Open enrollment in the State Health Plan for all state employees began on Sept. 30. The enrollment period ends on Oct. 31.
There are some new choices this year, such as the accident coverage plan through NCFlex that pays members directly in the event of specific injuries and events resulting from a covered accident and the new features to both the healthcare flexible savings account (FSA) and the dependent daycare FSA.
But there are also fewer choices when it comes to health insurance now that the State Health Plan has eliminated the Consumer-Directed Health Plan. Also, there is now only one way to reduce monthly premiums, which is to complete the tobacco attestation wellness credit. Anyone who doesn’t complete this credit will pay a $60 per month surcharge in both the 80/20 and 70/30 plans.
Both the primary care physician credit and the health credit have been eliminated by the SHP for 2018.
Monthly employee-only and employee-spouse rates will increase this year, but deductibles and co-pays will remain the same.
All employees who don’t specifically choose the 80/20 plan during open enrollment will be automatically enrolled in the lower-cost 70/30 plan.
More information about changes to both the State Health Plan and new NCFlex options is available through this Benefits and Leave Administration page.
Log into the SHP enrollment page here.
State Health Plan Updates
- All State Health Plan members will be defaulted to the 70/30 plan for 2018. Employees must log into the benefits enrollment portal via MyPack if they wish to complete the tobacco attestation and/or elect the 80/20 plan.
- Only the 70/30 and 80/20 plans will be available in 2018. The Consumer-Directed Health Plan (CDHP) will no longer be available after Dec. 31, 2017. Like all plan members, those enrolled in the CDHP will be defaulted into the 70/30 plan for 2018, and must take action if they wish to complete the tobacco attestation and/or elect the 80/20 plan.
- The 70/30 and 80/20 plans will have the tobacco attestation wellness credit. Failure to complete the tobacco attestation during the annual enrollment period will result in a $60/month surcharge for 2018, beginning with the December 2017 paycheck.
- Employee-only and employee-spouse premiums will increase in 2018, beginning with the deduction in the December 2017 paycheck.
NCFlex Updates
- NCFlex has a new accident plan through VOYA that pays members directly in the event of specific injuries and events resulting from a covered accident.
- Healthcare FSAs have a new 2018 maximum amount of $2,600.
- Healthcare FSA will eliminate the 2 1/2 month extension in 2018 and replace the extension with a maximum $500 rollover (minimum $25).
- Use of a convenience card for Dependent Daycare FSA. Funds available via convenience card once payroll deducted.
- New Lower rates on High Option Dental Plan.
- New vision provider, EyeMed.
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