An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

July 2024

Making Changes to Benefits with a Life Event

Each year during Open Enrollment, you can make changes to your NCFlex pre-tax benefits for the upcoming plan year or re-enroll in your Flexible Spending Accounts. Open Enrollment for 2025 will be held September 30 through October 25, 2024.

Curious about making changes outside of Open Enrollment? Aside from Open Enrollment, you can only make changes to NCFlex benefits with a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) unless you are a new hire or are newly eligible. If you experience a QLE, you have 30 days to change your benefits. Non-University employees can make NCFlex benefit changes in eBenefits. Meanwhile, University employees can change NCFlex benefits by logging into Empyrean. Each platform also has a customer service number than can help you make changes. For Non-University employees, the number is 855-859-0966. University employees should call 833-862-1490 for assistance.

Changes may be limited and must correspond with the event. Documentation may be required. Learn more about eligible Life Events, changes allowed and required documentation. Reach out to your HR team if you are unsure if your event qualifies or email us at ncflex@nc.gov.

Staying Healthy on Vacation

Maintaining healthy habits can be difficult during summer travels. Schedule changes and limited access may throw off your usual routine, but that doesn't mean you can't prioritize your health while on vacation. Check out the tips below to make the most of your summer adventures without compromising your health and wellness goals.

Stay hydrated. Whether you're exploring a theme park, lounging by the pool or hiking through the mountains, drinking plenty of water can be key to feeling your best. The United States National Academies of Sciences, Engineering and Medicine suggests men need 15.5 cups of fluids daily, while women need 11.5 cups. Discover tips for staying hydrated in this Worksite Wellness Lunch and Learn.

Pack snacks. Rather than opting for fast food and convenience store options, plan to bring your favorite healthy snacks from home. This can help you maintain a balanced diet while on the go and may also prevent blood sugar crashes that lead to overeating later. The Cleveland Clinic recommends these choices and even offers ideas for picking healthier items at gas stations, airports and more.

Wash your hands. Traveling often means being in high-foot-traffic areas and public spaces. Be mindful of mitigating the spread of germs by washing your hands frequently and using hand sanitizer when you don't have access to soap and water. You can even use your Flexible Spending Account to purchase hand sanitizer.

Get adequate sleep. Resist the urge to sacrifice hours of rest in favor of more vacation fun. Getting the requisite 7+ hours of sleep will ensure you have the energy you need to enjoy each day and will keep your immune system strong.

Stay well this summer and enjoy each of your adventures with a healthy mindset, recognizing that balance is important for both your physical and mental health. Remember that participants of NCFlex's Accident and Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)* Plans also have access to travel assistance 365 days a year as a benefit of their plans.

*Employees of the University System of North Carolina do not participate in NCFlex AD&D and have their own AD&D product. Ask your University Benefits Administrator or human resources office for details.

Voya Travel Assistance - Free Benefit with NCFlex AD&D* and Accident Plans

If you are enrolled in the NCFlex Core or Voluntary Accidental Death and Dismemberment (AD&D)* Plan or the NCFlex Accident Plan, you have a travel assistance benefit available at no cost.

This benefit offers enrolled employees the following when traveling 100 miles or more away from their primary residence:

• Emergency Medical Services
• Medical Assistance Services
• Travel Assistance
• Security Assistance Services

These services are available for you and your covered dependents. The customer service center and services provided on the website are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, from anywhere in the world.

View the English and Spanish flyers for more information about the Voya Travel Assistance benefit. There is also a section designed to be cut out and kept on hand during travel.

*Employees of the University System of North Carolina do not participate in NCFlex AD&D and have their own AD&D product. Ask your University Benefits Administrator or human resources office for details.

Upcoming NCFlex Webinar Opportunities

July Webinar:

In July, we'll discuss NCFlex's Dental Plan administered through MetLife. Discover the details and differences in the plan's three options — High, Classic and Low. Plus, gain helpful insight on how to:

• Search for an in-network provider
• Get reviews
• Set appointments
• View your Explanation of Benefits (EOB)
• Find your claims online and more!

August Webinar:

We're featuring the NCFlex Vision Plan from EyeMed in August. We'll talk about how the plan works, vision wellness and common lens enhancements and materials. Plus, join to learn more about member tools and savings.

Consider inviting your spouse or family member who may help in making benefit decisions to these webinars too. Register with the buttons above or through our webinars page.