An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

November 2024

NCFlex Webinar Opportunities

November:

This month, we'll discuss our Cancer and Critical Illness Plans through Allstate and Voya, respectively. Both plans provide coverage for cancer, so what is the difference?

Join us to learn the answer. Plus, we'll cover topics like how to file claims, who to contact with questions, and the Wellness Benefit that pays you for completing a routine screening.

Register for 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 if 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:

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 state employment, most NCFlex plans have options to continue coverage either at the same rate you pay as an employee or a small percentage more.

Are you retiring soon? Make sure you know your options when you leave. The Continuation of Coverage Guide lists each plan and continuation options are are available.

Have additional questions? Reach out to us at ncflex@nc.gov. Want to know what happens to 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 to continue benefits.

Help Manage Your Blood Pressure with DASH

Each month, OSHR's Worksite Wellness program hosts a webinar centered around making healthier choices. November's session on Tuesday, Nov. 19 at 11:30 a.m. will focus on the DASH diet, which has been used for blood pressure management and overall heart health since 1997.

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

Evidence of Insurability Notices

If you are a Non-University employee and made a change during Open Enrollment to the NCFlex Disability Plan 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:

Surprising Ways to Use Your HCFSA

If you are enrolled in a Health Care Flexible Spending Account (HCFSA), your opportunity to spend the funds you've set aside will end at the end of the year. Only $610 can roll over to your account for 2025, so any other money will be forfeited.

Below are five surprising things you can use your HCFSA dollars on:

• Over-the-Counter Medications (Without a Prescription): Many over-the-counter (OTC) medications like pain relievers, allergy medications and cold remedies are eligible for FSA reimbursement. This includes products like ibuprofen, acetaminophen and antihistamines—so stock up as cold and flu season approaches.

• Therapy and mental health services: FSAs can be used to cover therapy sessions, counseling and even some mental health treatments that are provided by licensed professionals like psychologists or licensed clinical social workers. This can help offset any costs not covered by your health insurance when seeking mental health support.

• Mileage reimbursement: You can receive a reimbursement for gas used when driving to and from medical, dental and vision appointments for you and your eligible dependents, even if the dependent isn't on any other plan. To use your HCFSA funds for mileage reimbursement, complete an FSA Claim Form and include a map for each location you're claiming.

• Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care: If you're looking for pain management or stress relief services, you can use your FSA to pay for alternative medicine treatments like acupuncture or chiropractic care provided by a licensed professional.

• Acne Treatments: If you have acne, you can use your HCFSA for prescription treatments such as topical medications like Retin-A and benzoyl peroxide as well as oral medications prescribed by a medical professional. Over-the-counter cleansers, gels and lotions may also be eligible if they are specifically for treating acne rather than designed for general skincare.

Need more ideas? Find a list of common expenses here. P&A Group, NCFlex's FSA vendor, recommends visiting the FSA Store. Whether you purchase products on the site or elsewhere, it can give you ideas of products you use regularly but didn't realize are FSA-eligible. Similarly, many large retailers like Amazon and Target have FSA-eligible specific sections online.

Remember, your deadline to spend funds from your 2024 HCFSA account is December 31, 2024. At that time, any money over $610 will be lost. You must have at least $25 in your account for funds to roll over to 2025. You do not have to be enrolled in the HCFSA for 2025 for your 2024 money to roll over.

We Want Your Input!

Have you heard of Retirewise? MetLife offers NCFlex-eligible employees this free, informative four-part workshop twice a year to help state employees learn more about saving for retirement directly from a financial planner.

When you attend a Retirewise workshop offered through MetLife, you can expect:

• Objective information on a wide range of financial topics
• Interactive exercises
• Questions from your coworkers that may also apply to you
• A resource book that's yours to keep
• An opportunity for an optional personal consultation

We want all interested state employees to have the opportunity to attend. If interested, please complete the two-question survey by clicking the button below.