CMS Extends Retiree Dependent Audit Deadline Until January 31st

SPRINGFIELD – The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) announced today that it is extending the deadline for the state’s dependent eligibility verification audit until Jan. 31st, 2014. The deadline had been previously extended to Dec. 6th as a result of the federal government shutdown.

“In order to ensure that retirees have the time necessary to obtain and remit documentation from the Internal Revenue Service, the deadline has been pushed back until the end of January,” Acting CMS Director Simone McNeil said. “We must ensure that no retirees or dependents inadvertently lose access to their eligible benefits.”

The audit, by an independent firm, HMS Employer Solutions, is being conducted to ensure that only eligible dependents are covered under the state’s group insurance programs.

By law, the state retirement plans can only cover eligible members and dependents.  While most dependents are eligible, some dependents in the plan may no longer meet the eligibility guidelines.

For more information about the process, including a link to an FAQ page, members should go to the CMS Benefits Choice website and pick the relevant plan:
http://www2.illinois.gov/cms/Employees/benefits/Pages/GroupInsuranceBenefits.aspx