Employees Currently Enrolled in the Health Alliance Medical Plan
During the FY2026 Benefit Choice period (May 1 – June 2, 2025), you must either select a new health plan or opt out of the State of Illinois insurance plan. If you take no action, you will be defaulted to the Quality Care Health Plan effective July 1, 2025.
This notice affects you directly if Human Resource Services records show that you are currently enrolled in the Health Alliance medical plan. Health Alliance is closing its operations this year and will no longer be an available health plan option after June 30, 2025.
How to Make Enrollment Changes
Visit the MyBenefits website to make your selection. The MyBenefits website is accessible via computer, smartphone or tablet. Employees without computer access also can call the MyBenefits Service Center for assistance with processing Benefit Choice changes and elections.
MyBenefits Service Center Contact Information
Customer Service toll free number: 1-844-251-1777
TTY/TTD toll free number: 1-844-251-1778
Monday – Friday 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. CST
Need Help? Attend the Benefit Choice Member Fair May 9
If you need assistance in selecting a new health plan, the State of Illinois will host an on-campus fair from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, May 9, in the Holmes Student Center (HSC) Regency Room, State representatives will be there to answer questions and will also host two identical presentations on FY26 plan benefits and changes in the HSC Carl Sandburg Auditorium at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. Various benefit vendors will be at the fair to answer questions as well.
The fair is open to all active and retired members/spouses not enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan. Employees are provided release time to attend the fair.
Virtual Fairs: May 1 and May 21, 2025
The State of Illinois will also host virtual Benefit Choice Open Enrollment Fairs at 11 a.m. on Thursday, May 1, and Wednesday, May 21, 2025. Please visit the State of Illinois website for more information on how to attend the virtual member fairs.
HealthLink OAP Important Information
As you evaluate alternative health plans for FY26, please note that Northwestern Medicine is not in-network for HealthLink OAP. If you or your covered family members use providers at Northwestern Medicine, review all available health plan options during the Benefit Choice period to ensure you enroll in a plan in which Northwestern Medicine is in-network.
The State of Illinois has developed a Frequently Asked Questions document that addresses common concerns about this transition and provides detailed information to help with your decision.
Please direct any questions on this announcement to HumanResources@niu.edu.
