If you cannot attend one of our Open Enrollment Training Sessions, you may view the information covered by clicking HERE.
Open Enrollment is the perfect time to review your benefits options and ensure you are enrolled in the right plans for you and your family. The more you know, the more you will be prepared. That’s why we encourage you to take advantage of the tools and resources available through the State Health Plan and NCFlex. You may learn your best choice for 2018 may be different from your current plan.
The upcoming enrollment period is from September 30 to October 31. You will enroll for both your State Health Plan and your NCFlex benefits. Your new elections will go into effect January 1, 2018.
What’s New for 2018
It’s important to review your benefit options each year so you can choose the benefits that are right for you. Below are highlights of what’s new for 2018.
Health Benefits
· The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) will no longer be offered. Health Reimbursement Accounts (HRAs) must be used by Dec. 31, 2017
· There is no increase to premiums for child/ren or family coverage
· There is no increase to copays and deductibles in either the 80/20 Plan or the 70/30 Plan
· You will only have to complete the tobacco attestation credit in order to receive a reduction to your medical premium
- The 80/20 Plan will have a $50/month employee-only premium (with tobacco attestation)
- The 70/30 Plan will have a $25/month employee-only premium (with tobacco attestation)
NCFlex Benefits
· NCFlex is now offering Accident Plan that pays benefits for specific injuries and events resulting from a covered accident
· If you enroll in the Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA), you can roll over up to $500 of unused funds into the next plan year; minimum $25 balance
· Starting in 2018, you can use the NCFlex Convenience Card to pay for eligible dependent day care expenses, up to the balance in your Dependent Day Care FSA. The card can be used for both the Health Care FSA and the Dependent Day Care FSA
· Premium rates for the Dental High Option PPO will be lower in 2018
· EyeMed Vision Care replaces Superior Vision as the new vision plan administrator
· Premium rates for the Vision Basic and Enhanced plans will be lower in 2018
· The vision plan offers a new and larger network of providers for 2018
· Under vision coverage, the Enhanced Plan will have a higher frame allowance ($200) and contact lens allowance ($175)
To learn more about your options, visit www.shpnc.org for information about your health benefits and www.ncflex.org for information about your NCFlex benefits.
What You Need to Know and Do
As you consider your needs for the coming year and decide which benefits to elect, remember the following:
1. If you are enrolled for health coverage under the State Health Plan, you and your eligible dependents will be automatically enrolled in the Traditional 70/30 Plan. If you want to enroll in the Enhanced 80/20 Plan, you must actively enroll through eEnroll during Open Enrollment.
2. If you want to reduce your premium under any of the plans offered by the State Health Plan, you MUST complete your tobacco attestation by October 31, 2017. If you fail to take action during Open Enrollment, your monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2018.
3. To avoid tax penalties, you will be required to obtain minimum essential coverage for 2017 as a result of Health Care Reform, either through a spouse’s plan, another qualifying plan or the Health Insurance Marketplace.
4. The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) require re-enrollment every year, so if you want to participate in either or both of the FSAs, you must make your election during Open Enrollment:
· The Health Care Flexible Spending Account maximum annual contribution limit is $2,550.
· The Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Account maximum annual contribution is $5,000.
5. If you aren’t enrolled currently in Vision coverage, you can enroll in the Core Vision Plan at no cost. It provides a wellness exam for $20 plus discounts on materials.
6. The NCFlex Program provides $10,000 of Core AD&D coverage at no cost to you, but you must enroll to have coverage. If you are already enrolled, you do not need to re-enroll.
7. If you enroll in Group Term Life Insurance, your rate will be based on your age as of January 1, 2018. If you move up in an age bracket during 2018, you will see the new rates appear in your January 2018 paycheck.
The Affordable Care Act (ACA) requires certain employers (like UNC) to send the 1095-C tax form to all employees subject to the law. You will receive the 1095-C in late January of each year. You’ll use the form’s information when you complete your federal income tax return, similar to how you use IRS Form W‑2.
Enroll in All Your Benefits in One Place Log onto eEnroll beginning September 30, 2017, to enroll or make changes to your 2018 benefit elections. You can enroll in or update the following benefits:
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If You Don’t Enroll Health Benefits If you do nothing, you and any currently covered dependents will be automatically enrolled in the Traditional 70/30 Plan under the State Health Plan. In addition, you will pay a premium for employee-only coverage. NCFlex Benefits You generally will receive the same coverage in 2018 as you have in 2017 (provided that coverage is available to you and your dependents), except for Flexible Spending Accounts. To participate in either FSA, you must make an active election, even if you currently participate in one. |
