiting any further State action in the awarding or signing of self-insurance contracts by the State of Illinois. - 06/12/11
• HealthLink OAP Network Update. St. Margaret’s PHO in Spring Valley has signed a Tier I agreement with HealthLink OAP. 06/09/11
• HealthLink OAP Network Update. 06/02/11
  
• The Executive Ethics Commission ruling has been released. The managed care plans that will be in effect for the FY 2012 Benefit Choice Period will be HMO Illinois, HealthLink OAP, PersonalCare OAP and Blue Advantage. 06/01/11
  
• At this time, a final decision regarding the managed care contracts for FY 2012 has not been made. As a result, vendor names, coverage areas and rates are not available. 04/29/11
  
• The State of Illinois has selected four managed care plans to provide benefits to state employees, dependents and retirees starting July 1. These plans will continue to offer you the same benefits and level of care. 04/29/11
  
• Early Retirement Reinsurance Mailing. Effective November 29, 2010, members and dependents were mailed a letter mandated by the federal government regarding reimbursement to plan sponsors for healthcare benefits paid to early retirees.