CMS
The Department of Central Management Services is responsible for applying provisions of the State Group Insurance Act, and other applicable State and federal laws to the administration of the State of Illinois plan, by establishing rules and provisions for the plan in accordance with the law, to include the determination of who is eligible to participate in the plan, and setting the premium rates for each plan year. They are also responsible for the contracting and monitoring of insurance carriers that provide benefit services to plan participants. As such, they act as an ombudsman between participants and carriers in the settlement of claims disputes, and benefit coverage issues. They also act as an oversight agency, in their capacity as the plan administrator, to make sure participating agencies are complying by the rules they have set forth for administration of the plan. CMS is also responsible for the design, maintenance, and support of the various Group Insurance Division computer systems.
SURS
The State Universities Retirement System is responsible for establishing our members’ insurance eligibility with the Department of Central Management Services (CMS) and the MyBenefits Service Center www.MyBenefits.illinois.gov. SURS collects insurance premiums from monthly benefit payments and forwards the premium deduction to CMS. SURS abides by and acts in accordance with the rules set forth by the Department of Central Management Services, and applicable state of Illinois and federal laws.