USERNAME: Your user name is the following: The first initial of your first name, up to the first six characters of your last name, and the last four of your SSN. For example: If your name is Jane Anderson and the last four digits of your SSN is 1234, your user name would be janders1234.

PASSWORD: Your birthdate in YYYYMMDD format. For example: If your birthdate is August 14, 1962, your password would be 19620814. 

At initial login, you will be prompted to change your password. Keep this information in a place you can find it for later use. 

If you are having any issues logging in please contact Tina Cruz

Employee Experience

CLICK HERE

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PLANSOURCE FSA INFORMATION PACKET

Cicero School District 99 offers you the opportunity to pay for out-of-pocket medical, dental, vision, and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars through the Flexible Spending Account. You can save approximately 25% of each dollar spent on these expenses when you participate in the FSA. Your FSA can help you pay for procedures and medications not covered by your insurance plan, such as over-the-counter medication, chiropractic care, dental care, elective surgeries like Lasik, or even your contacts and eyeglasses. You can also use it to pay for medical expenses, when paying toward your deductible! Be sure to refer to your documentation for a list of eligible expenses. The reimbursable medical expenses are limited to $2,500 per plan year.

FSA CLAIM FORM

CLICK HERE for access to a tax savings calculator, list of eligible items, reimbursement claim forms and frequently askes questions.

FSA WEBSITE LOGIN REGISTRATION INSTRUCTIONS

Our FSA Vendor, PlanSource, will issue an FSA Debit Card automatically for your convenience. You may use the debit card at any provider and most pharmacies where MasterCard is accepted. The debit card is valid for three years. You will not be sent a new card every year. Please retain all receipts in case claim substantiation is required. There is a $1.50 fee for all debit cards (the initial card, as well as any additional cards for dependents).

PLANSOURCE DEBIT CARD FAQ

The Dependent Care FSA allows you to pay for daycare expenses for your qualified dependent of child while you and your spouse (if applicable) are working. Dependent Care Reimbursement Account expenses are limited to $5,000 per plan year, or $2,500, if married and filing separately. Please refer to the full FSA-DCA information packet for details. 

DCA CLAIM FORM

Deduction amounts are based on your election. THERE IS A $4.05 MONTHLY ADMINISTRATION FEE FOR THIS BENEFIT.

You only pay a total of $4.05 for the administration fee per month, whether you are enrolled in the FSA, DCA, or both.

Remember, what you don't spend during the plan year will be forfeited, so only contribute an amount that you will actually spend. Participation is not automatic. YOU MUST ENROLL OR RE-ENROLL IN THE PLAN ANNUALLY.

By registering for BAM, members access BCBSIL's many helpful member tools to help manage their health and their benefits. Save time with self-service support tools and health and wellness resources available through a convenient and secure website. You should log into BAM at least once per month to see what is new.

• Check claims and claims history
• View, save or print Explanation of Benefits (EOBs)
• Sign up for electronic EOBs, and save paper
• View benefits and covered dependents
• Check coverage details and Rx benefit information
• Manage mobile and texting preferences
• Request new ID cards or print temporary ID cards
• Access health and wellness information and guides

CLICK HERE to log in to Blue Access for Members. Click Register Now if you are a new user. To register you will need your identification number on the front of your ID card or you can call the Customer service number on the back of the card.

Blue365 Member Discount Program

• Exclusive health and wellness deals from national and local retailers.
• Save money on gym memberships, vision exams and services, hearing aids and diet-related services.
• Log on to Blue Access For Members for updates and to register for weekly emails. 

Discount Vision

Blue Cross Blue Shield Members are eligible for discounts on eye exams and eyewear. For a complete list of providers or information on your vision program, CLICK HERE

24/7 Nurse Line

Blue Cross Blue Shield PPO Members are automatically eligible for access to the 24/7 nurse line for answers to health questions 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. It's hard to know what to do about certain illnesses and injuries like high fever, cuts and burns, or chronic illnesses like asthma, especially at night or on weekends. Now you can call (800) 765-7298 toll free to speak with a registered nurse at any time of day. Please CLICK HERE for more information. 

Under both HMO plans, Cicero School District 99 provides an HRA to subsidize the $250 In-Patient Hospital Copay (not the emergency room copay) for you and your eligible family members. Once you receive your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statement from BCBS or the bill, you will submit the EOB/bill to the HR department for reimbursement along with THIS CLAIM FORM

Please contact Tina Cruz with any questions. District 99 is not responsible for making the payment to the provider, only a reimbursement to your directly. 

Cicero School District 99 provides full-time employees with $30,000 group life and accidental death and dismemberment (AD&D) insurance, and pays the full cost of this benefit. 

CLICK HERE to update your beneficiary

DISTRICT PROVIDED LIFE INSURANCE POLICY ($30,000)

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Employees who want to supplement their group life insurance benefits may purchase additional coverage. When you enroll yourself and your dependents in this benefit, you pay the full cost through the convenience of payroll deductions. In order to enroll your spouse or dependents in this plan, you must elect coverage for yourself.

Note: If you are increasing your current benefit amounts or enrolling in this voluntary benefit for the first time (other than your initial enrollment); it will require an Evidence Of Insurability Form to be completed. The completed form must be submitted to the HR department prior to the enrollment deadline (prior to June 3, 2022 for open enrollment changes, or within 30 days for new hires).

Two deductions per month. Monthly cost divided into two payments.

APPLICATION TO CONVERT LIFE INSURANCE

APPLICATION TO PORT VOLUNTARY LIFE INSURANCE

SUPPLEMENTAL LIFE INSURANCE INFORMATION

VOLUNTARY LIFE BENEFIT BOOKLET

Click Here For Prescription Forms

Click Here For Drug Lists

2022-2023 Health Rates

The PPO plan offers both in-network and out-of-network benefits so you have the flexibility to see the physician of your choice. In-network providers are paid at a higher percentage than out-of-network providers, which means it is less costly for you to see an in-network provider whenever possible.

PPO Summary Of Benefits

The HMO plans offer in-network services only. However, there are no deductibles under an HMO. Remember, you get the most out of your medical plan by using an in-network provider. 

Click Here To See If Your Provider Participates In The Blue Cross Blue Shield Network or to find one who does

Blue Advantage HMO (BAHAMO) Summary Of Benefits

HMO Illinois (HOMOI) Summary Of Benefits

Well onTarget is a program that's designed to give you the support you need to make healthy choices. With Well onTarget, you have access to a convenient, secure website with personalized tools and resources such as: 

• Health Assessment
• Text message alerts
• Member dashboard
• Digital self-management Program Courses
• Fitness Program
• Trackers and tools
• Tracking for fitness and nutrition and also device integration
• Health and wellness content
• Personal wellness challenges

CLICK HERE TO ACCESS THE MEMBER PORTAL

Well onTarget understands how hard it can be to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Sometimes, you may need a little motivation. That's why we offer the Blue Points program. This program can help you get on track, and stay on track, to reaching your wellness goals.

With the Blue Points program, you will be able to earn points for regularly participating in many different healthy activities. You can redeem these points in the online shopping mall, which offers a wide variety of merchandise. Created with your needs in mind, the Blue Points program offers many convenient, user-friendly, personalized and flexible features:

• Earn Points Instantly: The program gives you points immediately, so you can start using them right away.
• Get Extra Points: Don't have enough points yet for the reward you really want? No problem! You can apply the points you have and use a credit card to pay the remaining balance.
• Easily Manage Your Points: The interactive portal, which uses the latest user-friendly technology, makes it easy to find out how many points are available for you to earn. You can also track the total number of points you've earned year-to-date. All of your point information will appear on one screen.

Taking care of your teeth is as important as taking care of the rest of your body. That's why Cicero School District 99 offers dental insurance that covers routine check-ups and additional services needed for your health. Please refer to the Dental Highlights Sheets for coverage information.

TWO deductions per month. 100% Employee Paid.

22-23 Dental Rates

DHMO Coverage Booklet

Provides the needed cash when untimely "on or off the job" accidents expenses that can put a financial strain on your household budget.

Helps maintain lifestyle and protects against the financial devastation of long term cancer treatment.

Provides major financial assistance during the recovery of serious illnesses and accidents.

Helps with expenses during the recovery of a serious illness or accident.

Protect your family from loss of income and final expenses.

Provides a lump sum benefit directly to you when there is a diagnosis of heart attacks, strokes, comas, paralysis, end stage renal failure, and major human organ transplants. A diagnosis of cancer also falls in this category and coverage can be included with an option rider to the critical illness policy. 

Provides a pay check when you are unable to work due to a sickness, accident (off the job) surgery or time off for maternity leave.

Provide cash to help cover co-pays, deductibles and other expenses not covered under your medical plan.

These plans are designed to help assist with expenses that may not be covered under your existing plans.

This no-cost counseling service helps you address stress, relationship and other personal issues you and your family may face.

It is staffed by highly trained masters and doctoral level clinicians who will listen to your concerns and quickly refer you to in-person counseling and other resources for:

• Stress, anxiety and depression
• Job pressures
• Relationship/marital conflicts
• Grief and loss
• Problems with children
• Substance abuse

Speak by phone with Certified Public Accountants and Certified Financial Planners on a wide range of financial issues, including:

• Getting out of debt
• Retirement planning
• Credit card or loan problems
• Estate planning
• Tax questions
• Saving for college

Talk to attorneys by phone. If you require representation, you will be referred to a qualified attorney in your area for a free 30-minute consultation with a 25% reduction in customary legal fees thereafter. Call about:

• Divorce and family law
• Real estate transactions
• Debt and bankruptcy
• Civil and criminal actions
• Landlord/tenant issues
• Contracts

Work-Life specialists will do the research for you, providing qualified referrals and customized resources for:

• Child and elder care
• College planning
• Moving and relocation
• Pet care
• Making major purchases
• Home repair

Your one stop for expert information on the issues that matter most to you: relationships, work, school, children, wellness, legal, financial, free time and more.

• Timely articles, HelpSheets, tutorials, streaming videos and self-assessments
• "Ask the Expert" personal responses to your questions
• Childcare, elder care, attorney and financial planner searches

This list identifies the investment vendors available under the 403(b) plan maintained by Cicero School District 99, on or after the effective date of this list. The information can also be found on the Omni Group Participant Website. 

The following Vendors are authorized to receive contributions and contract exchanges between vendors under the 403(b) Plan:

1. Lincoln Investments

Lincoln Investments Planning

500 Waters Edge, Suite 150

Lombard, IL 60148

(630) 620-6100 Ext. 5712

Contact: Jim Noe

2. AIG Retirement, INC

Formerly VALIC Fin Advisors

500 West Madison Street, Suite 2850

Chicago, IL 60661

(312) 720--3716

Contact: Paula Vollum (224)-500-6484

3. New York Life Ins Co

500 W. Madison Street, Suite 1725

Chicago, IL 60661

(773) 603-8309

Contact: Evelin Flaherty Freytas

4. Metlife

Metlife Resources c/o WestPoint

2650 Warrenville Rd. Ste 100

Downers Grove, IL 60515

(708) 203-6430

Contact: Daniel Krout

5. Voya Financial/Reliastar

Formerly ING/Reliastar

4950 Cumnor Road

Downers Grove, IL 60515

(708) 447-0330

Contact: Raymond Bava

6. Equitable/PlanMember

Formerly AXA Advisors 

1515 W. 22nd St, Suite 300

Oakbrook, IL 60523

(630) 954-6896

Contact: Kyle Zake

CLICK HERE

Part Time Employee Eligibility

An Employee normally works fewer than 20 hours per week if, for the 12-month period beginning on the date the Employee's employment commenced, the Employer reasonably expects the Employee to work fewer than 1,000 hours of service (as defined under section 410(a)(3)(C) of the Code) in such period, and, for each Plan Year ending after the close of that 12-month period, the Employee has worked fewer than 1,000 hours of service in the preceding 12-month period. Under this provision, an Employee who works 1,000 or more hours of service in the 12-month period beginning on the date the Employee's employment commenced or in a Plan Year ending after the close of that 12-month period shall then be eligible to participate in the Plan. Once an employee becomes eligible to have Elective Deferrals made on his or her behalf under the Plan under this standard, the Employee cannot be excluded from eligibility to have Elective Deferrals made on his or her behalf in any later year under this standard. Careful attention must be paid to compliance with the 20-hour rule by the District as it is necessary to the tax-qualifications of the Plan. 

The Hardship Distributions

Safe Harbor Contributions/QNECs/QMACs. Effective 1/1/2020, hardship distributions are permitted from Qualified Non-Elective Contributions, Qualified Matching Contributions, or contributions used to satisfy the safe harbor requirements of Code sections 401(k)(12) or 401k(13), or 401(m)(11) or 401(m)(12), if available under the Plan and not held in a Custodial Account. Amount Necessary to Satisfy Need Requirement. Effective 1/1/2020, a distribution will be determined to satisfy an immediate and heavy financial need only if the three criteria listed below are met:

1. The distribution is not in excess of the amount required to satisfy the financial need (including any amounts necessary to pay any federal, state, or local income taxes or penalties reasonably anticipated to result from the distribution).
2. The Participant has obtained all other currently available distributions, other than hardship distributions, under any deferred compensation plan, whether qualified or nonqualified, maintained by the Employer. 
3. The Participant has represented (in writing or by an electronic medium) that he has insufficient cash or other liquid assets to satisfy the financial need.

Six-Month Suspension. Effective 1/1/20, the Plan will not initiate a six-month suspension period on Elective Deferrals (and after-tax contributions) following a hardship distribution.

Loan Requirement. Effective 1/1/20, Participants are not required to take all available nontaxable loans before applying for a hardship distribution.

Modification of Repair Expense. Between 1/1/18 and 2/17/19, the plan modified the safe harbor immediate and heavy financial need expense relating to damage to a principal residence (i.e. 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(iii)(B)(6) and Basic Plan Document 5.5 (g)) to include expenses for the repair of damage to the Employee's principal residence that would qualify for the casualty deduction under Code section 165. Effective 2/19/19, the plan modified the safe harbor immediate and heavy financial need expense relating to damage to a principal residence (i.e. 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(iii)(B)(6)) to include expenses for the repair of damage to the Employee's principal residence that would qualify for the casualty deduction under Code section 165 (determined without regard to section 165(h)(5) and whether the loss exceeds 10% of adjusted gross income.

New Safe Harbor Financial Need Provision. Effective 1/1/2020, the following immediate and heavy financial need will be considered as a safe harbor criteria for hardship distributions in addition to the safe harbor financial need provisions outline in 5.5(g) of the Basic Plan Document and 1.401(k)-1(d)(3)(iii)(B):

Expenses and losses (including loss of income) incurred by the Employee on account of a disaster declared by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) under the Robert T. Stafford Disaster Relief and Emergency Assistance Act, provided that the Employee's principal residence or principal place of employment at the time of the disaster was located in an area designated by FEMA for individual assistance with respect to the disaster.

For more information in your 403(b) Plan, making changes to your current deferral or vendor elections, or any other questions or requests for information, please contact The Omni Group Customer Care Center at (877) 544-6664 from 6:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. You can also send an email to serviceinfo@omni403b.com

 

What is a 403(b) retirement plan?

A 403(b) is a tax-deferred retirement plan for employees of public educational institutions and certain other non-profit organizations. A 403(b) plan allows you to contribute a portion of your compensation on a pre-tax basis or as a designated Roth (after-tax) contribution in order to save for your retirement. Contributions are made to the plan by payroll deduction.

Can I make contributions to the 403(b) plan?

You have the right to make contributions/elective deferrals to the 403(b) plan. If you wish to start contributing to the plan, refer to the question titles "What do I need to do in order to start making elective deferrals?" for information on how to get started.

What are the benefits of contributing to a 403(b) plan?

• Contributing to a 403(b) plan helps to ensure that you will have funds to provide yourself with an income during retirement.
• The pre-tax elective deferrals that you make to the plan now are not taxed until you withdraw them. This means you are lowering your taxable income now, and will potentially lower the amount of income tax you will pay on those funds at the time of withdrawal when you may be in a lower tax bracket.
• Both your pre-tax elective deferrals and earnings grow tax free until they are withdrawn.
• Roth After-Tax contributions can be made to a 403(b) plan. While the contributions are made on an after-tax basis, the earnings will grow tax free and will be distributed tax free if the distribution occurs after the end of the five year period that begins when the first contribution is made and the distribution is made after you are age 59.5, disabled or die.

What do I need to do in order to start making elective deferrals?

You will need to make an election regarding how much of your compensation you wish to defer to the 403(b) plan and whether you want to have this contributed on a pre-tax basis or as a designated Roth (after-tax) contribution.

You can find a list of vendors approved with in the plan to receive contributions under this 403(b) plan and their contact information by reviewing the Approved 403(b) Vendor Tab. The financial advisor representing the vendors will provide you with their form that will set up the contract or account with the vendor. Once you have completed paperwork provided by the selected financial advisor please enroll by CLICKING HERE

If you are unable to access the website or want additional information, please contact Ewa Klis or the Omni Group Customer Care Center.

How much can I contribute to a 403(b) plan?

In 2022 you can make elective deferrals up to $20,500. As this amount is subject to cost of living increases as set by the government, this amount may increase over time. In addition, if you have met certain conditions, you may have the opportunity to contribute above this limit; these contributions are known as "catch-up contributions." The first catch-up contribution is the "Age-50 Catch-up Contribution." If you are at least age 50 by the end of a calendar year, you have the ability to contribute an additional $6,500 a year. This amount is also subject to cost of living increases set by the government, so it will increase over time. The second contribution limit is known as the "15 Year of Service Catch-up Contribution." If you have at least 15 years of service with Cicero District 99 you may be eligible to contribute additional funds up to $3,000 a year above the elective deferral limit until the amount of the additional catch-up contributions made using this special rule equals $30,000. Participants who are eligible for both the age 50 catch-up rule and the 15 year of service catch-up contribution are required to use the 15 year of service catch-up contribution first. If you think that you might qualify for both, please contact CPI or your 403(b) vendor for further clarification. 

When can funds be withdrawn from a 403(b) plan?

A 403(b) retirement plan is intended as a way to save over the long-term for your retirement. Therefore, distribution of the funds are only allowed when you separate from service, are disabled, die or are at least age 59.5

Taking a non-taxable loan or a hardship withdrawal are options available to you should it be necessary for you to withdraw funds from your 403(b) plan prematurely. In order to take a hardship withdrawal, you must meet the some very stringent requirements. Please note that certain income taxes and tax penalties may apply depending on the situation

What does OMNI do?

Cicero School District 99 has hired OMNI Group to administer its 403(b) plan in accordance with applicable IRS regulations

What does Omni do for YOU?

Ensure you do not exceed your contribution limit, process changes to your contributions, and process plan transaction requests (loans, hardships, rollovers, etc.)

How do you start a 403(b) Retirement Savings Account?

Step 1: Contact one of the authorized representatives of the six authorized 403(b) Vendors and set-up a 403(b) Account.

Step 2: Go to employer's webpage on the Omni Group Website and select the "Particpants" button.

Step 3: Select "EMP STATE" (Illinois) from drop down menu, type Cicero Public School Dist. 99 in "EMP NAME" (Please note that while typing "Cicero Public School Dist. 99" should pop up. Please select it) and click "Show Details".

Step 4: Select and Complete "Salary Reduction Agreement-Online." Please note that 403(b) Vendor might help you complete this form.

CLICK HERE

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IMRF Public Employee Financial Protection Plan Brochure

Newsletter: Guaranteed coverage from a trusted source

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