CMS extends audit deadline on state retiree dependents to Jan. 31

Extension allows for more time to obtain needed IRS documentation

[December 07, 2013]  SPRINGFIELD — The Department of Central Management Services announced this week that it is extending the deadline for the state's dependent eligibility verification audit until Jan. 31. The deadline had been previously extended to Dec. 6 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," said Simone McNeil, acting director of CMS. "We must ensure that no retirees or dependents inadvertently lose access to their eligible benefits."

The audit by HMS Employer Solutions, an independent firm, 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.

[Text from Illinois Department of Central Management Services file received from the Illinois Office of Communication and Information]