An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

April 2025

Allstate Benefits Moves to The Standard

On April 1, 2025, The Standard acquired Allstate Benefits, which administers the NCFlex Cancer Plan. The Standard administers the NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan for non-university employees.*

Will changes be made?

The Cancer Plan and Voluntary Disability Plan will remain separate. The two companies are committed to a seamless transition. After a time, you may notice that the Cancer Plan will also be administered by The Standard.

Continue using the contact information listed on the Cancer Plan page of ncflex.org and on your enrollment materials, and be on the lookout for additional information from NCFlex as changes occur.

Questions? Email ncflex@nc.gov.

*University employees are not eligible for NCFlex's Voluntary Disability Plan. However, they do have a separate disability insurance option through The Standard.

How to File an Accident Claim

Life can be busy, making it easy to forget the benefits we pay for. If you have the NCFlex Accident Plan—different from the Accidental Death & Dismemberment Plan—you can file a claim if you or your covered family member experience a qualifying accident and seek medical attention.

Consider if you have had a situation that may have qualified for a claim—such as a dislocation, sprained ankle, fracture, laceration, burn or emergency dental work resulting from an accident—and required medical attention. You can view plan details and watch our recent employee webinar to learn more. You may be owed a benefit payout to use for anything you'd like, not just medical bills.* This plan covers accidents on or off the job.

Learn how to file a claim through formless claims submission. When visiting a medical provider, remember to ask for a summary of your visit or similar documentation. You'll need this documentation to file a claim. This plan also includes a wellness benefit payable once per year per covered person.

*Always be sure to provide your health insurance information when you seek medical attention. The Accident Plan is not health insurance. It is a supplemental benefit paid directly to you for a qualifying claim.

Upcoming Benefits & Wellness Webinars

Click on a topic below to learn more and register for any of the enriching benefits and wellness webinars coming up.

• Thursday, April 24 at 12 p.m. NCFlex Flexible Spending Accounts

• Wednesday, May 14 at 12 p.m. NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan

• Tuesday, May 20 at 11:30 a.m. Worksite Wellness Move More in May - Variety and Creativity in Movement

• Thursday, May 29 at 12 p.m. NCFlex Voluntary Disability Plan

4 Health Benefits of Bringing a Pet into Your Life

April 30 marks National Adopt a Shelter Pet Day, a perfect opportunity to consider the profound impact a pet can have on your health and well-being. Pets bring more than just joy and companionship—they can help improve your health in several ways. Whether you're a dog lover, cat person, or enjoy smaller animals like birds or hamsters, here are a few reasons why pets are good for your well-being:

They help reduce stress. Spending time with a pet can calm your mind. For example, according to Mayo Clinic, petting a dog or cat releases oxytocin in the brain, which can buffer stress.

They encourage physical activity. Pets—especially dogs—need regular walks, which may explain why 60% of dog owners meet the recommended weekly amount of exercise, according to UC Davis Health.

They help you connect with others. In 2023, the U.S. Surgeon General published a report on the growing loneliness epidemic. The report showed that about one-in-two adults in America experience feelings of loneliness, which can lead to serious health consequences. Owning a pet can mitigate these isolating feelings and may even expand your social network as you visit dog parks or bond with fellow pet owners.

You don't have to wait until April 30 to reap the health benefits of owning a pet. Consider visiting a shelter today. Alternatively, if you're not quite ready for pet parenthood, eligible employees may be able to use their Community Service Leave to volunteer at a shelter.