Catawba County Schools The FSA Store 2025-2026

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store to provide one convenient location for Flexible Spending Account holders to manage and use their FSA funds, and save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products using tax-free health money. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your FSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA (one use per customer).

Other Great FSA Store Resources Available To You

Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

FSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA

Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an FSA

Savings Center: Where you can save even more on FSA-eligible essentials

FSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the FSA Store rewards program


NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Catawba County Schools Ameriflex FSA 2025-2026

An account for setting aside tax-free money for healthcare expenses.

Use the below information to determine if a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of an FSA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Flexible Spending Account (FSA) you get to experience tax savings on qualified expenses such as copays, deductibles, prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs and medications, and thousands of other everyday items.

Can I have an FSA and an HSA?

You can’t contribute to an FSA and HSA within the same plan year. However, you can contribute to an HSA and a limited purpose FSA, which only covers dental and vision expenses.

As per IRS Publication 969, an employee covered by an HDHP and a health FSA or an HRA that pays or reimburses qualified medical expenses generally can’t make contributions to an HSA. An employee is also not HSA-eligible during an FSA Grace Period. An employee enrolled in a Limited Purpose FSA is HSA-eligible.

As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA. FSA coverage extends tax benefits to family members allowing the FSA holder to be reimbursed for medical expenses for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.

The Value & Perks

– Election Accessibility: You will have access to your entire election on the first day of the plan year.

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can save up to 40% on thousands of eligible everyday expenses such as prescriptions, doctor’s visits, dental services, glasses, over-the-counter medicines, and copays.

– Keep More Money: The funds are taken out of your paycheck “pre-tax” (meaning they are subtracted from your gross earnings before taxes) throughout the course of the year. Let’s say you earn $40,000 a year and contribute $1,500 to an FSA; so, only $38,500 of your income gets taxed. That means you are increasing your take-home pay simply by participating!

– Easy Spending and Account Management: Employees will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to their FSA. Employees can use their card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible FSA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under an FSA. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Deductibles

– Copays

– Prescriptions

– Teeth cleaning

– LASIK

– Glasses and contact lenses

– Band-aids

– Sunscreen

– Over-the-counter medicine (prescription required)

– Feminine menstrual care

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to myameriflex.com/eligibleexpenses.

The “Use-or-Lose” Rule

If you contribute dollars to a reimbursement account and do not use all the money you deposit, you will lose any remaining balance in the account at the end of the eligible claims period. This rule, established by the IRS as a component of tax-advantaged plans, is referred to as the “use-or-lose” rule.

To avoid losing any of the funds you contribute to your FSA, it’s important to plan ahead as much as possible to estimate what your expenditures will be in a given plan year.

 

Catawba County Schools Enrollment Instructions – BenSelect 2025-2026

Below is a series of instructions outlining the online self-enrollment process. Please have the following information available before you begin:

– Username, pin, and enrollment website URL from Step 1 of this page

– Dates of birth and social security numbers of your spouse and any dependents you wish to enroll

– Beneficiary names and social security numbers

Helpful Tips:

– If you are a new employee, please refer here for more information or contact PGB’s Employee Services at 888-662-7500 between 8:30am and 5:00pm for assistance.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into the online system, please contact PGB’s Employee Services at 888-662-7500, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

How To Enroll:

1. Logging In 

Enter your User Name: Social Security Number with or without dashes (ex. 123-45-6789 or 123456789)

Enter your Pin: Last 4 numbers of your Social Security Number followed by last 2 numbers of your Date of Birth year (ex. 678970)

To login, visit: harmony.benselect.com/catawba

2. New PIN

The screen prompts you to create a NEW PIN [__________].

3. Security Questions

Choose a security question and enter answer [__________].

4. Confirm

Confirm (or enter) an email address.

5. Save New PIN

Click on ‘Save New PIN’ to continue to the enrollment welcome screen.

6. Click Next

From the welcome screen click “Next”.

7. Personal Information

The screen shows ‘Personal Information’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information (marital status, work phone, e-mail address). Click ‘Next’.

8. Adding Family Members

The screen allows you to add family members. It is only necessary to enter family member information if adding or including family members in your coverage. Click ‘Next’.

9. Benefit Summary

The screen shows ‘Benefit Summary’. Review your current benefits and make changes/selections for the upcoming plan year.

10. Sign & Submit

Click ‘Sign & Submit’ once you have decided which benefits to enroll in.

11. Review

Review your coverage. If any items are ‘Pending’, you will need to decide whether to enroll or decline this benefit.

12. Next

Click ‘Next’ to review and electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.

13. Sign Form

Review the confirmation, then if you are satisfied with your elections, enter your PIN and click ‘Sign Form’.

14. Download & Print

Click ‘Download & Print’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document. Please do not forget this important step! Click ‘Log Out’.

Catawba County Schools Important Information About Your Enrollment 2025-2026

IN-PERSON & SELF-ENROLL

During your annual enrollment period, a PGB Benefits Representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate your benefits based on your individual and family needs, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in the enrollment process. If you prefer, you may also self-enroll online following the instructions on the Enrollment Instructions page of this site.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD: APRIL 7, 2025 – JUNE 6, 2025
ELIGIBILITY:

– You must work 20 hours or more per week to be eligible for Basic GTL (Employer-Paid) Coverage.

– You must work 30 hours or more per week to be eligible for other benefits.

– You must be a contributing member of the North Carolina Retirement System. Retirees are not eligible to participate.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Life Insurance Products and Group Term Life, Ameriflex Flexible Spending Accounts, Delta Dental and Community Eye Care Vision runs from August 1, 2025, through July 31, 2026. Please Note: Dental benefits are based on the Calendar Year, running from January 1st through December 31st. Dental benefits and deductibles will reset every January 1st.

When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Life Insurance Products and Group Term Life, Ameriflex Flexible Spending Accounts, Delta Dental and Community Eye Care Vision start August 2025 for all eligible employees. The Call A Doctor Plus Telemedicine and Nationwide Pet Insurance plans are available by Direct Billing only. No deductions will be taken via payroll deduction.

Why have my Cancer, Accident, or Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until August 31, 2025.

What is an EAP? Your Group Term Life coverage includes Health Advocate Employee Assistance + Work/Life Programs. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the Group Term Life pages of this benefit guide for more details and contact information.

How do Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds work, and do my FSA funds have to be used by a specific deadline? Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the plan year to be eligible for reimbursement. After the plan year ends, an employee has 90 days to submit claims for incurred qualified spending account expenses (or 90 days after employment termination date). If employment is terminated before the plan year ends, the spending account also ends. Failure to use all allotted funds in the FSA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

My spouse is enrolled in an Health Savings Account (HSA), am I eligible for an FSA? As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement FSA at the same time the other opens or contributes to an HSA.

How do Dependent Care Account (DCA) funds work and when do they need to be used? Dependent Care Accounts are like FSA accounts and allow you to request reimbursement up to your current balance. However, you cannot receive more reimbursement than what has been deducted from your pay. It’s important to note that any remaining funds in your DCA account must be utilized before the deadline. Failure to use all allotted funds in the DCA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

When will I get my card? If you will be receiving a new debit card, whether you are a new participant or to replace your expired card, please be aware that it may take up to 30 days following your plan effective date for your card to arrive. Your card will be delivered by mail in a plain white envelope. During this time you may use manual claim forms for eligible expenses. Please note that your debit card is good through the expiration date printed on the card.

I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

What is the difference between pre and post-tax benefits? Pre-tax benefit contributions are taken from an employee’s paycheck before state and federal taxes are applied. Post-tax benefit contributions are paid after taxes are deducted. It’s important to note that some coverages may still be subject to taxes even if paid for through pre-tax deduction or employee contribution.

Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here.

I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

 

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.⁺
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Dental Insurance.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Vision Insurance.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Group Term Life Insurance.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Telemedicine coverage (DIRECT BILLING ONLY*)**.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Pet Insurance (DIRECT BILLING ONLY*)**.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Colonial coverage.

⁺You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue each year.

*The Telemedicine plan and Pet Insurance are available by Direct Billing only. No deductions will be taken via payroll deduction.

**Please see the coordinating pages of your Benefits Guide for enrollment instructions for the Telemedicine plan and Pet Insurance.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE & DISCLAIMER

This is neither an insurance contract nor a Summary Plan Description and only the actual policy provisions will prevail. All information in your benefits guide including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in the benefits guide.

Catawba County Schools Overview of Benefits 2025-2026

PRE-TAX BENEFITS

Flexible Spending Accounts: Ameriflex
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,300/year | Minimum: $250/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year
You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year.
IF YOU DO NOT RE-ENROLL, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE JULY 31, 2025

Dental Insurance: Delta Dental of NC

Vision Insurance: Community Eye Care

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

 

POST-TAX BENEFITS

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Group Term Life InsuranceColonial Life

– Basic Group Term Life Insurance (Employer-Paid)
– Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
– Including EAP + Work/Life Programs

 Life InsuranceColonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Telemedicine Benefits: Call A Doctor Plus

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

Home & Auto Insurance: Farmers Insurance

Pet Insurance: Nationwide

 

Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.

 

Enrollment Period: APRIL 7, 2025 – JUNE 6, 2025

Effective Dates: AUGUST 1, 2025 – JULY 31, 2026

Graham County Schools Enrollment Instructions – Harmony 2025-2026

Below is a series of instructions outlining the online self-enrollment process. Please have the following information available before you begin:

– Username, password, and enrollment website URL from Step 1 of this page

– Dates of birth and social security numbers of your spouse and any dependents you wish to enroll

– Beneficiary names and social security numbers

Helpful Tips:

– If you are a new employee, please refer here for more information or contact PGB’s Employee Services at 888-662-7500 between 8:30am and 5:00pm for assistance.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to login to the online system, please contact the Harmony Help Desk at 866-875-4772 between 8:30am and 6:00pm, or speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location.

How To Enroll:

1. Logging In 

Enter your User Name: GRA5F2J and then Last Name and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (GRA5F2JSMITH6789)

Enter your Password: Four digit Year of Birth and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (19766789)

To login, visit: https://harmonyenroll.coloniallife.com

2. Creating a New Password

You will be prompted to create a new password. Your password must have: 1 lowercase letter, 1 uppercase letter, 1 number, and 8 characters minimum.

Your password cannot include: first name, last name, spaces, special characters (such as ! $ % &), or User ID.

3. Secure Your Account

Choose a security question and enter answer.

4. Begin Enrollment

Click on ‘I Agree’ and then ‘Enter My Enrollment’.

5. Verification

The screen will display ‘Me & My Family’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information requested (title, marital status, work phone, e-mail address).

Click ‘Save & Continue’ twice.

6. Family Member Information

The screen will display the option to add family members. It is only necessary to enter family member information if adding or including family members in your coverage.

Click ‘Continue’.

7. Personal Information

The screen shows updated personal information. Verify that the information is correct and make changes if necessary.

Click ‘Continue’.

8. Review Elections

The screen shows ‘My Benefits’. Review your current benefits and make changes/selections for the upcoming plan year.

9. Finish Enrollment
10. Confirm Elections

Click ‘I Agree’ to electronically sign the authorization for your benefit elections.

11. Print & Log Out

Click ‘Print a copy of your Elections’ to print a copy of your elections, or download and save the document. Please do not forget this important step!

Click ‘Log out & close your browser window’ and click ‘Log Out’.

Burke County Schools Forms & Links 2025-2026

Colonial Life

Dental

Vision

Student Loan Assistance Program

Long Term Care

ID Theft & Legal Benefits

Home and Auto Insurance

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Flex Accounts

Burke County Schools MYGroup EAP 2025-2026

EAP & WORK-LIFE SERVICES

Help is available 24/7/365 at 800-633-3353

An EAP is a company-sponsored benefit that offers the support and resources you need to address personal or work-related challenges and concerns. It’s confidential and free to you and your household family members.

Access Your EAP & Work-Life Services

There are two ways to access your EAP and work-life services: Call 800-633-3353 or
Visit mygroup.com | Click on My Portal Login | Work-Life | Username:  Password: 

Assessment and Counseling

Reasons to use the EAP include:

– Marital difficulties

– Parenting

– Stress

– Depression

– Work-related concerns

– Alcohol and drug use/abuse

– Grief and loss

– Preventative

When employees and family members call the EAP, they are offered face-to-face, telephonic, or virtual counseling sessions in which a thorough assessment can be conducted by a licenses, experienced clinician in their area. EAP is short-term, solution-focused therapy so not all issues will be resolved within the EAP model and may need to be referred to other resources.

Online Services

– 7 content divisions: Parenting, Aging, Balancing, Thriving, Living, Working, and International

– Monthly Online Seminars and eLearning courses with certificates of completion

– Searchable databases and resource links for child care providers, elder care and related services, adoption resources, attorneys, certified financial planners, pet sitting, private and public high schools and colleges, and volunteer opportunities

– Over 100 streaming audio files and 100 video files covering a range of health topics

– Savings Center: discount shopping program offering up to 25% discounts on name-brand items

– Relocation Center: an interactive program that allows users to preview communities across the U.S.

Legal Services

– Free telephonic legal advice

– Free 30-minute appointment for legal consultation with a local attorney

– In most cases, 25% discount on ongoing legal services

– Legal forms available to download (such as wills, request for death certificate, etc.)

– Online legal encyclopedia

– Does not cover disputes or actions involving employer, EAP or business issues

Financial Services

– Free financial appointments

– Issues addressed include bankruptcy, budgeting, buying a home, college savings, retirement planning

– Education materials and financial worksheets provided prior to appointments

– 40 financial calculators available online

– ID theft recovery through credit monitoring

– Discounted credit reports

Burke County Schools IMS DCA 2025-2026

Save up to $1,500 on dependent care expenses this year!

Participating in a dependent care flexible spending account (DCA) is like receiving a 30% discount from your care provider.

How does a dependent care FSA work?

A dependent care FSA is a flexible spending account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for dependent care expenses, such as daycare, that allow you to work or look for work.

You choose an annual election amount, up to $5,000 per family. The money is placed in your account via payroll deduction, in equal installments, and then used to pay for eligible dependent care expenses incurred during the plan year.

Why should I enroll in a dependent care FSA?

Child and dependent care is a large expense for many families. Millions of people rely on child care to be able to work, while others are responsible for older parents or disabled family members.

If you pay for care of dependents in order to work, you’ll want to take advantage of the savings this plan offers. Money contributed to a dependent care account is free from federal and most state taxes and remains tax-free when it is spent on eligible expenses. On average, participants enjoy a 30% tax savings on their annual contribution. This means you could be saving up to $1,500 per year on dependent care expenses!

How do I use my DCA to pay for dependent care expenses?

You can use your debit card to pay your provider for eligible dependent care expenses, or pay with your personal funds and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Qualifying Dependents

– Your qualifying child under the age of 13

– Your spouse or qualifying adult child or relative who is physically or mentally incapable of self-care

Qualifying Expenses

What qualifies?

Dependent care FSA funds can cover costs for:

– Before school or after school care for children 12 and younger

– Custodial care for dependent adults

– Licensed day care centers

– Nanny / Au Pair

– Nursery schools or preschools

– Late pick-up fees

– Summer or holiday day camps

What doesn’t qualify?

Certain expenses are not eligible, for instance:

– Expenses incurred in a prior plan year

– Expenses for non-disabled children 13 and older

– Educational expenses including kindergarten or private school tuition fees

– Food, clothing, sports lessons, field trips, and entertainment

– Overnight camp expenses

– Late payment fees for child care

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.healthierbenefits.com.

Online & Mobile Access

Get instant access to your account with the IMS Flex Portal and the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– View your account balance and transaction history

– Submit and view claims

– Upload and store receipts

– View important alerts and communications

– Sign up for direct deposit

– Sign up for text message alerts

Register for the IMS Flex Portal at www.healthierbenefits.com. Download the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Helpful Hints

– You must have funds in your dependent care FSA before you can spend them.

– You can’t change your election amount during the plan year, unless you experience a change in status or qualifying event.

Keep your receipts, you will need an itemized invoice for all reimbursement requests.

The easiest way to manage your account is online at www.healthierbenefits.com or through the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– Any unused funds that remain in your account at the end of the year will be forfeited. Plan carefully and use all the money in your dependent care FSA by the end of the plan year.

Burke County Schools The FSA Store 2025-2026

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store to provide one convenient location for Flexible Spending Account holders to manage and use their FSA funds, and save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products using tax-free health money. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA-eligible products

– Phone and live chat support available 24 hours a day / 7 days a week

– Fast and free shipping on orders over $50

– Use your FSA card or any other major credit card for purchases

BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA (one use per customer).

Other Great FSA Store Resources Available To You

Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

FSA Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA

Learning Center: Easy tips and resources for living with an FSA

Savings Center: Where you can save even more on FSA-eligible essentials

FSAPerks: Take your health and funds further with the FSA Store rewards program


NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Burke County Schools IMS FSA 2025-2026

Don’t lose the chance to put $990 back into your pocket this year!

Participating in a healthcare flexible spending account (FSA) is like receiving a 30% discount from your medical providers.

How does a healthcare FSA work?

A healthcare FSA is a flexible spending account that allows you to set aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, dental, and vision expenses for you and your dependents, even if they are not covered under your primary health plan.

You choose an annual election amount. At the beginning of the plan year, your account is pre-funded and your full contribution is immediately available for use. Your election amount is then deducted from your paychecks in equal installments throughout the year.

Why should I enroll in a healthcare FSA?

Almost everyone has some level of predictable and non-reimbursable medical needs.

If you expect to incur medical expenses that won’t be reimbursed by another plan, you’ll want to take advantage of the savings this plan offers. Money contributed to a healthcare FSA is free from federal and most state taxes and remains tax-free when it is spent on eligible expenses. On average, participants enjoy a 30% tax savings on their annual contribution. This means you could be saving up to $990 per year on healthcare expenses!

How do I use my FSA to pay for healthcare expenses?

You can use your debit card to pay your providers for eligible healthcare expenses, or pay with your personal funds and submit a claim for reimbursement.

Qualifying Expenses

What qualifies?

Healthcare FSA funds can cover costs for:

– Copays, deductible payments, coinsurance

– Doctor office visits, exams, lab work, x-rays

– Hospital charges

– Prescription drugs

– Dental exams, x-rays, fillings, crowns, orthodontia

– Vision exams, frames, contact lenses, contact lens solution, laser vision correction

– Physical therapy

– Chiropractic care

– Medical supplies and first aid kits

– Over-the-counter medications

What doesn’t qualify?

Certain expenses are not eligible, for instance:

– Expenses incurred in a prior plan year

– Cosmetic procedures or surgery

– Dental products for general health

– Hygiene products

– Insurance premiums

– Late payment fees charged by healthcare providers

For a full list of eligible expenses, go to www.healthierbenefits.com.

Online & Mobile Access

Get instant access to your account with the IMS Flex Portal and the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– View your account balance and transaction history

– Submit and view claims

– Upload and store receipts

– View important alerts and communications

– Sign up for direct deposit

– Sign up for text message alerts

Register for the IMS Flex Portal at www.healthierbenefits.com. Download the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store.

Helpful Hints

– Your full election amount is available on the first day of the plan year, which means you’ll have access to the money you need, when you need it.

– You can’t change your election amount during the plan year, unless you experience a change in status or qualifying event.

– Save your receipts when you spend your healthcare FSA dollars. You may need itemized invoices to verify the eligibility of expenses or for reimbursement requests.

– The easiest way to manage your account is online at www.healthierbenefits.com or through the IMS Flex Wealthcare Mobile App.

– You can’t contribute to an FSA and an HSA within the same plan year. As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in an FSA at the same time the other is contributing to an HSA.

Burke County Schools Important Information About Your Enrollment 2025-2026

IN-PERSON & SELF-ENROLL

During your annual enrollment period, a PGB Benefits Representative will be available by appointment to meet with you one-on-one to help you evaluate your benefits based on your individual and family needs, answer any questions you may have, and assist you in the enrollment process.

ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD: FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – JUNE 6, 2025
ELIGIBILITY: 

– Employees working at least 30 hours or more per week are eligible for benefits.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Life Insurance Products and Group Term Life, IMS Flexible Spending Accounts, CHUBB Long Term Care and LegalShield Identity Theft & Life Events Legal Plan runs from September 1, 2025, through August 31, 2026. The plan year for IMS Dental and Superior Vision runs from October 1, 2025 through September 30, 2025. Please Note: Dental benefits are based on the Calendar Year, running from January 1st through December 31st. Dental benefits and deductibles will reset every January 1st.

When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Life Insurance Products and Group Term Life, IMS Flexible Spending Accounts, CHUBB Long Term Care, IMS Dental, Superior Vision and LegalShield Identity Theft & Life Events Legal Plan start September 2025 for all eligible employees.

Why have my Cancer, Accident, or Medical Bridge benefits not started yet? The Colonial Cancer plan and the Health Screening Rider on the Colonial Accident and Colonial Medical Bridge plan have a 30-day waiting period for new enrollees. Coverage, therefore, will not begin until October 1, 2025.

What is an EAP? Your Group Term Life coverage includes Health Advocate Employee Assistance + Work/Life Programs. An Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the Group Term Life pages of this benefit guide for more details and contact information.

How do Flexible Spending Account (FSA) funds work, and do my FSA funds have to be used by a specific deadline? Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the plan year to be eligible for reimbursement. After the plan year ends, an employee has 90 days to submit claims for incurred qualified spending account expenses (or 90 days after employment termination date). If employment is terminated before the plan year ends, the spending account also ends. Failure to use all allotted funds in the FSA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

My spouse is enrolled in an Health Savings Account (HSA), am I eligible for an FSA? As a married couple, one spouse cannot be enrolled in a Medical Reimbursement FSA at the same time the other opens or contributes to an HSA.

How do Dependent Care Account (DCA) funds work and when do they need to be used? Dependent Care Accounts are like FSA accounts and allow you to request reimbursement up to your current balance. However, you cannot receive more reimbursement than what has been deducted from your pay. It’s important to note that any remaining funds in your DCA account must be utilized before the deadline. Failure to use all allotted funds in the DCA account will result in a “Use It or Lose It” scenario.

When will I get my card? If you will be receiving a new debit card, whether you are a new participant or to replace your expired card, please be aware that it may take up to 30 days following your plan effective date for your card to arrive. Your card will be delivered by mail in a plain white envelope. During this time you may use manual claim forms for eligible expenses. Please note that your debit card is good through the expiration date printed on the card.

I want to sign my family up for benefits as well, what information will I need? If signing up for any coverage on your spouse and/or children, please have their dates of birth and social security numbers available when speaking with the Benefits Representative.

What is the difference between pre and post-tax benefits? Pre-tax benefit contributions are taken from an employee’s paycheck before state and federal taxes are applied. Post-tax benefit contributions are paid after taxes are deducted. It’s important to note that some coverages may still be subject to taxes even if paid for through pre-tax deduction or employee contribution.

Can I change my benefit elections outside of the enrollment period? Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change, otherwise known as a qualifying life event (QLE), as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a QLE can be found here.

I have a pre-existing condition. Will I still be covered? Some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

 

YOU CAN MAKE THE FOLLOWING BENEFIT ELECTIONS DURING THE ANNUAL ENROLLMENT PERIOD:

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.⁺
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Dental Insurance.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Vision Insurance.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Group Term Life Insurance.
– Enroll in Long Term Care Benefits.
– Enroll in, change, or cancel ID Theft & Legal Benefits.**
– Enroll in, change, or cancel Colonial coverage.

⁺You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue each year.

**Please see the coordinating pages of your Benefits Guide for enrollment instructions for the ID Theft and Legal plan.

 

IMPORTANT NOTE & DISCLAIMER

This is neither an insurance contract nor a Summary Plan Description and only the actual policy provisions will prevail. All information in your benefits guide including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in the benefits guide.

Burke County Schools Overview of Benefits 2025-2026

PRE-TAX BENEFITS

Flexible Spending Accounts: IMS
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,300/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year
You will need to re-enroll in the Flexible Spending Accounts if you want them to continue next year.
IF YOU DO NOT RE-ENROLL, YOUR CONTRIBUTION WILL STOP EFFECTIVE AUGUST 31, 2025

Dental Insurance: IMS

Vision Insurance: Superior Vision

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

 

POST-TAX BENEFITS

Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Group Term Life InsuranceColonial Life

– Basic Group Term Life Insurance (Employer-Paid)
– Supplemental Group Term Life Insurance
– Including EAP + Work/Life Programs

 Life InsuranceColonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

Long Term Care: CHUBB

ID Theft & Legal Benefits: Legal Resources

 

ADDITIONAL BENEFITS

Employee Assistance Program: McLaughlin Young

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

Home & Auto Insurance: Farmers Insurance

 

Please note your insurance products will remain in effect unless you speak with a representative to change them.

 

Enrollment Period: FEBRUARY 24, 2025 – JUNE 6, 2025

Effective Dates: SEPTEMBER 1, 2025 – AUGUST 31, 2026 (FSA, COLONIAL, GTL, LONG-TERM CARE & LEGAL)

OCTOBER 1, 2025 – SEPTEMBER 30, 2026 (DENTAL AND VISION)