Insurance FAQs

GARS members must be vested for a retirement benefit with at least 4 years of GARS service (Tier 1) or 8 years of GARS service (Tier 2) and meet age requirements to be eligible to receive a GARS monthly annuity. All retirees who are eligible to enroll in the State Group Insurance Program must complete the required Retiree Insurance Form (7016) at the time of retirement, even if they wish to opt out of coverage.

Yes, under Public Act 82-647, a vested Tier 1 member with at least 4 years of service in the General Assembly Retirement System (GARS) or a vested Tier 2 member with at least 8 years of service in GARS may elect to continue their State of Illinois Group Insurance coverage at any time during the period between leaving the General Assembly and becoming eligible for their GARS pension. The member pays the entire premium, including the State’s portion, for this coverage and may enroll or discontinue, then re-enroll at any time, prior to retirement, by contacting GARS in writing.

Under PA 82-647, eligible members may continue all their group insurance coverage, which includes health (plus vision and prescription drug), dental and life insurance. Members may choose to continue with only life insurance coverage, only health or just dental coverage. The benefits are the same as active members and all deductibles remain the same.

Life insurance in force upon leaving the General Assembly is the maximum amount a member is allowed to purchase after leaving the General Assembly but before being eligible to retire. If there’s a break in life insurance coverage, for any length of time, the member will only be allowed basic life insurance and would not be eligible to purchase optional life insurance. If there is no break in coverage, at retirement, a member may be eligible to purchase optional life insurance up to four times the basic amount provided to retirees by the State of Illinois.

An eligible retiree is entitled to coverage under the State Group Insurance Program while they are receiving a retirement annuity.  However, the eligible insurance carrier, dependent premiums, co-pay amounts, and other similar items may be subject to change by contract and/or policy changes. 

Member health insurance premiums are State-paid if you are vested for a retirement benefit (Tier 1 – 4 years; Tier 2 – 8 years). Premiums for optional life insurance, dental coverage and dependent coverage are deducted from the annuitant’s monthly benefit.

No. A GARS participant must be independently vested with GARS service credit to be eligible for a benefit (Tier 1 – 4 years, Tier 2 – 8 years). 

Retirement is considered a qualifying event which permits you to make insurance changes within 60 days of your retirement date. Enrollment begins by completing the Retiree Insurance form (7016). GARS staff will inform you when an enrollment change  must be made by logging into your secure account on the MyBenefits website, or by calling the MyBenefits Call Center at 1-844-251-1777 (1-844-251-1778 (TDD/TTY)). 

Dependent rates are the same for active and retired GARS members. Dependent rates are based on the health insurance carrier option you are enrolled in, the number of dependents, and the Medicare-eligibility status of your dependents. Refer to the current Benefits Choice Option booklet for dependent premium rates.

Dental rates for retirees, survivors, and covered dependents are the same as active members. Vision coverage is provided at no cost to all members and dependents enrolled in a State health plan.

Non-Medicare annuitants who have completed 20 or more years of State service and are currently enrolled in the State of Illinois Group Insurance Program will be eligible for a monthly $500 incentive by completing the financial incentive packet and providing proof of comprehensive coverage from a source other than Central Management Services. If you have less than 20 years of service you will qualify for the monthly $150 incentive. Payments cease upon turning 65 or qualifying for Medicare due to disability prior to age 65. The annuitant is responsible for notifying CMS of Medicare eligibility due to disability and will be required to repay any incentive payments paid in error.

Upon determination of eligibility by GARS, you may opt-out of the insurance program to receive the incentive at the time of retirement, during an open enrollment or due to a qualifying event (Gain of Other Coverage - the request to opt-out must be received within 60 days of the gain of the new coverage). If you are interested in the incentive program, contact GARS at 217-782-8500.

If you are under the age of 60 when you retire, your State-paid basic life insurance remains the same and is based on your last annual salary as an active GARS participant. Any optional life insurance you have previously elected will be based on your last annual salary with premiums being deducted from your pension check.

When you reach age 60 or retire over the age of 60, your State-paid basic life insurance reduces to $5,000. Any optional life that you purchase also reduces in increments of $5,000. If you wish to purchase additional life insurance (up to four times the basic State paid life coverage), you are required to complete and submit a statement of health to MetLife. If approved, premiums will be deducted from your monthly pension check. Contact the MyBenefits Call Center at 1-844-251-1777 (1-844-251-1778 (TDD/TTY) to discuss increases or decreases to your life insurance coverage.

Insurance identification cards are not issued unless you change your health insurance carrier. There are no expiration dates on any of the ID cards. The group numbers are the same for active and retired members.

If you and/or your dependent(s) are Medicare eligible and enroll in the TRAIL Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug Plan (MAPD) PPO Plan upon retirement, you will receive new identification cards for your TRAIL MAPD Plan.

You should contact your health insurance carrier to discuss coverage if you are in a foreign country.

Your spouse will be eligible to re-enroll if eligible for a monthly survivor benefit with the State.