Latest News Archive

We are saddened and devastated by the news of the tornados and severe weather that hit the Midwest this past weekend. Our hearts are with the victims, their loved ones and all those affected by this tragic event. 

A crisis or traumatic event can trigger overwhelming emotional responses.  People are affected in their hearts and minds which can undermine healthy communities and social relationships at home and at work. 

Many of our insurance carriers have set up Crisis Support lines to assist members and their dependents through this time.  If you or a loved one are in need of assistance, or if you would like to help those in need, please reach out to one of the following helplines: 

• Recovery and assistance information, including ways you can help those touched by this tragic event along with assistance programs, shelters, road and airport closure, and power outage assistance is available here.
• The Employee Assistance Program is also available to provide emotional support during this time.  Assistance is available at guidanceresources.com (Member Web ID Code: 
  StateofIllinois) or you may call 833-955-3400 or TTY 800-697-0353.  
  
• AFSCME Council 31 employees can contact the Personal Support Program at 800-647-8776.
  

• In-the-moment phone support is available to help callers cope with the emotional impact of the event.  
• Informational brochures about dealing with a crisis [use the "Coping with different types of crises" dropdown at the bottom of the list].
• Crisis support website which includes support services in the local area [Click the link to "Current national events" for the most current listing of resources, if available.]. 
• Individuals can also contact Aetna Resources For Living at 833-327-AETNA (833-327-2386).

• Contact 800-851-3379 for assistance.

• Access to Care: Members who may have been displaced from their homes or whose network or medical facility is inaccessible can access care anywhere, as needed and it will be covered at their in-network benefit level. 
• Prescription Medications: Members who need help obtaining early prescription refills can call Customer Care at the number located on the back of their medical ID cards. For mail-order delivery service to affected areas or any other questions related to their prescriptions, members can contact the pharmacy number on the back of their ID card and discuss their situation for assistance, obtaining a local supply, if necessary, and more.
• For Additional Assistance: Members can call the Customer Care number on the back of their medical ID card, if they need additional assistance. If they have misplaced their medical ID card, they can call 888-223-1092 , 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. (in the local time zone), Monday through Friday, or visit https://www.uhcretiree.com/soi  to request a new ID card and print a temporary ID card to use while waiting for their new ID card to arrive. 
• In addition, Optum is offering a free emotional-support help line to affected individuals. The toll-free number is 866-342-6892. This line will be open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, for as long as necessary. The service is free of charge and open to anyone. Callers may also receive referrals to community resources.  Along with the toll-free help line, emotional-support resources and information are available online at www.liveandworkwell.com.

• A Crisis Support Line is available for anyone in need of emotional support in relation to these events. The Crisis Support Line is open 24/7 and can be reached at 877-757-7587. By calling, individuals will receive professional emotional support and/or referral to community resources. This resource is available to anyone and everyone at no cost. 
• You may also visit their website workhealthlife.com which features additional information and tips on coping with traumatic events.

IRS Notice 2021-15 helped clarify the application of the Taxpayer Certainty and Disaster Tax Relief Act of 2020, recently enacted as Division EE of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2021. This Act provides temporary special rules for health flexible spending arrangements (MCAP) and dependent care assistance programs (DCAP).

An unlimited amount of unused funds from a FY21 MCAP will be allowed to rollover into a FY22 MCAP. The rollover of unused funds at the end of FY22 will be capped at $550.00. Any remaining funds above the cap will be forfeited, as was the case in years before this temporary COVID-19 flexibility. During FY22, election changes will only be allowed with a qualifying event. The Mid-year election changes due to COVID-19 were only allowed during FY20 and FY21.

An unlimited amount of unused funds from a FY21 DCAP will be allowed to rollover into a FY22 DCAP. The rollover of unused DCAP funds at the end of FY22 will not be allowed. Any remaining funds will be forfeited, as was the case in years before this temporary COVID-19 flexibility. During FY22, DCAP election changes will only be allowed with a qualifying event. The Mid-year election changes due to COVID-19 were only allowed during FY20 and FY21. The DCAP requirements will again allow for reimbursement of expenses incurred for the care of a dependent child who is under age 13.

You must re-enroll every year to continue participating. Remember that your FSA elections do not carry over from year-to-year. 

Benefit Choice Runs through June 1, 2021. If you don't want to change your elections, you do not need to do anything, but if you wish to re-enroll in a flexible spending account (MCAP/DCAP), or re-enroll in the Health Savings Account (HSA) because you're enrolled in the Consumer Drive Health Plan (CDHP), you'll need to complete your elections by June 1, 2021. If you have questions regarding your options this year, be sure to watch the FY22 Benefit Choice Seminar Recording and, or download the FY22 Benefit Choice Presentation Slides

Welcome to Be Well Illinois, the State of Illinois' new comprehensive wellness program designed to help you be well, live well and stay well.  

As a wellness program member, you have direct access to resources to support your overall health and wellbeing on your terms and at your pace. Be Well Illinois was developed to help you create and maintain an active lifestyle, provide access to mental health awareness materials and treatment, financial services, nutritional information and group and individual exercise programs. These benefits, in addition to preventive care visits, health screenings and immunizations like the flu shot, are offered at no-cost to you.

Engaging with Be Well Illinois is quick and easy. Visit the Be Well Illinois website to access wellness webinars, the latest information from health plan partners, monthly health awareness education and much more.

Follow us on Facebook to join special wellness challenges, motivational messages and to engage with a community of your peers who are striving to live healthier in 2021 and beyond.

Please see below for a video message from CMS Director Janel Forde. 

Going forward, all wellness webinars will be stored on the new Be Well Illinois website.

In response to COVID-19, the Illinois Department Central Management Services’ (CMS) Bureau of Benefits (Benefits) is working to mitigate any adverse health and financial impacts to our members who may be affected, either directly or indirectly. We are committed to ensuring that our members do not experience any issues regarding access to care and have appropriate resources readily available.

Benefits continues to provide uninterrupted service to our members. We suggest you take advantage of MyBenefits.illinois.gov, or MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) 844-251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday to address your benefit and enrollment questions. If you have a concern that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, please contact CMS at (toll-free) 800-442-1300, select the appropriate option and leave a message. A representative will return your call within 24 hours Monday through Friday.

The State of Illinois’ response to Coronavirus (COVID-19) can be found at the following sites, including new information on COVID-19 vaccination:

1. State of Illinois Coronavirus Response Site
   • COVID-19 Vaccination Plan Overview
   • COVID-19 Vaccination Locations
     
2. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Website
   • COVID-19 Vaccination Plan
   • COVID-19 Vaccine FAQs

For more additional information related to COVID-19, we encourage members to refer to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and World Health Organization websites for the most current information.

• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: www.cdc.gov/coronavirus
  
• World Health Organization: https://www.who.int

Click the links below for more information:

Employee Assistance and Support Programs

COVID-19 Benefit Update – All Benefit Choice and TRAIL MAPD Plans

Health Plan Administrators

Additional Plan Information

To support the emotional health and well-being of our employees during this stressful time, both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Personal Support Program (PSP) have expanded their operations. All services are free and confidential.

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
  The State of Illinois offers the EAP through ComPsych Guidance Resources for all non-AFSCME31 employees. Learn more about the services and resources available at guidanceresources.com (first time users, register with Organization Web ID: StateofIllinois). Employees can contact ComPsych Guidance Resources 24/7 at (833) 955-3400 for a free, confidential consultation with a behavioral health clinician.
• Personal Support Program (PSP) for AFSCME31 Employees
  The PSP is a unique, union-based employee assistance program designed specifically for AFSCME31 employees and their families. The PSP offers services statewide through a network of licensed professionals who are specially trained to provide confidential assistance on a wide variety of concerns and problems. To receive help, AFSCME31 employees can visit www.afscme31.org or call (800) 647-8776 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday.
  

All health plans administered by CMS include coverage for behavioral health services. The following support resources are available free of charge, regardless of what plan you are enrolled in and are available to the general public:

• Optum’s Emotional-Support Help Line is available to support anyone who may be experiencing anxiety or stress. The free service can be reached at (866) 342-6892, 24 hours a day, seven days a week and is open to all.
• Aetna Resources for LivingSM mental wellbeing services is a crisis support line anyone can access.
  • Aetna Medicare members, call 1-866-370-4842 (TTY: 711).
  • Non-Aetna Medicare members, call 1-833-327-2386 (TTY: 711).
    
• Magellan’s 24-hour mental health crisis line is offered free-of-charge to the community (US only) to assist individuals as they try to cope with feelings of fear, sadness, anger and hopelessness related to these difficult times. The toll-free number to access free, confidential counseling services is 1-800-327-7451 (TTY 711).

Additional information and support is offered via the following topical webinars:

• 25 minute Webinar: Emotional Well-being During the COVID-19 Pandemic that provides information such as why outbreaks affect our emotional health, practical skills to cope with anxiety, talking to your children and tips for you and your family.
• 23 minute Webinar: Talking with Your Child About COVID-19
• 15 minute Webinar: Introduction to Working Remotely
  
• 60 minute Webinar: Tackling Life's Challenges with Resilience and Grit
  
• Additional webinars and podcasts can be found at www.Illinois.gov/BeWell

• COVID-19
  • COVID-19 diagnostic test and exam: Covered at 100%; no member cost share.
  • COVID-19 vaccination: Covered at 100%; no member cost share.
• Visit a doctor from anywhere
  • Health plans are offering in-network Telehealth Services* (electronic or telephonic) in accordance with Executive Order 2021-15 and Public Act 102-0104.
    
• For specific questions related to your coverage, please contact your plan administrator directly. Plan administrator information, including links to COVID-19 information and resources, is listed Here for your convenience.

In accordance with recent IRS guidance, CMS is updating Medical Care Assistance Program (MCAP) and Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) rules.

• The CARES Act expands the FSA eligible expense list to include over-the-counter medicines and menstrual products, retroactively to January 1, 2020.
• Extension of FY20 MCAP and DCAP funds as of June 30, 2020 will not be forfeited. You may submit claims incurred through December 31, 2020.
• Enrollment or increases to FY21 MCAP will be allowed through December 31, 2020 with no "qualifying change in status."
• All changes to FY21 DCAP will be allowed through December 31, 2020 with no "qualifying change in status."
• Rollover for unused FY21 MCAP funds into FY22 will increase to $550.00.
• Dependent Care Assistance Program (DCAP) – A significant change in the cost of dependent care is a qualifying event to change your DCAP election. Visit MyBenefits.illinois.gov and utilize the Self-Service tools, or call MyBenefits Service Center (toll-free) at 844-251-1777 and request a Significant Change in Daycare Provider Costs event. You will be required to provide documentation or a written statement explaining the change for the event to be processed.

View up to date information on how Illinois is handling the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) from the Illinois Department of Public Health

Benefit Plans

The State offers several health plan options that include prescription benefits. Other benefits included in the benefit plans are vision, dental, life insurance coverage and behavioral health coverage. Outside the Benefit Choice enrollment period, members may change coverage elections only when a qualifying change in status occurs.

• Behavioral Health
• Dental
• Health
• Life
• Prescription
• Vision

Benefit Program Books

All available benefit plans and programs are explained in detail in the Member Handbook and Benefit Choice Options Booklet.  Also included are amendments that update the handbook and a summary document indicating the benefit levels of the Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP).

COBRA

Information regarding continuation of coverage.

Contact Information

Whenever questions arise, plan participants have various resources they can use.  On the Contact Information page, members may view the phone number for the Group Insurance Division, a listing of agency/university group insurance representatives as well as links for all of the state insurance plan administrator websites.

Changing Your Coverage

Coverage elected during the annual Benefit Choice Period remains in effect throughout the entire plan year, unless the Member experiences a Qualifying Change in Status or a special enrollment event which would allow them to change their coverage elections.

Dependent Coverage

Coverage is available for eligible dependents, including spouses, children and unrelated same-sex domestic partners.

Enroll after Opting-Out or Waiving Coverage

Members not currently enrolled in the health, dental, vision and prescription coverage offered by the State due to waiving or opting-out may enroll in the Program during the annual Benefit Choice Period or upon experiencing a qualifying change in status.

Leaves of Absence

Rates and Calculators

Members can view health, dental and life coverage rates, as well as Quality Care Health Plan deductibles and family caps. Members interested in adding a non-IRS domestic partner, civil union partner, child of a civil union partner or an adult veteran child can view the premiums and imputed income associated with those types of dependent coverage. Full-time employees can calculate the applicable contributions for coverage. Part-time employees are responsible for a portion of the State’s contribution for their health, dental and dependent coverage.  Part-time employees should contact the group insurance representative at their agency for rate information.

Wellness Program

The State offers many valuable wellness programs to help keep our members healthy and help our members get healthier. The goal is for all State members to lead better, more satisfying lives. This Wellness Chart lists many of the wellness benefits currently available to members through their health plans, most free of charge.