What's New

Benefit Changes Effective July 1, 2026

The fiscal year 2027 State of Illinois Department of CMS Benefit Choice period includes some changes to your benefit options. These changes are highlighted below.

For complete details, refer to the Benefits Choice Booklet (PDF).

Premium Contribution Increases for all Health and Dental Plans

The state shares the cost of health coverage with you. While the state covers the majority of the cost, you must make monthly contributions determined by your annual salary. Your contribution amount will be based on your salary as of March 1 and your chosen health plan. 

• See FY27 medical premium contribution rates (PDF)
• See FY27 dental premium contribution rates (PDF)

Salary Band Changes for Health Plan Premiums

As stated above, monthly contributions for health coverage is determined by your annual salary.  Effective July 1, 2026, the annual salary ranges that determine health premiums are changing.  Details on these changes can be found in the Benefits Choice Booklet (PDF). Please note, that while premium contribution rates are increasing, some employees may see a premium decrease because of the change in annual salary bands.

Changes to Health Plan Designs

There may have been changes to your health plan's design, such as changes to copayments, deductibles or out-of-pocket maximums. 

• HMO Plan Design for FY27 (PDF): Aetna HMO, BlueAdvantage HMO, Health Alliance HMO and HMO Illinois.
• OAP Plan Design for FY27 (PDF): Aetna OAP, Blue Cross Blue Shield OAP, and HealthLink OAP.
• Quality Care Health Plan (QCHP) Plan Design for FY27 (PDF).
• Consumer Driven Health Plan (CDHP) Plan Design for FY27 (PDF).

Health Plan Availability by County

For fiscal year 2027, there are some changes to health plan availability in certain Illinois counties. Please review the map in the Benefits Choice Booklet (PDF) to confirm if there are changes in availability in the county in which you live or work.

Changes to MCAP, DCAP and HSA Contribution Limits

For fiscal year 2027, the MCAP maximum contribution limit is increasing to $3,400. The rollover of unused FY27 MCAP funds will be capped at $680. Employees must re-enroll for the new plan year to be eligible for plan year rollovers.

For fiscal year 2027, the DCAP maximum contribution limit is increasing to $7,500.

For fiscal year 2027, employee contribution limits to HSA plans are increasing by $83.33 for individual coverage and $166.66 for family coverage. Below details employee contribution limits:

Under Age 55

• Employee contribution individual coverage - $3,833.33
• Employee contribution family coverage - $7,616.66

Age 55 and Older

• Employee contribution individual coverage - $4,833.33
• Employee contribution family coverage - $8,616.66

Enhancements to the MyBenefits Web Portal

The State of Illinois online web portal is being updated with a new look at feel. There are updated widgets on the home page with resources and links for employees to other State of Illinois service providers. There are also new self-service and decision support tools available. Finally, employees will now be able to enroll in some of the supplemental benefits offered through MyBenefits Plus on the MyBenefits website.

Launch of Health Advocate, a New Service to Help with Health and Well-being Issues

Effective May 1, 2026, a new service is available for employees and covered dependents to help with health and well-being issues. Representatives at Health Advocate do the following:

• Make healthcare easier by:
  • Clarify coverage and explain benefits (deductibles and copays).
  • Find doctors, help schedule appointments.
  • Transfer medical records between providers.
  • Help resolve billing and health insurance claim issues and assist with appeals.
  • Explain Medicare and how it works.
  • Locate specialized services including eldercare and care for children with special needs.
• Provide expert clinical care by:
  • Answer questions on diagnoses, treatments, and tests.
  • Prep for doctor visits; review results and next steps.
  • Arrange 2nd opinions for complex medical conditions; research the latest treatment.
  • Coordinate care and schedule follow-up visits; arrange post-hospitalization care, durable medical equipment.
  • Align with health plans and third-party programs.

Employees can connect to Health Advocate through the MyBenefits website or by calling MyBenefits at 844-251-1777 and following the prompts to Health Advocate.

Enhancements To Be Well Illinois’ Digital Platform

In July 2026, the State of Illinois will be enhancing the wellness experience by launching Be Well Total Wellbeing, a interactive platform designed to help build and maintain a healthy lifestyle.  The platform allows employees to:

• Compete in friendly wellness challenges.
• Set personal goals and track activity.
• Learn how to improve physical, mental, and dietary health.
• Earn incentive points for participation.