Insurance

Types of Insurance

As an NIU employee, you have access to insurance plans through the State Employees Group Insurance Program (SEGIP). SEGIP is offered by the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS).

You can learn more about the plans and manage your benefits at MyBenefits or download the FY24 Benefit Choice booklet (PDF).

Health

There are three kinds of health plans: PPO plans (the Quality Care Health Plan and the Consumer Driven Health Plan), HMO plans and open access plans (OAP).

The Quality Care Health Plan and the Consumer Driven Health Plan, administered by Aetna, allows you to choose any doctor or hospital for medical services.

With HMO plans, you need to select a primary care physician who will make needed referrals.

With open access plans, you have three tiers of providers from which to choose.

Prescriptions

Prescription drug coverage is included in all health plans.

Forms

Dental

A dental plan is offered by CMS for an additional cost. It is administered by Delta Dental of Illinois.

Delta Dental claim form (PDF)

Vision

A vision plan is included in all health insurance plans at no additional cost. It is administered by EyeMed.

EyeMed Vision claim form (PDF)

Life

Life insurance is offered by CMS and administered by MetLife. Basic coverage in the amount of your annual base salary will be provided to you free of charge, if you're eligible.

You can choose to add:

  • A higher coverage amount
  • Accidental death and dismemberment coverage
  • Spouse and/or child coverage

Forms


Eligibility

In general, you're eligible for insurance if both of the following apply to you:

  • Work at least 50% of a normal work period
  • Eligible for the State Universities Retirement System (SURS)

Non-U.S. Citizens

If you hold a certain visa and haven't established residency status for tax purposes, you may not be eligible for insurance. F1 and J1 visa holders generally fall in this category. Please contact us for assistance determining eligibility.

Dependents

Your eligible dependents can get the same health, dental and vision insurance as you. View documentation requirements for adding dependents (PDF).

Opting Out

You can opt out of health, vision and/or dental insurance. If you're full time, you need to provide documentation of other health insurance not provided by CMS. If you waive health coverage, you must also waive dental coverage.

Changing or Extending Coverage

Health Insurance

You can make changes to your health, vision and dental coverage during the annual Benefit Choice period, usually held in May. This is the only time you can change dental coverage.

You're also able to change your health insurance whenever you have a qualifying change in status, such as getting married. You must request the change within 60 days of the qualifying event.

The Consolidated Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (COBRA) allows you to extend health, dental and vision coverage when it would otherwise end for you or a dependent.

Life Insurance

You can add optional coverage at any time. You can also add spouse or child life coverage, as well as accidental death and dismemberment coverage, at any time.

Claim Payment Status

The Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) provides information on the current status of claim payments.

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