An Important Message for NC Health Benefit Representatives

January 2024

Remind Employees to Check Benefit Deductions

January paystubs will show the first NCFlex deductions for the 2024 plan year. Remind employees to check their paystubs by comparing their deductions to the 2024 rate sheets.

If your employee(s) finds an error made during Open Enrollment, they should contact you, their HBR/UBA, to determine if an exception request is warranted. As HBRs/UBAs, it is your decision whether or not to submit exceptions on an employee's behalf. Whether you agree with the employee or not, always include all details you feel are relevant to the exception request for NCFlex's consideration.

To submit an exception, complete the exception form on the NCFlex HBR Webpage. Include all pertinent details to help us process your exception quickly and accurately.

NCFlex will accept Open Enrollment exception requests through March 15. Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account (DDCFSA) exceptions will be considered after this date if an employee enrolled in the DDCFSA in error.

2024 Printed Materials

The 2024 NCFlex Enrollment Guides (University and Non-University) and the more comprehensive 2024 NCFlex Benefits Guide can be ordered year-round. Visit our HBR page to learn how to order.

If you submitted an order for the 2024 Employee Benefits Summary, orders have shipped. If you have not received them, they should arrive soon. For those who missed the opportunity to order, the online version linked above can be a great resource.

University employees should visit Benefits Enrollment Central to access the most up-to-date University Benefits Summary.

Flexible Spending Accounts - Resources

This time of year we typically get a lot of questions from employees regarding their Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), especially when it comes to their rollover or carryforward with the HCFSA. Our FSA page explains how the rollover works, which can be shared with employees.

By clicking the blue link located on the FSA page, you will find even more resources that will help answer questions such as what items are eligible and how to file claims.

Of course, not all questions can be answered by resources on our site. Reach out to us at ncflex@nc.gov if you need further help in answering an employee's question.

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.

Critical Illness and Accident Plan Participants - 1099 Forms

If an employee was paid a benefit from their Critical Illness and/or Accident Plan in 2023 over $600, they will receive a 1099 from Voya.

Employees should consult a tax professional as to whether the amount received is fully subject to income tax. Since the premium is deducted on a pre-tax basis, the benefit received is only subject to income tax to the extent that the employee’s unreimbursed medical expenses (for which Health Care FSA funds were NOT used to pay) are less than the benefit payment.

For example, if the Accident Plan pays $200 for a medical office visit, but the covered individual has an unreimbursed medical cost of $30 from a copay the HCFSA was not used for, then only $170 would be taxable.

More information can be found in this article around taxation and fixed indemnity plans which discusses an IRS Memo released in 2017.

COBRA for Dental and Vision

As a reminder, NCFlex Dental and Vision COBRA administration is handled through iTedium, the Benefitfocus COBRA administrator. iTedium also handles COBRA administration for the State Health Plan; therefore, notice letters to employees will have the State Health Plan logo. These notices are typically mailed out within two weeks of the date of separation depending on how quickly benefits are canceled in the enrollment system.

If a former employee has not received their notice or wants to check on the status of their notice, they can call iTedium at 1-877-679-6272. Employees have 60 days from the time of the notice to elect COBRA benefits. If they experience issues, have them contact us at ncflex@nc.gov.

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