An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives
April 2020
Flexible Spending Accounts - COVID-19 related Questions and Answers

NCFlex has documented common FSA questions related to COVID-19 HERE and answers to those questions. We hope this will help you answer questions you may receive from employees.

Still have a question? Reach out to us at [email protected] .
NC Flex HBR Spring 2020 Training

For the NCFlex Spring training, there is still one live webex available on May 14. This session was original scheduled as an in-person training at the Zoo, however, recently has been converted to an online session. You can register HERE if interested.

You can also find a recording of the April 16 HBR webex Spring training on the HBR portion of our website.


Training for New HBRs

Those who are new to NCFlex or would like a refresher can register for quarterly training on the    HBR portion   of our website. The next trainings are scheduled for June and are done via webex.  This training covers the benefits in detail as well as the Admin manual for HBRs.
Recent Issue with Purchases through CVS with FSA Funds

P&A Group was recently notified of a processing error made by CVS stores on FSA eligible items purchased between March 16, 2020 - April 16, 2020. The original transactions were never settled by cvs.com. What that means is that cvs.com submitted a pre-authorization request, which holds the amount for no longer than 5 days. After the 5 days are over, the authorization is automatically reversed, and the funds are no longer held.
 
CVS corrected the error by re-processing the payments on April 22 and April 23. As a result, participants will now see a new payment date reflected in their Flex accounts for purchases made between March 16 - April 16.
 
The issues this presents are:
  • We have heard from some members who did not have a transaction on April 22nd or 23rd and are concerned about the activity. You may also receive calls from employees.
  • The member may already have utilized all of their FSA funds and now there may not be FSA funds to pay for the transaction. NCFlex is working with P&A on how to handle these situations.
  • When transactions are forced, the money may be taken out of the incorrect FSA account such as the carryover account or dependent daycare account. P&A will be working to fix the errors that may have occurred.
Naming (and Updating) Beneficiaries

As a reminder, employees can name a beneficiary for NCFlex's Cancer, Critical Illness, Group Term Life, and Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans. Employees can also update those beneficiaries at anytime during the year, not just during open enrollment.

This article describes why it is so important for employees to name beneficiaries: The Importance of Naming Beneficiaries .

This document will help show employees how to add or change beneficiaries for their NCFlex benefits.
COVID-19: Information for SECU Members Regarding Access to Services

State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) branches statewide have temporarily transitioned to drive-thru only for the majority of services to reduce the possibilities of transmission of the coronavirus to members, their families and SECU employees. Members who need to access safe deposit boxes, drop off tax return information, or inquire about a loan should call their branch to schedule an appointment.

SECU remains open for business to make loans, take deposits, and provide other financial services to members during this time of uncertainty. From applying for a loan to depositing a check, members can conduct most SECU business via other service channels that do not require a visit to the branch. We are asking members to please utilize these channels. Members have 24/7 access to their Credit Union through the following services:

  • CashPoints® ATMs – Visit any of our 1,100 ATM locations where you can make deposits, withdraw and transfer funds, and make SECU loan payments.
  • SECU Mobile App – Download our mobile app today to securely move money between SECU accounts, make payments on SECU loans, make loan and credit card advances, see account balances and use BillPay to pay bills and transfer funds to other members’ accounts.
  • Member Access – Visit us online at www.ncsecu.org or Enroll in Member Access today to perform most of the same transactions and maintenance that can be conducted at a branch.
  • 24/7 Member Services – Our Member Services Support Center is experiencing high call volumes between 10am-8pm daily. Please be patient and use other service channels as much as possible. Call us at (888) 732-8562 for assistance with your accounts and other financial services.
  • ASK SECU Voice Response Service - Call our automated voice response service at (919) 839-5400 to verify account balances, move money between credit union accounts and verify recent and pending transaction history.

If you are experiencing a financial hardship related to COVID-19, the Credit Union has a variety of programs available to help eligible members who need a new loan or payment extensions on an existing SECU mortgage, vehicle, credit card or unsecured personal loan. We can help you protect your home, vehicle and credit rating if you contact us. Additional options are available for SECU mortgage loans through our Mortgage Assistance Program . Please send us a secure message through Member Access, call your local branch or call our 24/7 Member Services at (888) 732-8562 to discuss how the Credit Union can help.

Article provided by State Employees’ Credit Union
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