The Benefit Choice period for U. of I. employees continues through May 31. During this time, employees may make changes to their insurance coverage, such as selecting a new health plan or adding or dropping dependent coverage.
Employees who want to make changes must do so online through NESSIE by 11:59 p.m. May 31. (Click “Benefit Choice Enrollment” at the top of the Benefit Choice page.) If an employee wants to retain the same health insurance, no action is needed although all employees should review the health premium and coverage changes.
Those wanting to re-enroll or enroll in either of the flexible spending account plans (for dependent care or medical expenses) must sign up by the May 31 deadline as well. (Re-enrollment is not automatic. Participants must sign up each year.)
Relationship documentation is required to add a dependent and proof of other comprehensive (non-state) health insurance is required to opt out of health, dental and vision coverage. If this documentation is not received by University Payroll and Benefits on or before June 10, the corresponding election will be invalidated.
Rising premiums, co-pays
U. of I. employees will pay more in employee and dependent health insurance premiums, out-of-pocket maximums, co-payments, deductibles, co-insurance and other health care costs, beginning July 1. The deductible for the dental plan and co-pays for the vision plan also have increased. More information is available online, including detailed information about the benefit changes; online enrollment information (do not use the forms on the CMS website); flexible spending forms, instructions and reference guide; and the Benefit Choice Options booklet.
Dependent audit
In an effort to control costs and ensure enrollment files are accurate, the state of Illinois will conduct a dependent eligibility verification audit during fiscal year 2014. During the audit, members will be required to provide proof of eligibility for all dependents – such as birth certificates and marriage licenses.
If, during the audit, a member is found to be covering an ineligible dependent (such as an ex-spouse, for example), he or she may be subject to a financial penalty, including but not limited to, repayment of all premiums the state made on behalf of the employee and/or the dependent, as well as expenses incurred by the program.
Dependents can be dropped during the current Benefit Choice period without penalty. To check covered dependents, employees should review the CMS Personal Benefits Statement.
More information about the audit, as well as documents required, will be available online once the audit begins.
Personal Benefits Statement
UPB office staff members are encouraging employees to frequently check their earnings statement and CMS Personal Benefits Statement to make sure they are accurate. Both are accessible from NESSIE. If something is not correct, contact UPB immediately.
Flexible Spending Accounts
Effective July 1, the state of Illinois will begin using a new flexible spending account system, administered by WageWorks. There will be several changes of which participants need to be aware for the conversion from the current system to the new system and website. Consult the Benefit Choice handbook for more information.
For more information
Benefit Fair
10 a.m.-2 p.m. May 14
Illini Union Rooms A, B and C
Meet with health, dental, vision and life insurance vendors. Registration is not required.
Benefit Choice Information Sessions
- 11 a.m.-1 p.m. May 17, Large Animal Clinic (Room 100)
- 1-3 p.m. May 24, Student Dining and Residential Programs, Ikenberry Commons (Room 2025 BA)
- 1-3 p.m. May 28, Loomis Lab (Room 151)
Questions?
Check your benefits statement
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