An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives

November 2023

Open Enrollment Exceptions

Now that 2024 Open Enrollment has ended, we are beginning to receive post-enrollment exception requests. We will accept these requests through March 15. Not all requests will be approved, and we ask that you do not submit requests simply because an employee changed their mind or realized they needed a different plan after enrollment.

If your employee(s) missed their window due to extreme circumstances or believe an error was made while enrolling, please consider putting in an exception request sooner rather than later. NCFlex exceptions can be submitted via the Exception Request Form here and must be submitted by an HBR on behalf of the employee. Please include important details such as dependent information (if applicable) and plan information such as the specific coverage level and who should be covered.

Once our office receives an exception, here is our process:

• Review within two to three business days and approve, deny or reach out for additional details.
• Approved exceptions are sent for enrollment platform changes on Tuesdays and Fridays.
• Once changes are made in the enrollment platform (usually within one business day), we receive notification that these changes were made.
• Approval letters are sent to those who submitted the exception along with vendors and/or payroll.
• If you have access to the enrollment system, please double-check that the correct changes were made

Keep in mind, NCFlex exceptions are separate from State Health Plan exceptions.

NCFlex Transfers - Process Document Available

During September's Train the Trainer sessions, we discussed employees who are considered transfers when it comes to NCFlex benefits. If an employee transfers from one NCFlex participating employer to another and has less than a 31-day break, their NCFlex benefits should be transferred with them. Benefits that the employee was eligible for at both employing units must remain the same during a transfer. For transfers between university to non-university or vice versa, employees may gain or lose eligibility for some NCFlex benefits.

This process is not automatic. We need your help in notifying the appropriate team to assist with the transfer of benefits. To help guide you through the process, visit the HBR section of ncflex.org. There you'll find the NCFlex Transfer Process Document to get you started.

Reach out to us at ncflex@nc.gov with any questions.

HBR/UBA Upcoming Training -

Benefits Overview and Admin Manual

In February, we will hold two virtual, annual trainings. First, we will go over all of our benefits in detail. In the second training, we'll discuss our administration manual. These trainings are intended for anyone who has recently taken on a role to help employees with NCFlex benefits or benefit reps who want a refresher. Both sessions will be recorded for those unable to attend.

Register below or on our upcoming training page.

Benefits Details:

Tuesday, February 6

9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.

Admin Manual:

Thursday, February 8

10 a.m.-12 p.m.

Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts - Remaining Balances

During Open Enrollment we sent emails to NCFlex participating employers with a list of employees who had a Health Care FSA remaining balance over $570. This helps identify which employees should be contacted regarding their FSA account prior to the end of the plan year. Employees can roll over (also known as carry forward) up to $570 into 2024 from their 2023 HCFSA.

If an employee would like to review their account(s), you can share information on how to check their FSA balances.

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

Send them the following link:

NCFlex HBR/UBA Newsletter and Alert Sign up