Benefits choice period under way

The State Employees' Group Insurance Program benefit choice period is underway and continues until May 31, 2006. Changes made during this period become effective July 1, 2006. A benefit choice options booklet was mailed directly to the home address of all plan participants. In addition, the booklet is available online.

Highlights of the changes for the coming year are outlined below. For a complete list of changes, please refer to page 3 of the benefit choice options booklet.

Medicare Part D

The 2006-2007 notice of creditable coverage is available on page 29 of the benefit choice options booklet. This notice confirms that existing drug coverage through the State Employees Group Insurance Program is as good as or better than, prescription coverage through Medicare Part D. Members should not enroll in a Medicare Part D Plan unless they qualify for low-income/extra-help assistance under the Social Security Administration. Members with questions regarding the Notice of Creditable Coverage should call the CMS Group Insurance Division, medicare coordination of benefits (COB) unit at (800) 442-1300 or 217/782-7007.

Domestic Partner Benefits

Health, dental and vision benefits will be extended to same-sex domestic partners under the State of Illinois Group Insurance Program. The benefits will be administered in accordance with all applicable state and federal laws. For more information visit the state's benefits Web site and click on the link for "enrollment and information packet" under the domestic partner heading. For additional information, contact Employee Benefits at 453-6668. Enrollment for these benefits must be made during the benefit choice period which ends May 31, 2006.

Managed Care Plan (HMO/OAP) changes

• The same managed care plans available last year continue to be available
• Employee and dependent health contributions have increased (please refer to page 8 & 9 of the benefit choice options booklet for salary based contribution and dependent costs)
• Inpatient hospital co-payment increases to $250 ($50 increase)
• Emergency room visit co-payment increases to $200 ($50 increase)
• Office visit co-payment increases to $15 ($5 increase)
• Home health visit co-payment increases to $20 ($5 increase)
• Prescription co-payments increase to $10/$20/$40 ($1/$2/$4 increase)

Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) changes

• Employee and dependent health contributions have increased
• In-network, out-of-pocket maximum (individual) increases to $1,000
• In-network, out-of-pocket maximum (family) increases to $2,500
• Out-of-network, out-of-pocket maximum (individual) increases to $4,100
• Out-of-network, out-of-pocket maximum (family) increases to $8,200
• Chiropractic visits limited to 30 per plan year
• Prescription co-payments increase to $10/$20/$40 ($1/$2/$4 increase)

During the benefit choice period, you may:

• change health plans
• add or drop dependent coverage (documentation is required when adding dependent coverage)
• increase or decrease member optional life insurance, add or drop child life, spouse life and/or AD & D insurance coverage (an approved Statement of Health is required to add or increase life insurance)
• elect to opt out or waive health, dental and vision coverage (if opting out, proof of other major medical insurance must be provided)
• re-enroll in health, dental and vision coverage if previously waived or opted out
• elect to participate or not participate in dental plan. (This election remains in effect the entire plan year and cannot be changed until the next benefit choice period.)
• enroll or re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Programs (MCAP or DCAP)

In order to help expedite benefit changes, CMS is including a Benefit Choice Election Form in the material that was mailed to your home. If you want to make changes, and do not need to see a benefits counselor, you may complete the form and return it to the employee benefits office, Human Resources, mailcode 6520 by May 31, 2006. You may also stop by our office at 805 S. Elizabeth St. and make your changes. If you do not wish to make any changes, please do not return the form.

If you have questions about the benefit choice period, call the Human Resources' employee benefits office at 453-6668.