Chowan County Government Benefits Plan Overview 2023-2024

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield

Dental Insurance: MetLife

Vision Insurance: Superior

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Group Term Life Insurance: MetLife

Life InsuranceColonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

 

Additional Benefits

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

 

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

 

Enrollment Period: MAY 16, 2023 – MAY 18, 2023

Effective Dates: JULY 1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

– Full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week are eligible for benefits.

– New employees must enroll within 30 days of hire. The effective date will be the first of the month following 30 days of hire date.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

– The plan year for BlueCross BlueShield Health, MetLife Dental, Superior Vision, MetLife Group Term Life, and Colonial Insurance products lasts from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

– Deductions for BlueCross BlueShield Health, MetLife Dental, Superior Vision, and MetLife Group Term Life will begin June 2023. Deductions for Colonial Insurance products will begin July 2023.

– 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.

– Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa. Once a family status change has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify the Pierce Group Benefits Service Center at 1-800-387-5955 to request a change in elections.

– 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 July 31, 2023.

Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

– Please be aware there are certain coverages that may be subject to federal and state tax when premium is paid by pretax deduction or employee contribution.

– An employee taking a leave of absence, other than under the Family & Medical Leave Act, may not be eligible to re-enter the Flexible Benefits Program until the next plan year. Please contact your Benefit Administrator for more information.

Lenoir County Government Forms & Links 2023-2024

Colonial Life

Health

Dental

Vision

Group Term Life

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Student Loan Assistance Program

Health Savings Accounts

Flexible Spending Accounts

Lenoir County Government MYGroup EAP 2023-2024

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: lenoircogovt  |  Password: guest

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

Lenoir County Government The FSA Store & HSA Store 2023-2024

FLEX SPENDING AND HEALTH SAVINGS WITH ZERO GUESSWORK

Your Health, Your Funds, Your Choice — Simplified

Take control of your health and wellness with guaranteed FSA- and HSA-eligible essentials. Pierce Group Benefits partners with the FSA Store and HSA Store to provide convenience and savings to Flexible Spending Account and Health Savings Account holders. Our goal is to help you manage and use your funds, save on more than 4,000 health and wellness products, maximize long-term health savings, and help ease the financial burden of medical expense. Through our partnership, we’re also here to help answer the many questions that come along with having a Flexible Spending Account or a Health Savings Account!

– The largest selection of guaranteed FSA- and HSA-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, HSA card, or any other major credit card for purchases

Other Great Resources Available To You

– Eligibility List: A comprehensive list of eligible products and services

FSA Eligibility List   |   HSA Eligibility List

– Savings Calculator: Estimate how much you can save with an FSA or HSA

FSA Savings Calculator   |   HSA Savings Calculator

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

FSA Learning Center   |   HSA Learning Center

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

FSA Savings Center   |   HSA Savings Center

– Rewards Program: Take your health and funds further with FSAPerks and HSAPerks

FSAPerks   |   HSAPerks

Accessing each store is easy. Simply visit www.FSAstore.com or www.HSAstore.com! BONUS: Get $20 off any order of $150+ with code PGB20FSA on the FSA Store and PGB20HSA on the HSA Store (one use per customer).

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service   |   HSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions   |   HSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

Lenoir County Government Ameriflex Important Flex Account Information 2023-2024

Online Account Instructions

How to Access Your Ameriflex Account:

Go to MyAmeriflex.com and click “Login” from the upper right hand corner. When prompted, select “Participant.”

How to Register Online For Your Ameriflex Spending Account:

Click the register button atop the right corner of the home screen.

  1. As the primary account holder, enter your personal information.
    – Choose a unique User ID and create a password (if you are told that your username is invalid or already taken, you must select another).
    – Enter your first and last name.
    – Enter your email address.
    – Enter your Employee ID, which in most cases, will be the account holder’s Social Security Number(no dashes or spaces needed).
  2. Check the box if you accept the terms of use.
  3. Click ‘register’. The process may take a few seconds. Do not click your browser’s back button or refresh the page.
  4. Last, you must complete your Secure Authentication setup. Implemented to protect your privacy and help us prevent fraudulent activity, setup is quick and easy. After the registration form is successfully completed, you will be prompted to complete the secure authentication setup process:
    Step 1: Select a Security Question option, and type in a corresponding answer.
    Step 2: Repeat for the following three Security Questions, then click next.
    Step 3: Verify your email address, and then click next.
    Step 4: Verify and submit setup information.
  5. The registration process is complete! Should you receive an information error message that does not easily guide you through the information correction process, please feel free to contact our dedicated Member Services Team at 888.868.FLEX (3539).

After registering, you can log into your account to:

– Check your balance

– Order replacement cards

– Submit claims for reimbursement

– Update your reimbursement method, and more…

Want to Manage Your Account on the go?

Download the MyAmeriflex mobile app, available through the App Store or Google Play. This is the quickest and easiest way to access your account on the go. The mobile app offers the same functionality as your online account.

Your credentials for the MyAmeriflex Portal and the MyAmeriflex Mobile App are the same; there is no need for separate login information!

Using Your Ameriflex Card

You’ll receive a Mastercard debit card linked to your Ameriflex account that can be used to pay for eligible expenses. If you have more than one account, such as a flexible spending account and dependent care account, your card is linked to both accounts and knows which funds to pull from when you make a purchase. If you lose your card, you can request a complimentary replacement by logging into your Ameriflex account or the Ameriflex mobile app.

Eligible Expenses

Before you make a purchase, it’s important to verify that the expense is eligible under the rules of your plan. Spending and saving accounts reimburse specific expenses unique to those accounts. Visit our Help Center for more information about eligible expenses.

Help Center and Support

Your satisfaction is our top priority, and our team of experts are ready to help whenever you need it. The Help Center is the best place to go for quick answers to your questions and more information about your account. You can access the Help Center at myameriflex.com/HelpCenter.

The Ameriflex Participant Services team is available Monday – Friday: 7:00 AM to 8:00 PM CST and Saturday: 9:00 AM to 1 :00 PM CST.

Call: 888.868.3539
Email: service@myameriflex.com
Live Chat: myameriflex.com

Lenoir County Government Ameriflex DCA 2023-2024

Set aside tax-free money for daycare and dependent care services.

Use the below information to determine if a Dependent Care Account (DCA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of a DCA account.

How It Works

When you enroll in a Dependent Care Account (DCA) you get to experience tax savings on expenses like daycare, elderly care, summer day camp, preschool, and other services that allow you to work full time.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can use a DCA to pay for qualifying expenses such as daycare, summer day care, elder care, before and after school programs, and pre-school.

– 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 DCA; 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: You will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to their DCA. They 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 DCA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under a DCA. Here are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Daycare or elder care

– Before-school and after-school care

– Preschool and nursery school

– Private sitter

– Summer day camp

– Nanny service

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

Lenoir County Government Ameriflex LPFSA 2023-2024

Set aside tax-free money for dental and vision expenses.

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

How It Works

A Limited Purpose Flexible Spending Account (LPFSA) is a special type of FSA that allows you to set aside tax-free money to pay for eligible dental and vision expenses. What makes an LPFSA unique is that it can be used in conjunction with a Health Savings Account (HSA), allowing you to grow your HSA funds while using the LPFSA to pay for immediate dental and vision needs. Other than the restriction of eligible expenses to vision, dental, and orthodontia, the rules governing the LPFSA are the same as those that apply to an FSA.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: You can save up to 40% on qualifying expenses such as vision appointments, LASIK, contact lenses and solution, glasses, teeth cleaning, dentures, and dental and vision copays. You can contribute to an LPFSA and HSA in the same plan year, allowing you to save and grow your HSA balance, while using the LPFSA to pay for everyday expenses.

– 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 LPFSA; 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: You will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard linked to your LPFSA. You can use your card for eligible purchases everywhere Mastercard is accepted. Account information can be securely accessed 24/7 online and through the mobile app.

Eligible LPFSA Expenses

You can use your LPFSA to pay for expenses related to dental and vision. Below are some examples of common eligible expenses:

– Vision exams

– LASIK

– Contact lenses and solution

– Glasses

– Dentures

– Dental x-rays, crowns, fillings, and other orthodontia work

– Dental and vision copays and deductibles

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

Lenoir County Government Ameriflex FSA 2023-2024

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.

Lenoir County Government HealthEquity Important HSA Information 2023-2024

Getting Started

If you are new to HSAs, follow these steps to optimize your account and put you on the pathway to building health savings.

Activate Your Debit Card

Once your HSA is opened, you will receive a member welcome kit including a HealthEquity Visa Health Account Card.1 Activation instructions are included in the envelope. You can also speak to one of our account mentors to activate your card and receive additional insight into your account.

Log On

Sign in to the member portal by visiting www.MyHealthEquity.com. If it is your first time logging in, select ‘Create user name and password’ and follow the step-by-step process to verify your account. Once you are logged in, complete the following:

– Add a beneficiary to ensure your HSA benefits your loved ones in the event of your death.

– Elect to receive eStatements to avoid a monthly statement fee.

– Navigate the portal and familiarize yourself with its features and capabilities. A comprehensive portal guide can be found starting on page 18.

Start Saving

Decide how you will begin building your health savings:

– Paycheck contributions: If your account is offered through your employer, you may make regular pre-tax contributions from your paycheck. Talk to your benefits department for assistance.

– Transfer an existing HSA: If you already have an HSA with another administrator, transfer your existing HSA balance to HealthEquity to consolidate your savings while taking advantage of other incentives. For more information, visit www.HealthEquity.com/DoubleIt.

– Electronic funds transfer (EFT): Using EFT, you can make a one-time, post-tax contribution or schedule automatic HSA contributions from your personal bank account. To set up an EFT, log in to your HealthEquity account. From the ‘My Account’ tab, hover over ‘HSA’ and select ‘Make Contribution.’

How It Works

At the doctor’s office…

  1. Receive services. With an HSA-qualified plan, copays are not typically required at the time of service. Be sure to present your insurance ID card. If your healthcare provider requires a deposit, it will be applied to your invoice.
  2. Provider bills health plan. Provider submits a claim to your health plan for services provided.
  3. Health plan sends EOB. An explanation of benefits (EOB) is sent to you outlining the negotiated or allowed charges and summarizes your year-to-date deductible and co-insurance totals. In some cases, your health plan may send a copy of your claim to HealthEquity, which will appear in the member portal.
  4. Provider sends invoice. The provider sends you an invoice, or statement, reflecting the allowed charges. Make sure the amount matches the EOB sent by your health plan. If not, contact your health plan.
  5. Pay invoice with HSA. You can pay for qualified medical expenses with your HSA debit card or create an online payment that is sent directly to the provider or as a reimbursement to you.

At the pharmacy…

  1. Obtain prescription. Obtain a legal prescription from your doctor for required medication and present it, along with your insurance ID card, at the pharmacy.
  2. Pharmacy verifies insurance coverage. The pharmacy checks with your insurance on-the-spot to determine the amount you owe for the prescription.
  3. Pay for your prescription. The pharmacy fills your prescription and you pay the determined amount owed. The expense is automatically applied to your deductible or coinsurance. Your HSA debit card is a convenient method of payment.

Over-the-counter medication…

The IRS does not allow HSA funds to be used for over-the-counter (OTC) medicines without a prescription. You can ask your doctor to write a prescription for OTC medicines or supplies that you frequently use so that you can use your HSA to pay for these items.

Want to Manage Your Account on the go?

Benefits have never been this easy. Download the HealthEquity mobile app, available through the App Store or Google Play, and manage everything in only a few taps and swipes.

– On the go access and history: Access all account types wherever you go.

– Photo documentation: Take a photo with your device to initiate claims and payments.

– Send payments and reimbursements: Send payments to providers or reimburse yourself for out-of-pocket expenses.

– Manage debit card transactions: Link your debit card transactions to claims and documentation.

– Initiate claims and view their status: View the status of claims as well as link payments and documentation to claims.

Member Help Center and Support

The HealthEquity Help Center is your source for helpful guides, answers to your questions, and access to our helpful Member Services Team.

Call: 866.346.5800

Send a Message: www.answers.healthequity.com/app/ask

Lenoir County Government HealthEquity HSA 2023-2024

HSAs are an easy win in today’s complex healthcare system.

How an HSA works

An HSA paired with an HSA-qualified health plan allows you to make tax-free1 contributions to an federally-insured savings account. Balances earn tax-free interest and can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses. HSA-qualified health plans typically cost less than traditional plans and the money saved can be put into your HSA.

HSAs empower savings:

– Lower monthly health insurance premiums

– Money put into your HSA is not taxed

– You earn tax-free interest on HSA balances

– HSA funds used for qualified medical expenses are not taxed

– You can invest your HSA funds for increased tax-free earning potential

HSA funds remain yours to grow

With an HSA, you own the account and all contributions. Unlike flexible spending accounts (FSAs), the entire HSA balance rolls over each year and remains yours even if you change health plans, retire or leave your employer.

You can win with an HSA

Regardless of your personal medical situation, an HSA can empower you to maximize savings while building a reserve for the future. Contrary to what many may think, healthy individuals aren’t the only users who benefit from an HSA.

Lenoir County Government Enrollment Assistance – Harmony 2023-2024

HELPFUL TIPS:

– If you are a new employee and unable to log into the online system, please speak with the Benefits Representative assigned to your location, or contact Human Resources.

– If you are an existing employee and unable to log into 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.

COMPLETE THE STEPS BELOW TO BEGIN THE ENROLLMENT PROCESS: 

1. Go to: https://harmonyenroll.coloniallife.com
Enter your User Name: LEN7G5W- and then Last Name and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (LEN7G5W-SMITH6789)
Enter your Password: Four digit Year of Birth and then Last 4 of Social Security Number (19766789)
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.

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

3. Choose a security question and enter answer [__________].

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

5. The screen shows ‘Me & My Family’. Verify that the information is correct and enter the additional required information (title, marital status, work phone, e-mail address). Click ‘Save & Continue’ twice.

6. 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 ‘Continue’.

7. The screen shows updated personal information. Verify that the information is correct and make changes if necessary. Click ‘Continue’.

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

HEALTH: You may enroll online in Health coverage.

– DENTAL: You may enroll online in Dental coverage.

VISION: You may enroll online in Vision coverage.

GROUP TERM LIFE: You may enroll online in Group Term Life coverage.

– HEALTH CARE FSA (Choose one of the options and click ‘Save & Continue’): Enter annual amount. MAX $3,050/year

LIMITED PURPOSE FSA (Choose one of the options and click ‘Save & Continue’): Enter annual amount. MAX $3,050/year
Limited Purpose FSA funds can only be used for qualifying vision, dental and orthodontia expenses

DEPENDENT CARE FSA*: Enter annual amount. MAX $5,000/year

HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNT (Choose one of the options and click ‘Save & Continue’): Enter annual amount. EMPLOYEE MAX $3,850/year FAMILY MAX $7,750/year
HSA plans can only be established in conjunction with a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Lenoir County Government contributes $800 for employees enrolled in Employee Only coverage in the HSA/High Deductible Health Plan and $1600 for employees enrolled in the dependent coverage in the HSA/High Deductible Health Plan.
HSA contributions are pro-rated for employees hired during the year. Employees must be enrolled in the HSA/High Deductible Health plan to participate in the Health Savings Account, and can not be covered by any other health plan including Medicare.

CANCER ASSIST
You may enroll online in Cancer Assist coverage.

GROUP DISABILITY
You may enroll online in Group Short-Term Disability coverage.

ACCIDENT 1.0
You may enroll online in Accident 1.0; however, persons over age 64 applying for coverage and employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

GUNSHOT WOUND POLICY
You will need to speak with the Benefits Representative in order to enroll in the Gunshot Wound
policy.

MEDICAL BRIDGE
You may enroll online in Medical Bridge coverage.

CRITICAL ILLNESS 6000
You may enroll online in Critical Illness 6000 coverage.

TERM LIFE 5000
You may enroll online in Term Life 5000; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy
for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

WHOLE LIFE 5000 Plus
You may enroll online in Whole Life 5000 Plus; however, employees wishing to purchase an individual policy for their spouse should speak with the Benefits Representative.

9. Click ‘Finish’.

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

11. 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!

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

Lenoir County Government Important Information About Your Enrollment 2023-2024

IN-PERSON

During your open enrollment period, a Pierce Group Benefits representative will be available by appointment to answer any questions you may have and to assist you in the enrollment process.

ONLINE

You may enroll or make changes online to your flexible benefits plan. To enroll online, please visit: https://harmonyenroll.coloniallife.com

ENROLLMENT PERIOD: MAY 15, 2023 – MAY 19, 2023

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

– Enroll in, change or cancel Health Insurance.

– Enroll in, change or cancel Health Savings Account (HSA).

– Enroll in, change or cancel Dental Insurance.

– Enroll in, change or cancel Vision Insurance.

– Enroll in, change or cancel Group Term Life Insurance.

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts⁺ (Medical Reimbursement and Dependent Care).

– Enroll in, change or cancel Colonial coverage.

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

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

You can view details about your benefits, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized Pierce Group Benefits website. Our website is also mobile friendly, making it easy to view your plan information on the go!

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 this booklet including premiums quoted is subject to change. All policy descriptions are for information purposes only. Your actual policies may be different than those in this booklet.

Lenoir County Government Benefits Plan Overview 2023-2024

Pre-Tax Benefits

Health Insurance: BlueCross BlueShield

Dental Insurance: Delta Dental

Vision Insurance: Superior Vision

Health Savings Accounts: HealthEquity
– Employee Maximum $3,850/year
– Family Maximum $7,750/year
HSA plans can only be established in conjunction with a qualified High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)
Lenoir County Government contributes $800 for employees enrolled in Employee Only coverage in the HSA/High Deductible Health Plan and $1600 for employees enrolled in the dependent coverage in the HSA/High Deductible Health Plan.
HSA contributions are pro-rated for employees hired during the year. Employees must be enrolled in the HSA/High Deductible Health plan to participate in the Health Savings Account, and can not be covered by any other health plan including Medicare.

Flexible Spending Accounts: Ameriflex
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,050/year
– Limited Purpose FSA⁺ Maximum: $3,050/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year
⁺Limited Purpose FSA funds can only be used for qualifying vision, dental and orthodontia expenses
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 JUNE 30, 2023.

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Accident BenefitsColonial Life

Medical Bridge BenefitsColonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Disability BenefitsColonial Life

Critical Illness BenefitsColonial Life

Group Term Life Insurance: MetLife

Life InsuranceColonial Life
– Term Life Insurance
– Whole Life Insurance

Accident Benefits – Gunshot Wound Policy: Colonial Life

 

Additional Benefits

Student Loan Assistance Program: GradFin

 

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

 

Enrollment Period: MAY 15, 2023 – MAY 19, 2023

Effective Dates: JULY 1, 2023 – JUNE 30, 2024

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

– Employees are eligible for benefits the first of the month following 30 days of employment.

– Employees who work 30 or more hours are eligible for Health, Health Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Accounts, Dental, Vision and Group Term Life benefits. Employees who work 20 or more hours per week are eligible for Colonial benefits.

– If a working spouse of a covered employee is eligible for healthcare benefits through his/her employer plan, then the spouse will no longer be eligible for coverage under this Health Plan. Working spouses that are eligible for healthcare benefits through their employer, but refuse that coverage, will not be eligible for benefits under this Health Plan.

IMPORTANT FACTS:

– The plan year for BlueCross BlueShield Health, Delta Dental, Superior Vision, MetLife Group Term Life, Health Savings Accounts, Spending Accounts, and Colonial Insurance products lasts from July 1, 2023 through June 30, 2024.

– Deductions for BlueCross BlueShield Health, Delta Dental, Health Savings Accounts, and Spending Accounts will begin June 2023. Deductions for Superior Vision, MetLife Group Term Life and Colonial Insurance products will begin July 2023.

– Your employer offers an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your eligible family members. An EAP is an employer-sponsored benefit that offers confidential support and resources for personal or work-related challenges and concerns. Please see the EAP pages of this benefit booklet for more details and contact information.

– 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.

– 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.

– Elections made during this enrollment period CANNOT BE CHANGED AFTER THE ENROLLMENT PERIOD unless there is a family status change as defined by the Internal Revenue Code. Examples of a family status change are: marriage, divorce, death of a spouse or child, birth or adoption of a child, termination or commencement of a spouse’s employment, or the transition of spouse’s employment from full-time to part-time, or vice-versa. Once a family status change has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify the North Carolina Service Center at 1-888-662-7500 to request a change in elections.

– Flexible Spending Account expenses must be incurred during the Plan Year in order to be eligible for reimbursement.

– An employee has 90 days after the plan year ends to submit claims for spending account expenses that were incurred during the plan year. Please note that if employment terminates during the plan year, that employee’s plan year ends the day employment ends. The employee has 90 days after the termination date to submit claims.

– With Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts, the maximum reimbursement you can request is equal to the current account balance in your Dependent Care account. You cannot be reimbursed more than has actually been deducted from your pay.

– 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.

– 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 Coverage, therefore, will not begin until July 31, 2023.

– Additionally, some policies may include a pre-existing condition clause. Please read your policy carefully for full details.

– Please be aware there are certain coverages that may be subject to federal and state tax when premium is paid by pretax deduction or employee contribution.

– An employee taking a leave of absence, other than under the Family & Medical Leave Act, may not be eligible to re-enter the Flexible Benefits Program until the next plan year. Please contact your Benefit Administrator for more information.