An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

September 2018

Open Enrollment for 2019 Benefits   The time to add or make changes to your NCFlex benefits is almost here. Enrollment for the 2019 plan year will be held September 29 - October 31 . For more information, visit our Open Enrollment page for important updates and reminders. You can also view our NCFlex 2019 Benefits Guide to review the plans and contact information for each vendor. There is an interactive guide which includes videos on each product that is best viewed in Internet Explorer and a low resolution guide great for downloading. Don't forget each product page that can be found on www.ncflex.org for additional details. The videos can also be found on these individual pages (ex. Accident video can be found on the page for the Accident Plan - click on the Accident tile when you first enter the NCFlex website).

Online Benefits Meetings During enrollment, you can attend an online benefits meeting through the BlueJeans video conferencing network by going to https://bluejeans.com/5740299317  from your computer, mobile phone or tablet.  Meeting dates and times: Tuesday, Oct. 9, Noon - 1 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 11, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 17th, 8 a.m. - 9 a.m. Tuesday, Oct. 23, Noon - 1 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 27, 11 a.m. - Noon Monday, Oct. 29, 7 p.m. - 8 p.m. Have Questions? Once you are in the meeting, use the "Chat" box in the upper right corner to post your question. A benefits representative will answer questions as they are posted, so be sure to listen for your answer.  You can stay on for the whole hour, or just listen long enough to hear answers to your questions. Once you join the first meeting on the BlueJeans Network, the BlueJeans app will install automatically. It's a good idea to go to the website at least five minutes before the meeting starts to allow time for the app to download.

September is National Suicide Prevention Month.  Are you or a loved one battling depression or thoughts of suicide? No one is broken beyond repair. You can join the fight against suicide. Learn how. Local assistance contact information is available through this NC DHHS website: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/assistance/mental-health-substance-abuse/crisis-services The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is also there to help at: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factors-and-warning-signs/ Prevent Blindness has declared September Eye Safety Awareness Month  to help educate the need to protect vision while playing sports activities. Eye injuries from any sport may include infection, corneal abrasions, fracture of the eye socket, swollen or detached retinas or a traumatic cataract.    “Wearing eye protection should be part of any athlete’s routine, just as putting on equipment like shin guards, gloves, or a helmet are,” said Jeff Todd, president and CEO of Prevent Blindness. “Eye accidents happen so quickly, but the effects can be painful and last a lifetime. Consulting an eye care professional can protect healthy eyesight without compromising on performance.”  ( www.preventblindness.org  )   This  helpful article  can be used to learn more.