An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

November 2023

NCFlex Webinar Opportunities

November:

This month we'll discuss our Cancer and Critical Illness Plans through Allstate and Voya. Both plans provide coverage for cancer, so what is the difference? Join us to learn the answer, plus we'll cover additional topics like how to file, who to contact with questions and the Wellness Benefit that pays you for completing a routine screening.

Join us during one of our November sessions to learn about these two plans and how you can continue them if you leave employment:

December:

In December, we will discuss our Accident Plan through Voya. With the Accident Plan, you have two options for coverage. Both options pay you money in the event you seek medical attention for an injury that results from a covered accident. 

Learn about how the Accident Plan works, its additional benefits like the Wellness Benefit and Travel Assistance, and continuation options during one of our December sessions:

Register on our Webinars Page or from the above links. We will also post the recordings on the Webinars Page after the event. Bookmark the page for later use.

Prevent Drowsy Driving

With the end of Daylight Savings Time, it is dark out earlier, which may make some of us feel like it's already bedtime on our after-work commute. According to The National Sleep Foundation, drowsy driving can be just as dangerous as drunk, drugged or distracted driving.

What is drowsy driving and who does it affect? 

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) defines drowsy driving as the dangerous combination of driving when sleepy or fatigued. While drowsy driving can affect anyone, the CDC reports that teens and young adult drivers, commercial truck drivers, drivers who work the night shift or long shifts, drivers with untreated sleep disorders and drivers who use medicines that may make them sleepy are particularly susceptible. 

When and where does drowsy driving take place? 

Drowsy driving can cause an accident anywhere, at any time. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) states that drowsy-driving crashes occur most frequently between midnight and 6 a.m. or late afternoon. These crashes occur most on rural roads and highways. 

Why is it dangerous? 

Drowsiness makes you less able to pay attention to the road, slows your reaction time and affects your ability to make good decisions. 

You can do your part to prevent drowsy driving.

Always get enough sleep, avoid driving when on medications that make you sleepy and know the warning signs of drowsy driving. If you're yawning or blinking frequently, have trouble remembering the past few miles driven, drifting from your lane or hitting a rumble strip on the side of the road, you are likely driving drowsy — the NHTSA suggests drinking one to two cups of coffee and pulling over for a short 20-minute nap in a safe place as a short-term intervention. 

Celebrate Drowsy Driving Prevention Week, Nov. 5-11, 2023, by sharing this information with others. Plus, learn more about the importance of adequate sleep during our upcoming Wellness Webinar on Tuesday, Nov. 14.

Auto Loan Discount Program for State Employees and Retirees

As a cooperative founded for and by State employees, State Employees’ Credit Union (SECU) continually looks for ways to provide financial assistance that make sense for our members who have and continue to serve our State. We recognize the challenges and rewards that come with being a public servant. In an era of high interest rates, we know the impact on government employees and their families. Our newest auto loan discount program exhibits SECU’s continued appreciation of the dedication and hard work State employees provide for the people of North Carolina.

This new offering provides a 0.50% interest rate discount on new and used auto loans for qualifying¹ North Carolina State employees and retirees.

“When we introduce a new product or make changes to an existing product, we listen to the feedback of our members to ensure we are meeting their lending needs,” says Stacie Walker, SECU’s Chief Lending Officer. “Members’ demand for loan products remains strong, and to support our core membership, we are offering loan products at more competitive rates for our active and retired state employees.”

If you are in the market for a vehicle, contact your local branch or our Member Services Support at (888) 732-8562 for more information about this new discount. Not yet an SECU member? Join today to access this discount and our many other products and services.

¹To be eligible for this discount, members must be a current full-time or retired employee of the state of North Carolina (including public school employees) and members’ state payroll or retirement benefits from a plan administered by the North Carolina Retirement Systems division of the Department of State Treasurer must be on direct deposit with SECU. Members must be at least 18 years of age or otherwise eligible for lending services to apply. Lending is limited to residents of North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee and Virginia. Additional terms and conditions apply.



Content provided by State Employees’ Credit Union.           

NCFlex Coverage Continuation at Separation

NCFlex benefits are sponsored by the State. If you transfer to another agency, university, participating community college or participating charter school within state government, NCFlex benefits transfer with you. If you leave employment, most of these plans have options to continue coverage either at the same rate you pay as an employee or a small percentage more.

Are you thinking about retirement?

Make sure you know your options when you leave. The Continuation of Coverage chart here lists each plan and continuation options that are available.

Have additional questions?

Reach out to us at ncflex@nc.gov. Want to know more about the Health Care FSA or other benefits when you leave? Check out our Webinars page where you can find a recording and slides from a recent member session on how benefits continue.

Join Us for a Discussion on Stress and Sleep

Each month, OSHR Wellness hosts a webinar centered around making healthier choices. November's session on Tuesday, Nov. 14 at 11:30 a.m. will focus on the link between sleep, stress and our dietary habits.

Learn more, register or view past sessions by visiting the OSHR Wellness Webinars webpage.