NCFlex Member Newsletter

An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

May 2022

How Prevalent is Skin Cancer in North Carolina?

In 2018 there were 3,032 cases of melanoma reported in North Carolina, according to the most recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). As one of the most common cancers in young people¹, it is imperative to take the needed precautions to protect your skin from this preventable disease.

Precautions² include limiting exposure to UV rays by seeking shade, lathering on SPF 30+ sunscreen. It is recommended to wear clothing and a hat that covers or shades the skin, as well as sunglasses. Second, make sure to avoid tanning beds and sunlamps. And lastly, protect children from harmful rays as well!

As a reminder, sunscreen SPF 15 and above is Health Care FSA eligible.

¹ https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/about/key-statistics.html

² https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/causes-risks-prevention/prevention.html

Learn more about skin cancer, success stories, and more sun safety tips by visiting the CDC website.

Sensible Savings Session Recap

This month NCFlex hosted Sensible Savings Sessions which hundreds of you joined. For those that missed the sessions, here is some information you may find useful:

The first topic focused on NCFlex benefits.

Benefit details can be found in the 2022 Guide, as well as on individual plan pages found at www.ncflex.org.
Continuation options of these benefits can be found on the Continuation of Benefits flyer.
If you ever have questions about these benefits, email us at [email protected].

The next portion of the session was presented by the State Employee’s Credit Union

The SECU team discussed the different programs offered to members, including estates, trusts, investment and loan options. The best way to learn about these is to visit www.ncsecu.org or to call a local branch and speak to a representative.

Third, viewers heard from the NC Retirement System:

View your personal account (TSERS) or request an estimate or apply for retirement through ORBIT.
Learn more about the benefits offered through TSERS or other retirement plans via the Handbooks online.
The NC Retirement System has educational videos available on their website: https://www.myncretirement.com/member-education/videos.
For more information or speak to a counselor, contact the retirement system directly: https://www.myncretirement.com/contact-us.

Lastly, the presentation focused on the 401(k) and 457 programs through Empower (formerly Prudential):

Enroll or find plan information, including comparison charts on the two options, here: https://ncplans.retirepru.com/.
Upcoming employee events. Each month new dates are added: https://ncplans.retirepru.com/employee-events.html.
Reach out to a counselor directly for more information: https://ncplans.retirepru.com/counselors.html.

Webinar Opportunities with NCFlex:

June and July

Continuation of Benefits/Life Events and NCFlex MetLife Dental

In June we will discuss the options for continuation of benefits after leaving employment, life events that may allow you to make changes mid-year and how to make those changes. In July we will feature NCFlex MetLife Dental* and compare the three plans. We will also demonstrate how to find an in-network provider, get reviews, set appointments and view EOBs and claims online.

Register on our Webinar Page or below for one of the scheduled dates and times. Bookmark the page for reference to view future events as well as recordings and slides of past events.

Continuation and Life Events: June 9, 12 - 12:45 p.m.

NCFlex Dental: July 12, 1 - 2 p.m.

Continuation and Life Events: June 21, 1 - 1:45 p.m.

NCFlex Dental: July 21, 12 - 1 p.m.

Please email us at [email protected] with any questions.

*Please note, if you are a DPS employee, you may have a MetLife Dental product directly through your employer that is different than the NCFlex Dental. Check with your HR department if you are unsure of which MetLife Dental you participate in.

Naming (and Updating) Beneficiaries

Did you know, you can name beneficiaries for NCFlex's Cancer, Critical Illness, Group Term Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment plans? You can also update those beneficiaries at any time during the year, not just during open enrollment. Maybe you've experienced a life event such as birth, marriage, divorce, or death in the family, and your need to make some changes. There is no deadline for updating beneficiaries.

This article describes why it is important to name beneficiaries for your benefits: The Importance of Naming Beneficiaries. Another important article is what you should know about naming minors as beneficiaries.

This document will help show you how to add or change your beneficiaries for your NCFlex benefits.