COVID-19 Benefits Resources

The Illinois Department Central Management Services (CMS) is working to support the physical, mental and financial health of members who may be affected, either directly or indirectly by COVID-19. Please see below for a list of benefits resources available below.

Dependent Eligibility Verification Audit (DEVA) - As a result of the COVID-19 situation, CMS will be delaying the termination of dependents that have not been verified in the DEVA audit. Dependents who still require verification should submit required documentation at the Verifyos website, via fax to (877) 223-8478 or mail to HMS, PO Box 165308, Irving TX 75016-9923. If you are included in the audit, you must submit proof of eligibility for each dependent listed on your Verification Form by June 18, 2020 or their coverage will be terminated effective July 1, 2020. Any questions regarding the audit should be directed to HMS at (855) 424-0850.
Questions about Benefits Information? - Members are encouraged to visit the Illinois Department of Central Management Services website or call the MyBenefits Service Center (844) 251-1777 from 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM CT, Monday through Friday to address benefit and enrollment questions. For concerns that cannot be addressed by MyBenefits, members should contact CMS toll free at (800) 442-1300 and leave a message. A representative will return calls within 24 hours, Monday through Friday.
Telehealth Virtual Visits - Fees for Telehealth virtual visits, COVID-19 tests and exams have been waived for most Health plans. Some plans also offer Telemedicine services for virtual visits with medical professionals other than your provider. Follow the links below to access your health plan's Telemedicine site.
Emotional Health and Support - To support the mental well-being of our employees during this stressful time, the State of Illinois has two support programs. Both the Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Personal Support Program (PSP) have expanded their operations. All services are free and confidential.
- PSP for AFSCME31 members (800) 647-8776, Monday – Friday, 8:30 AM- 4:30 PM
- EAP through Magellan for non-AFSCME31 members 866-659-3848
Please note these programs are sponsored by the State of Illinois and are separate from the Employee Assistance Program offered at NIU. As a reminder, employees can also contact our support team at 815-753-9191.

Learn more about the Families First Coronavirus Response Act.

Frequently Asked Questions

What do I do if I'm sick or one of my family members is sick?

If you or a close family member or member of your household are experiencing any flu like symptoms or are not feeling well STAY HOME, get well and seek appropriate medical care. Do not return to work until you are free of fever and other symptoms for at least 24 hours. Employees can use accrued sick and/or non-accumulative sick leave. A doctor's note is not required during this unique situation.

Do I need to have FMLA to use non-accumulative sick leave time?

No.

What do I do if I had an appointment with SURS for retirement counseling or with a 403(b) representative on campus in the coming weeks?

All face-to-face appointments have been changed to conference calls through the month of March. Representatives will be contacting NIU employees to make sure they are aware of this change. If you have not heard from the representative the day prior to your appointment, please contact Human Resources.

Will NIU employees continue to be paid?

NIU is committed to ensuring that our employees continue to receive pay and benefits during this time.

Submit a Question to HR

This form is for NIU employees to submit questions to Human Resource Services about working during the COVID-19 outbreak. Please submit your questions below and a member of the team will work to get back to you as soon as possible. Every effort will be made to respond within 24 hours.

COVID-19 Resources for Employees

More Information

HumanResources@niu.edu