Summer Insurance Billing | Human Resources | SIU

Summer/Seasonal Leave Insurance Information 

As an employee on an academic (9 month paid over 9 months), seasonal or flex year appointment, please review the important information about your elected insurance coverage (health, dental, life, and dependent coverage, if applicable) through the State Employees Group Insurance Program (SEGIP).

Coverage and Billing Information

• Your coverage will automatically continue during the summer academic break period through August 31.
  • Coverage cannot retroactively be terminated. 

• You will be billed for the summer months’ premiums beginning June 1 except for months you receive a summer contract (see Summer Contracts below).

• The amount you will be billed is the same as what would be deducted from your paycheck.

• Payment for premiums must be made directly to CMS as indicated below.

• Monthly academic employees who return to work on August 16:
  • Premiums will not be deducted from your August 31 paycheck. August premiums must be paid to CMS directly.
  • Insurance deductions from your paycheck will resume for the month of September.

Summer Contracts

• If you receive a summer contract, your deductions will be withheld directly from your pay when:
  • Your contract is approved, signed and processed by Human Resources
  • You are actively on payroll at the time the billing month occurs (which is generally around the 20^th of the month)

• To verify your summer contract has been processed, feel free to contact our office for confirmation. Every effort will be made to have your premiums deducted from your pay. 

Academic 9-month Salary Proration

Academic nine-month employees have an option to have their salary pro-rated over 12 months.  When your salary is pro-rated your insurance premiums during the summer are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis.

If you would like to prorate your salary for the upcoming 2021-2022 academic year, submit a completed Academic Nine-Month Prorate Authorization form to Human Resources before the August 15 deadline.

Making Payment to CMS and Billing Questions

When your premiums are direct billed by Central Management Services (CMS)

• You must make payment by the final due date indicated on the statement in order to ensure continued coverage. 

• The bills are sent from CMS the second workday of each month and are mailed to your home address currently on file

• Your insurance coverage will be terminated if your payment is not received by the final due date.

• Your premium payment may be made by check to CMS or through the State’s Epay system. Information regarding the method of payment, as well as how to access the Epay system will be included with your bill from CMS.

• Contact the CMS Premiums Collection Unit at 1-800-442-1300 (ask for the Premium Collection Unit) or dial direct at 217-558-4783 about
  • Questions on your bill
  • To discuss payment arrangements
  • A bill that was not received

Options When Going On Summer Leave

Employees on a seasonal leave have the following options if elected within 60 days of changing to the non-pay status:

• Opt-out with proof of other coverage (full-time employees only)
  • To make this election, log in your account at mybenefits.illinois.gov to opt-out. Documentation of other coverage is required.
• Waive health, dental, vision coverage (part-time employees only)
• Drop dependent health and dental coverage
• Drop any or all optional life coverage (basic life remains in effect)

Options When Returning From Summer Leave

Employees returning from a seasonal leave have the following options if elected within 60 days of returning to work:

• Opt back into the programs (full-time employees only)
• Opt-out of the program with proof of other coverage (full-time employees only)
• Re-enroll in the program (part-time employees only)
• Waive health, dental and vision coverage (part-time employees only)
• Add dependent health and dental coverage
• Add or increase Member Optional Life, spouse life and/or child life coverage with a statement of health approval.

Not Returning from Leave?

An employee who provides a resignation to the University while on summer leave will have coverage terminated the first day of the pay period following when Human Resources receipt of termination of employment. Employees who choose not to return from summer leave and date their resignation as the last day of summer leave will maintain coverage through summer leave. 

• Coverage cannot retroactively be terminated, and any applicable premiums will be due in full. Please refer to the Termination for Non-payment below.
• The University’s Resignation / Separation form must be completed for those employees separating even if on a term appointment.
• Employees who do not return to active status by September 1^st will have coverage automatically terminated on August 31.

If you have questions or need any help regarding coverage during summer leave, please contact Karla Rowell (453-6683, karla.rowell@siu.edu) or hrbenefits@siu.edu before your spring appointment ends.   

Termination for Non-payment:  If your insurance is terminated during the break period for non-payment, your coverage will not be reinstated until the first day of the first, full pay period after you return back to work in the fall.  Any premiums not paid during this period will remain your responsibility and collection efforts, up to, and including involuntary withholding, will continue through CMS even though you have returned back to work. Additionally, you will be required to re-enroll in any dependent coverage or optional life coverage within 60 days of your return. Coverage will not be automatically reinstated. Documentation to support this re-enrollment will be required.  For the period of time between the date of termination and the date of reinstatement, you and, if applicable, your dependents will NOT have insurance coverage.  Any costs for treatment sought or services received during this period will be your responsibility.  Please review the State Employee Benefits Handbook (Nonpayment of Premium) for additional information.