An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

December 2023

Evidence of Insurability Notices

If you are a Non-University employee and made a change during Open Enrollment to the NCFlex Disability or Group Term Life Plan that requires Evidence of Insurability (EOI) or other medical questions, you should have received an email or mailing to complete the necessary forms. If you have not received these forms, please check the spam folder in your work and personal email inboxes.

Below are the scenarios that would require EOI:

Use Your HCFSA to Jumpstart Your New Year's Resolution

Looking for ways to spend your remaining health care flexible spending account funds before December 31? Remember you can roll over up to $570 in your health care flexible spending account (HCFSA) from 2023 to 2024, but any money over that amount will be lost when the clock strikes midnight on New Year's Day. Use those funds before they're lost to get a jumpstart on the resolutions below: 

• Put your best face forward: Daily SPFs, acne-fighting face and body washes, charcoal masks and even medical-grade light therapy devices are among the many FSA-eligible skincare products that can help you make 2024 your year for glowing skin. 

• Start the year on the right foot: Walk into the new year with a spring in your step. You can use your remaining FSA balance to prevent foot pain with shoe insoles and to eliminate calluses, corns, cracked heels and more. 

• Be prepared for anything: Make sure your first aid kit is fully stocked in 2024. You can put your FSA funds to good use whether your accidents are general bumps and scrapes or you're the more adventurous type. Bonus — if you're a member of our Accident Plan, review the directions for filing a claim as well. 

• Take your doctor's advice: Have a resolution in mind based on advice from a medical professional? If your doctor believes you have a medical condition that could be treated with exercise programs or equipment or massage therapy, ask them to complete a Letter of Medical Necessity Form for approval to use your FSA funds.

For more ideas on how to use your remaining HCFSA funds before you lose them on December 31, visit the FSA Store and review the frequently asked questions document here. And note, you can always shop around for the best deals and use the FSA Store to identify eligible items and types of products like those listed above.

After Enrollment:

What You May Receive from NCFlex Plans

Below is information regarding the NCFlex plans and materials you may receive or be able to access after your enrollment. And be sure to check each benefit section on ncflex.org for certificates, how to file claims, flyers on bonus benefits and more.

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 also.

Dental 

• Cards with a unique ID will be issued to new employees who enroll and will be re-issued only to existing participants if you transfer to a new job or make changes to your plan. If you do not receive your cards or need additional cards, you 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 be found in the dental section of ncflex.org also. Cards 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 www.eyemedvision.com/NCFlex, logging into 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*

• 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 2024.

Cancer

• Welcome letters are mailed to new participants and to anyone who makes a change to their coverage during Open Enrollment. Certificates, claim forms and other information about these plans can be found in the cancer section at ncflex.org.
• Allstate also has a portal where you can login to view your 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.

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

Three Webinars for Employees in January

Mark your calendars and register now for the engaging webinars for state employees exploring a wide variety of topics next month.

Worksite Wellness: Radon Awareness and Lung Cancer Risks

Tuesday, January 9 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

January is National Radon Action Month. Radon is an odorless gas that can increase the likelihood of lung cancer in both smokers and non-smokers. Want to learn more about this radioactive gas? Discover valuable insight on how to test your home for radon, as well as the impact of climate change on lung cancer due to radon exposure. This enriching conversation will highlight preventative measures to protect yourself from radon exposure and the populations across the state most likely to be affected by elevated radon levels.

NCFlex: First-of-Year Benefits Reminders

Tuesday, January 16 | 12 - 1 p.m.

Wednesday, January 24 | 1 - 2 p.m.

Start the year off right by learning everything you need to know about your new benefits. In this informative webinar, we will discuss benefit reminders for the beginning of the year including how to update beneficiaries anytime, view your paystub for accuracy of premium deductions, use your flexible spending accounts, make changes to benefits after a life event, find information for filing claims and receive 1099s from prior year benefit payouts. Two dates and times are offered.

Worksite Wellness: Healthy Aging - Secrets of Longevity from Blue Zone Research

Tuesday, January 23 | 11:30 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.

Did you know that your genes dictate just 20 percent of your lifespan? Join us to learn more about the factors that make up the remaining 80 percent. 

Katie Godin, RD, LDN, from LifeStyle Medical Centers will discuss longevity research conducted by Dan Buettner and simple things you can incorporate into your daily life to live longer. Following the presentation, Katie will demonstrate how to make a cucumber, feta and chickpea salad.