An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives

August 2024

NCFlex Train the Trainer

Get ready for the annual NCFlex Train the Trainer event. Benefits representatives can connect directly with our team to review the changes and reminders for the upcoming plan year during this September series.

We will hold in-person trainings in Raleigh, Morganton, Asheboro and New Bern and two virtual trainings accessible from anywhere. University benefits administrators and health benefit reps may attend any in-person training, whereas virtual sessions for University and Non-University representatives are separate.

Topics will include rate changes for 2025, Flexible Spending Account updates and other benefit and administrative reminders.

View dates and times and register on our Upcoming HBR Trainings page.

Additionally, you can complete our Site Visit Request Form if you are interested in an NCFlex team member visiting your location for a Benefits Fair, Employee Session or other Open Enrollment or benefits help.

*The Enrollment Guide for Universities does not include the NCFlex Group Term Life, AD&D or Disability Plan details.

If you are interested in ordering 2024 guides, please do so by the close of business on August 31. For orders, please email ncflex@nc.gov with your name, how many you would like, which guide you're ordering and a physical shipping address.

For 2024 Benefits Summaries, we still have printed copies available. This publication is used by some Non-University employers for recruiting. Send your request for copies to ncflex@nc.gov.

We're making it easier for you to answer your employees questions and equip them to answer questions on their own.

Employees often have questions about continuing their benefits after they retire or end their employment. This brochure can help answer some of those questions. Feel free to print a few copies and keep them on hand.

We also have a new Continuing Coverage with COBRA page online. This is a great link to email to employees once you know they're preparing to leave your agency or university. The page includes current COBRA rates for Dental and Vision, contact information for the COBRA vendors, FAQs and more to provide your employees with answers even after they've left employment.

Additionally, we've updated our website to make finding guides and rate sheets more user-friendly. This new guide homepage makes it easier for employees to seek out information for themselves. Some of you may have our old guides page linked in your resources. Please be sure to update the link; the old page is no longer active.

Thank you for your help in providing your employees with the information and answers they need!

Did you know state employees with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) can receive up to five hours of career coaching through their employer?

Through the NCCARES program, any state employee with ASD can submit a request for a coaching opportunity to help them apply for promotions or job changes within state government.

These services are provided by UNC TEACCH Autism Program and the Autism Society of North Carolina. NCCARES was designed to create an inclusive climate for workers with disabilities and promote a more diverse workplace across state agencies and universities.

Consider celebrating National Wellness Month by reminding your employees of these five wellness that state employees can take advantage of year-round.

Wellness Webinars: These virtual events offer informative and entertaining insight into easy ways to improve your mental and physical health. From nutritious recipes to topical health and safety issues, you'll learn something new in each monthly session. Next up, we're exploring the basics of meal planning.

Wellness Benefits: NCFlex's Accident Plan, Critical Illness Plan and Cancer Plan all offer a benefit to encourage regular health screenings for those enrolled. The benefit is payable once per year, per person for eligible screenings. Learn more about each plan's wellness benefit by clicking one of the buttons below.

Financial Health Webinars: Each summer, NCFlex teams up with the State Retirement System, State Employees Credit Union and the State's 401(k) and 457 provider to present Sensible Savings, a free financial and retirement planning workshop. While this year's series has already occurred, keep it in mind for next year. NCFlex-eligible employees are also invited to join a free Retirewise workshop series offered by MetLife; the next workshops being in September.

Miles for Wellness: This virtual, team-based walking initiative is a great way to foster connection and community in the workplace while encouraging employees to make daily exercise a part of their routine. Registration for the next challenge begins Sept. 3, and it's going to be a wild time.

Community Service Leave: Volunteering has numerous mental health benefits. Be sure your employees know that eligible full-time state employees are granted 24 hours of community service leave each year to support schools, communities, citizens and non-profit organizations. The Community Service Leave Policy is available here.

Know an HBR/UBA who would like to receive these emails?

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