August 20, 2025
An updated was published by the State's department of Central Management Services (CMS).
This Handbook is updated every five years, and it details the State of Illinois' health, dental, life insurance, and other programs. serves as an annual supplement to this Handbook, which describes any changes and annual rates for that plan year.
Please review the updated Handbook, which includes key information on:
Employee Responsibilities
It is your responsibility to know your benefits, including coverage limitations and exclusions, and to review this publication. Referral and/or recommended treatment by a physician does not ensure coverage under the plan.
- See pages 3 and 4 for a list of important responsibilities and notifications and Chapter 2 for an overview of plan benefits, limitations, and exclusions.
Enrollment and Qualifying Event Changes
You may enroll, opt out, or change benefit selections with supporting documentation only during specific time periods.
- Review pages 8-10 for deadlines and effective dates for changes associated with the annual benefit choice period, qualifying events, dependent enrollment, and other allowable change periods.
- See the 'Documentation Requirements' chart on pages 13-14 for details on documents required for dependent coverage when making a change.
A valid Social Security number (SSN) is required to add dependent coverage. If the SSN has not yet been issued for a newborn or adopted child, the child will be added to your coverage upon receipt of the birth certificate or adoption order without the SSN. However, you must provide the SSN within 90 days of the date the coverage was requested in order to continue the dependent's coverage.
Time Away From Work - Continuation of Insurance Coverage
If you are away from work for reasons including but not limited to, approved medical or personal leave, or for the annual summer break, your insurance coverage may continue for a specified period of time. In some cases, CMS may bill you directly for insurance coverage when you are off payroll, but on an approved leave of absence. More details about specific types of leave begin on page 20.
Questions?
Please create a service ticket or contact .
Note: A separate Handbook is available for retirees.