An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives

December 2025

Reminder - 2026 NCFlex Changes


Payroll units, please remember that rates for NCFlex Dental are changing in 2026. Rates can be found in our enrollment guides.


For employees leaving employment, find dental and vision COBRA rates on our Continuing Coverage with COBRA page.

NCFlex Exceptions


Please note that we try to review exceptions within two to three business days. When there is a high volume of requests, this time may be extended by a few days.


We will stay cognizant of payroll deadlines and sensitive situations where benefits are needed quickly.

Update: Allstate Benefits Moves to The Standard


In the April issue of the NCFlex member newsletter, we announced that The Standard acquired Allstate Benefits. You will now begin seeing Allstate's name changed to The Standard on websites and emails.


No forms have changed at this time, but as we receive new documents, we will update our website. You can learn more about the rebranding at standard.com/ahl-rebranding.


Additionally, remember that Cancer Plan benefits remain the same going into 2026.

After Enrollment:

What is sent to employees?


Below is information regarding the NCFlex plans and materials employees may receive or have access to after their enrollment:


Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) 

  • A convenience card is mailed to first-time users. For those that have both Health Care FSA and Dependent Daycare FSA accounts, only one card is issued. Cards are re-issued only if reported lost or stolen, or once the card expires after three years. The date your card is valid through is listed on it. For security, please note these cards come in plain envelopes with minimal markings.
  • Additional cards can be requested by logging onto ncflex.padmin.com or by calling 1-866-916-3475. Note that a claims kit will be emailed to all participants and mailed to those without a valid email address on file with P&A. A claims kit can be found in the FSA section of ncflex.org.


Dental 

  • Cards with a unique ID will be issued to new employees who enroll and will be re-issued only to existing participants who transfer to a new job or make changes to their plan. If a participant's cards were not received or additional cards are needed, employees can contact MetLife at 1-855-676-9441.
  • Generic cards without a unique ID can be printed after logging onto mybenefits.metlife.com using NCFlex as the company name. A generic card can also be found in the dental section of ncflex.orgCards are only required the first time you visit your dentist or if you change dentists.


Vision 

  • Cards are only mailed to new participants. Additional cards can be accessed by logging onto eyemedvision.com/NCFlex, using the EyeMed app, or by calling 1-866-248-1939. ID cards are not required to visit a provider.


Accident, Critical Illness, AD&D* and Group Term Life* 

  • Employees who enrolled in Group Term Life for the first time (above $20,000) or increased their amount above the guaranteed issue amount should receive an invitation to complete Evidence of Insurability (EOI). Employees can register and complete the EOI on themselves and/or their spouse for elections requiring EOI by visiting my.voya.com/eoi. They should contact Lifehelp for any questions or assistance at 1-877-464-5111.
  • Certificates, claim forms, and other information can be found in each plan's section of ncflex.org. ID cards are not provided for these plans and are not required.
  • Postcards for the Accident, AD&D*, Critical Illness, and Group Term Life* plans will be mailed to new enrollees for 2026.


Cancer 

  • Welcome letters are mailed to new participants and to anyone who makes a change to their coverage during Open Enrollment (OE). Certificates, claim forms, and other information about these plans can be found in the cancer section of ncflex.org.
  • The Standard (formerly Allstate) also has a portal where employees can login to view their coverage and claim information. ID cards are not provided for this plan and are not required.


Disability* 

  • There are no mailings for this plan. However, plan details and vendor contact information can be found in the disability section of ncflex.org.
  • EOI was required during OE for anyone who enrolled for the first time after declining the plan when initially eligible. If EOI was not completed electronically during OE, employees were contacted with instructions on how to continue. If an employee inquires about not receiving notification and still needs to complete EOI, they should contact The Standard at ncflex@standard.com.


*Employees of the University System of North Carolina are not eligible to participate in the NCFlex AD&D, Group Term Life, or Disability Plans.

Health Care FSA and HSA Exceptions


Beginning January 2026, NCFlex will no longer approve exceptions to retroactively cancel an employee's Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA) because the employee learned their spouse is contributing to a Health Savings Account (HSA) or their spouse is gaining an HSA.


The NCFlex Benefits Guide notes on page 7 that if an employee is enrolled in an HCFSA, their spouse cannot make or receive tax-favored HSA contributions. This is an IRS rule and not something that NCFlex monitors or controls. Employees will need to work with a tax professional if they find themselves in a situation that does not adhere to the IRS's rules.

HBR/UBA Upcoming Training -

Benefits Overview and Admin Manual

In January 2026, we will hold two virtual, annual trainings. First, we will go over all of our benefits in detail. In the second training, we'll discuss our administration manual. These trainings are intended for anyone who has recently taken on a role to help employees with NCFlex benefits or benefit reps who want a refresher. Both sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend.


Register below or on our upcoming training page.

Benefits Overview:

Tuesday, January 27

10 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Admin Manual:

Thursday, January 29

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Know an HBR/UBA who would like to receive these emails?


Send them the following link:

NCFlex HBR/UBA Newsletter and Alert Sign up