An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

May 2025

Remember Sunscreen This Summer

The season of backyard barbecues and days by the pool is upon us, and with it comes the hot summer sun. Even a quick walk to your mailbox or through a parking lot is enough to feel its bright rays beating down on you.


While summer may not officially start until June 20, there are many benefits to wearing sunscreen every day, including that it:

  • Prevents sunburn
  • Lowers the risk of skin cancer
  • Protects against premature skin aging
  • Limits the appearance of blotchy skin
  • Reduces the risk of hyperpigmentation and melasma


Read a more in-depth breakdown of the benefits of daily SPF and remember to stock up soon. Sunscreen SPF 15 and above is Health Care Flexible Spending Account eligible. If diagnosed with melanoma, you may be eligible for benefits under the Cancer and Critical Illness Plans.

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.





Making Changes to Your Dependent Day Care FSA

If your dependent day care needs change, you may be eligible to adjust your Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (DDCFSA) contributions based on a qualifying life event, including "Day Care Change." Situations that may qualify include starting new child or adult care, ending existing child or adult care, a change in cost of care (e.g. provider changes cost or care needs change), or your child turns 13.


The life event "Day Care Change" is intended to allow changes to the DDCFSA as life happens, to avoid over or under-contributing into the plan. You have 30 days from the date of an event to make changes to your account. The annual maximum remains $5,000 per household.


To make changes, non-university employees can log into the eBenefits system or contact Benefitfocus at (855) 859-0966. University employees can log into the Empyrean system or contact Empyrean at (833) 862-1490.


Documentation is required for life events. For a day care change, provide written proof from the dependent's day care provider stating the change in cost or enrollment status or complete the NCFlex DDCFSA Qualifying Life Event Form.


To learn more about the plan and how to file a claim, visit our FSA Documents page. Email ncflex@nc.gov with any questions.

Prevent Tickborne Illnesses While Enjoying the Outdoors


With warmer weather and longer days, many of us may be spending more time outside lately, which is a wonderful way to get fresh air, soak up vitamin D, and improve mental health.


However, with increased time outdoors comes potential increased exposure to ticks, which can lead to Lyme and other tickborne diseases. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that 476,000 people are diagnosed with Lyme disease in the United States every year.


Primarily transmitted by Ixodes ticks, also known as deer ticks or blacklegged ticks, Lyme disease can affect people of all ages, but here are a few simple tips for mitigating your chances of being infected:

  • Treat clothing and gear with products containing 0.5% of the insecticide permethrin.
  • Avoid wooded and brushy areas with high grass and leaf litter where ticks are more likely to live. Always walk in the center of trails.
  • Use Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellents.
  • Inspect your clothes, gear, and pets as soon as you're indoors and shower soon after being outside.


This National Lyme Disease Awareness Month, continue your deep dive into tick bite prevention with more information from the CDC. Remember, if a tick bites you and you seek medical help, you may be eligible for benefits under the NCFlex Accident Plan and the Cancer Plan.

Learn Valuable Ways to Save


NCFlex is offering a series of free financial and retirement planning webinars for State of North Carolina employees in partnership with the State Retirement System, State Employees' Credit Union (SECU), and Empower Retirement (State 401(k)/457).


Learn how to make the most of your finances and resources during one of our Sensible Savings Sessions. Topics include:

  • NCFlex Benefits
  • Financial Wellness with NCSECU
  • TSERS State Retirement Planning
  • State 401(k) and 457 Retirement Plans


Join any of the three sessions listed below to focus on your finances.