Resources for Employees Impacted by Hurricane Helene

NCFlex-Related Resources Available for Employees Impacted by Hurricane Helene 

Open Enrollment (OE) for 2025

Timeline to enroll:

• For non-University employees not impacted by Hurricane Helene the regular enrollment period for both the State Health Plan (SHP) and NCFlex benefits runs through Friday, October 25, 2024.
• For University employees not impacted by Hurricane Helene the State Health Plan enrollment period ends as scheduled on Friday, October 25, 2024. Enrollment for NCFlex supplemental benefits runs through Friday, November 1, 2024.
• For all employees impacted by Hurricane Helene the enrollment period is extended through Friday, November 1, 2024 for both the State Health Plan (SHP) and NCFlex benefits.

There are two ways to enroll.

• Online: 
  Employees can visit shpnc.org/ebenefits and choose their employer to log in. 
  Note: University employees will need to log into two platforms – one for State Health Plan medical and one for NCFlex supplemental benefits.
• Over the Phone:
  Employees can call 855-859-0966, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–10 p.m. and Saturday 8 a.m.-5 p.m. during Open Enrollment. 
  Note: University employees can use the number above for their medical plan. To make changes or enroll in NCFlex benefits, they can call 833-862-1490, Monday–Friday, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

State Health Plan

Learn more about enrollment resources the State Health Plan has for employees impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

NCFlex

Any employee who is unable to complete OE, due to the hurricane before November 1, 2024, should contact their health benefits representative (HBR) or university benefits administrator (UBA) for assistance. 

The HBR/UBA should follow the normal, established NCFlex exception process when submitting the request. NCFlex will work swiftly with HBRs/UBAs to approve exceptions for employees who have been impacted by Hurricane Helene. 

Note: As part of OSHR NCFlex’s exception process, NCFlex will also accept exceptions from impacted employees living or working in counties identified by the Governor’s list for expedited major disaster declaration (which is broader than the current FEMA list).

What action should employees take during Open Enrollment?

For Medical:

All employees will be placed on the 70/30 plan. If an employee prefers the 80/20 plan, they must manually select that option.
To reduce premiums and copays, all employees will need to complete the smoking attestation and primary care provider sections. 

For NCFlex Supplemental:

All employees’ 2024 elections will roll over at 2025 rates if no action is taken except for the Flexible Spending Account contributions. Employees need to re-enroll in the FSA to continue making contributions. 

Note: Both the State Health Plan and NCFlex are committed to granting exceptions beyond the enrollment period for employees unable to make their selections or changes due to Hurricane Helene. Exception requests can be submitted by HR staff on behalf of an employee.

Plan-Specific Needs, Vendor Resources and More:

• NCFlex is available to assist members and work with plan vendors to support those impacted by Helene with any Accident, Accidental Death & Dismemberment or Group Term Life claims they may have. 
   
• Flexible Spending Accounts: It is expected that the federal government will release a statement or guidance on substantiation requests or an extension of runout days for affected employees. NCFlex and P&A – the FSA vendor – will keep employees, HBRs and UBAs updated on any federal guidance, so keep an eye on your inbox.
   
• EyeMed Cares: EyeMed has Customer Care Center representatives ready to provide the following services for members affected by the hurricane via a dedicated emergency toll-free line at 866-652-0018. 
  • Eligibility reinstatement: Members who’ve exhausted their benefit but need new glasses or contact lenses due to the current disaster can request reinstatement.
  • Temporary adjustable glasses: These glasses enable individuals to adjust for different distances for reading, computer and distance and will be shipped free of charge. If an employee is displaced, EyeMed will work with the employee to determine a location where the glasses can be picked up.
  • Free shipping for glasses and contacts: EyeMed agents can provide discount codes that can be used online at Glasses.com and ContactDirect.com to receive free, expedited shipping for replacement lenses and contact lenses.
  • EyeMed also understands the need for immediate assistance may extend beyond just members and has partnered with OneSight, a non-profit organization that provides eye care and eyewear solutions for those in need around the globe. Non-EyeMed members can reach out to OneSight for assistance at 888-935-4589 or onesight.org.
     
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP) are available. EAP can help with a variety of life situations including work-related concerns, depression, crisis events, family problems and more.
  • Most state agencies use McLaughlin and Young for their EAP services. Employees can call 888-298-3907 or 704-717-5295 to access NC EAP. Note: Universities, participating charter schools, participating community colleges and some agencies (including AOC/Judicial) use a separate EAP program. Ask your HR team what’s available to you.
  • Agencies interested in adding their temporary employees to the state’s EAP program can reach out directly to McLaughlin and Young or OSHR for assistance. The annual cost per employee is $5.28.