An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives

November 2024

Open Enrollment Exceptions

Now that 2025 Open Enrollment has ended, we are beginning to receive post-enrollment exception requests. We will accept these requests through March 15. Not all requests will be approved, and we ask that you do not submit requests simply because an employee changed their mind or realized they needed a different plan after Open Enrollment.

If your employee(s) missed their window due to extreme circumstances, including Hurricane Helene, or believe an error was made while enrolling, please consider putting in an exception request sooner rather than later. NCFlex exceptions can be submitted via the Exception Request Form here and must be submitted by an HBR on behalf of the employee. Please include important details such as dependent information (if applicable) and plan information such as the specific coverage level and who should be covered.

Once our office receives an exception, here is our process:

• Review within two to three business days and approve, deny or reach out for additional details.
• Approved exceptions are sent for enrollment platform changes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Once changes are made in the enrollment platform (usually within one business day), we receive notification that these changes were made.
• Approval letters are sent to those who submitted the exception along with vendors and/or payroll.
• If you have access to the enrollment system, please double-check that the correct changes were made

Keep in mind, NCFlex exceptions are separate from State Health Plan exceptions.

NCFlex Transfers - Process Document Available

If an employee transfers from one NCFlex participating employer to another and has less than a 31-day break, their NCFlex benefits should be transferred with them. Benefits that the employee was eligible for at both employing units must remain the same during a transfer. For transfers between university to non-university or vice versa, employees may gain or lose eligibility for some NCFlex benefits.

This process is not automatic. We need your help in notifying the appropriate team to assist with the transfer of benefits. To help guide you through the process, visit the HBR section of ncflex.org. There you'll find the NCFlex Transfer Process Document to get you started.

Reach out to us at ncflex@nc.gov if you need help identifying a transfer or have questions.

HBR/UBA Upcoming Training -

Benefits Overview and Admin Manual

In January 2025, 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 28

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

Admin Manual:

Thursday, January 30

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Order 2025 Benefits Summaries by Nov. 27

The 2025 Employee Benefits Summary is now available digitally. While this does not apply to all employing units, some may find it useful for recruitment purposes, for new hires or as a benefits tool for employees.

University employees should visit Benefits Enrollment Central to access the most up-to-date University Benefits Summary.

If you would like to order printed summaries for your location, please click the button below to complete the order form by 12 p.m. on Wednesday, November 27. Please order what you think you will need for at least the first half of the year. We will reach out for any additional orders mid-year.

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

Send them the following link:

NCFlex HBR/UBA Newsletter and Alert Sign up