NCFlex Member Newsletter - September 2023

An Important Message for NCFlex Participants

September 2023

NCFlex Open Enrollment: Oct. 9 - 27

Open Enrollment begins soon! NCFlex will join the State Health Plan for Open Enrollment this October 9-27 for the 2024 plan year.

For more information on changes and reminders for NCFlex benefits, view the 2024 Open Enrollment webpage.

You have two opportunities to join us for a webinar to prepare for Open Enrollment on Sept. 18 or Sept. 28. Find all the details and register here.

Health Care FSA for 2024

Re-enrollment is required for the NCFlex Flexible Spending Accounts to continue contributions into the next year. Whether you choose to re-enroll or decline the plan, you can roll over up to $570 total from your 2022 and 2023 accounts into 2024 with a minimum balance of $25.

Anything over $570 will be lost if not used by December 31, 2023. You have until March 31, 2024 to file claims for the 2023 plan year. Check your account balance at ncflex.padmin.com or through P&A Group's mobile app.

The new annual limit for the HCFSA will be $3,050 and you will be able to roll over $610 going into 2025.

Want to plan how much to contribute in 2024?

Try our HCFSA Worksheet. Be sure to consider any rollover amount you may have. For example, if you have $200 left in your 2023 account and $500 left in your 2022 rollover, $570 of that will roll into 2024, and $130 should be used by December 31, 2023 or it will be lost.

To view an interactive eligibility list, check out the FSA Store's Eligibility Tool. Remember, anything you contribute in 2024 cannot be used for expenses dated prior to January 1, 2024.

Prioritizing Your Mental Health at Work

Your mental health is as important to overall wellness as your physical health. Since September is National Self-Care Awareness Month and National Suicide Prevention Month, we encourage all state employees to commit to take care of their minds, not just their bodies.

According to the U.S. Surgeon General, 76 percent of the nation's workforce reported at least one symptom of a mental health condition. Below are a few simple ways to make mental health your priority while in the workplace:

Take screen breaks (and get outside): Recent research has linked time spent in front of screens with worsened mental health, and while an exact determination on how much is too much remains undetermined, TIME magazine reports that a break every 20 minutes will help with your eye health in addition to your mental health. When possible, take that break outside for a walk -- both exercise and nature are associated with higher levels of mental wellness.

Try breathing exercises or a meditation app: Sometimes an impending deadline or a critical email can throw you off your game, threatening even the most mindful, optimistic individual to spiral. The next time a workplace problem makes you anxious, try one of these breathing exercises from The Jed Foundation or check out Health.com's list of best meditation apps.

Pack a healthy lunch: Did you know what you eat can affect your mood? According to the American Society for Nutrition, ensuring your diet features fatty fish, plenty of fruits, leafy greens, nuts and whole grains can help combat mental health problems.

Get a good night's sleep: There's a reason the phrase that someone "woke up on the wrong side of the bed" means they're in a bad mood. Columbia University's Department of Psychiatry explains that sleep problems can contribute to the onset and worsening of many mental health problems. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that most adults should get between 7-9 hours of sleep per night on a regular basis to maintain good health.

Talk to a professional: Your mental health should never be an afterthought. If you're struggling in any way, seeking professional help can be an integral step toward a healthier version of yourself. The North Carolina Employee Assistance Program offers the support and resources you need to address personal or work-related challenges and concerns including many mental health issues.

Online Benefits Meetings

During Open Enrollment, you can attend online benefit meetings to chat directly with an NCFlex representative. Join through Microsoft Teams from your computer, smartphone or tablet. Learn more about these meetings by visiting the NCFlex Employee Sessions web page or click the date of your choice from the list below to register. You do not have to register to join on the day of the event. However, if you register, you will receive reminders before the event. You will find a link to join on the Employee Sessions page prior to the event starting.

Meeting dates and times:

Have NCFlex Questions?

Once you are in the meeting, use the Q&A box to post your questions. An NCFlex representative will either reply to your question in the chat or will answer it aloud. If you are unable to access the event, send questions to ncflex@nc.gov.

Miles for Wellness Challenge 28

Register today to join other state employees in staying active and completing a virtual journey through many cities named Plymouth across the United States. Challenge 28 will run from Sept. 25 - Nov. 19, 2023.

For questions or more information, contact milesforwellness@nc.gov.

Miles for Wellness is a virtual, team-based walking initiative by and for the state employees of North Carolina. The purpose of Miles for Wellness is to encourage and support employees to increase their level of physical activity, with the goal of 10,000 steps, or the equivalent of 5 miles, achieved most days of the week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, regular physical activity is one of the most important things you can do for your health.

Join Us for a Discussion on Metabolism

Each month, OSHR Wellness hosts a webinar centered around making healthier choices. September's session on Tuesday, Sept. 19 at 11:30 a.m. will focus on the basics behind how our metabolism works.

Learn more, register, or view past sessions by visiting the OSHR Wellness Webinars webpage.

Save the Date: Open Enrollment is October 9 - 27

for the 2024 plan year.