WELCOME to the Retired State Employees Association website.
The RSEA is an independent, volunteer-driven, not-for-profit organization of retired State of Illinois employees and their survivors.
Last year State Employees’ Retirement System (SERS) had nearly 70,000 retirees and survivors receiving over $2.1 billion in retirement annuities - those are not small numbers.
While others in Illinois may fixate on the $2.1 billion, we want to show the influence of tens of thousands of retirees speaking with a unified voice.
We hope you will join us in our efforts. Your membership is important to the RSEA, our retirees, and to you. The more members an organization has, the stronger it becomes, and we use that strength to protect the rights and benefits of State retirees. Our membership dues allow us to fund our efforts to show elected officials and other policymakers that State retirees are actively interested in decisions that affect us.
Aetna and Barnes-Jewish HealthCare Contract Negotiations Update from RSEA
BJC HealthCare and Aetna are currently in negotiations regarding a new contract. While an agreement has not yet been reached, RSEA understands that discussions between the two parties are continuing. If a new agreement is not reached by January 1, 2027, BJC HealthCare will no longer participate in Aetna’s Medicare Advantage network.
It is important to understand that federal CMS requirements may obligate Aetna to issue a termination notice within a specified timeframe (90 days) when there is a possibility that a contract may end, even while negotiations are still underway. Contract negotiations between hospitals and insurance companies are a routine part of the healthcare industry. The current discussions between Aetna and BJC HealthCare are not unusual and should be viewed in that context. These negotiations are a private business matter between the two organizations.
RSEA does not have the authority or ability to influence the outcome of these negotiations. The Department of Central Management Services (CMS) also has no control over the process. RSEA will continue to monitor the situation closely and share updates with its members as new information becomes available.
While this advance warning may seem to be ‘much ado about nothing’, it has been suggested that if a member or dependent covered by TRAIL has known doctor appointments or medical procedures with BJC in their near future, they should try to get them scheduled before the end of the year.
Flu Shot Availability
Once again, State Employees and Retirees are eligible to receive the flu shot at no charge at our upcoming flu shot clinics, as well as, through your doctor, local health department, or network pharmacy. This year’s flu shot clinic schedule is posted online now at the following CMS website:
https://cms.illinois.gov/benefits/stateemployee/flushotinfo.html
The Illinois General Assembly offers Congratulations to the RSEA on its 50th Anniversary
RSEA wishes to thank the Illinois House of Representatives for adopting a resolution (HR-921, sponsored by Rep. Michael J. Coffey, Jr.) congratulating the RSEA on its 50th Anniversary of advocating for and protecting the rights and benefits of state retirees, their spouses and survivors.
Likewise, RSEA wishes to thank the Illinois Senate for adopting a similar resolution (SR-818, sponsored by Senator Doris Turner).
HR-921 SR-818
Understanding Tier 2: What RSEA Members Need to Know (Plain Language Guide)
Tier 2 is the pension plan for Illinois state employees hired on or after January 1, 2011. If you were hired before that date, you are Tier 1. If you’re already retired, you are most likely Tier 1.
Tier 2 was created to reduce pension costs after the 2008 financial crisis. It lowered benefits for newer employees in several ways.
Understanding Tier 2:(Plain Language Guide)
SERS Alert: Recent Fraud Attempts on SERS Retirees
SERS wants you to be aware of fraudulent attempts to gather personal and financial information from retirees through text messages and emails. State Retirees are encouraged to read the following article which further explains how the fraud is being attempted.
Fraud Attempts against State Retirees
