TO ENROLL IN THE MASS TRANSIT FLEX PROGRAM

1. Access myHR, select Employee Self-Service
2. Select the Pay Tile
3. Select “Voluntary Deductions”
4. Select “Add Deduction”
5. Select “Type of deduction” from the drop-down box
6. Select “Mass Transit – Flex”
7. Enter the amount to be deducted each pay period. (The maximum you can contribute per month is $300). (The maximum you can withdraw per month is $300).
   – Do Not enter a Stop Date if you want the deductions to be continuous.
   – Enter a Stop Date if you want the deductions to end on a specific date.
8. Click submit.
9. You will receive a confirmation message that the submit was successful.

For assistance please contact the Employee Services Center at 704.432.6947

TO PURCHASE A CATS TRANSIT PASS ON-LINE FROM YOUR FLEX ACCOUNT

Note: To utilize your flex account to purchase on-line transit passes:

✓ You must have received your Ameriflex Debit Card.
✓ You must have sufficient funds in your account to purchase the pass.

Click on the link to access the CATS eCommerce website: http://secure.ridetransit.org/psales/etc
Follow the directions to set up your account and complete your registration.

Note: You MUST use your Mecklenburg county email address as your email address when you register. This is the tool CATS will use to validate your eligibility to purchase the pass using your flex account.

Once you have registered you will access this website to make your transit purchases. Simply follow the prompts. At “checkout” provide your Ameriflex Debit Card account number to finalize your purchase. Your transit pass will be mailed to the address you entered as part of your registration.

For assistance please contact telltransit@charlotte.gov, or 704.336.7433

TO PURCHASE A CATS TRANSIT PASS IN PERSON USING YOUR FLEX ACCOUNT

Go to the Water Department’s Customer Service Desk off the lobby of the Charlotte Mecklenburg Government Center, 600 E. 4th Street. You will need to present your Flex Debit card for payment.

Commuter Reimbursement Account
Save money on your work-related transit and parking expenses

Use the below information to determine if a Commuter Reimbursement Account (CRA) is right for you and how to best take advantage of a CRA account.

How It Works

A CRA is an account that allows you to set aside pre-tax money to pay for qualified work-related transportation and parking expenses. A CRA comes in different options: a transit account and a parking account. You can contribute up to $300 a month to a transit and/or parking account, and you can change your monthly contribution any time if your commuting needs ever change.

The Value & Perks

– Save On Eligible Expenses: Employees can save up to 40% on qualifying expenses such as transit passes, commuter highway vehicles, parking expenses, etc.

– Keep More Money: Every dollar an employee contributes to a CRA lowers their taxable income. For example, if an employee earns $40,000 a year and contributes $270 per month to a CRA, their taxable income is lowered to $36,760.

– Easy Spending and Account Management: Employees will receive an Ameriflex Debit Mastercard® linked to their CRA. 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 CRA Expenses

The IRS determines what expenses are eligible under a CRA and funds can be spent on qualifying expenses such as:

– Transit passes for any pass, token, farecard, voucher, etc.

– Commuter highway vehicles

– Parking expenses, including reservations through SpotHero

– Rides through Lyft Shared

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

Congratulations on your new employment!

Your employment means more than just a paycheck. Your employer also provides eligible employees with a valuable benefits package. Below you will find information about how to enroll in these benefits as a new employee.

All Benefits – Please call the PGB’s Employee Services within 30 days of your date of hire and a PGB Benefits Representative will help you enroll in benefits. The Employee Services number is located at the bottom of this microsite.

Be sure to also review your group’s custom benefits microsite, that allows for easy, year-round access to benefit information, live chat support, benefit explainer videos, plan certificates and documents, and carrier contacts and forms.

Colonial Life

• File A Claim
• Colonial Service Guide for Policy Holders
• Colonial Service Forms

Pet Insurance

• Nationwide Pet Insurance

Flex Accounts

• Ameriflex Spending Account Claim Form
• Ameriflex Contact Information
• Ameriflex Member Login / Check Your Balance
• Mobile App Download: Apple App Store | Google Play Store
• The FSA Store
• The FSA Store Contact Information
• The FSA Store Eligibility List

FLEX SPENDING WITH ZERO GUESSWORK

Your Health, Your Funds, Your Choice

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

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

 

Shop FSA Eligible Products Through Our Partnership with The FSA Store!

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

 

NEED HELP? WE’VE GOT YOU COVERED!

FSA Store Customer Service

FSA Store Frequently Asked Questions

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

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.

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.

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 the PGB Service Center 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: MECKLEN and then Employee ID (ex.) (MECKLEN987654321)

– Enter your Password: Your First Initial and then your Last Name and then your Four-Digit Year of Birth (Ex. JSmith1960)

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. Creating a New Password

Choose a security question and enter answer.

4. Begin Enrollment

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

5. Verification

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. Family Member Information

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. 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

Click ‘Finish’.

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’.

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: NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – NOVEMBER 19, 2023

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

– Enroll/Re-Enroll in Flexible Spending Accounts.
(Sign onto myHR and click on Benefits Enrollment to elect your FSA Coverage.)

– Enroll in, change or cancel Pet Insurance.

– 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 Pet Insurance.

ACCESS YOUR BENEFITS ONLINE WHENEVER, WHEREVER.

You can view details about what benefits your employer offers, view educational videos about all of your benefits, download forms, chat with one of our knowledgeable Service Center Specialists, and more on your personalized benefits website.

Pre-Tax Benefits

Flexible Spending Accounts: Ameriflex
– Medical Reimbursement Maximum: $3,200/year | Minimum: $260/year
– Dependent Care Reimbursement Maximum: $5,000/year| Minimum: $260/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 DECEMBER 31, 2023.

Accident Benefits: Colonial Life

Cancer Benefits: Colonial Life

Medical Bridge Benefits: Colonial Life

 

Post-Tax Benefits

Critical Illness Benefits: Colonial Life

Pet Insurance: Nationwide

 

 

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

 

Enrollment Period: NOVEMBER 1, 2023 – NOVEMBER 19, 2023

Effective Dates: JANUARY 1, 2024 – DECEMBER 31, 2024

 

ELIGIBILITY:

– Full-time employees working 30 hours or more per week are eligible to participate.

IMPORTANT NOTICES:

– When do my benefits start? The plan year for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts and Nationwide Pet Insurance lasts from January 1, 2024 through December 31, 2024.

– When do my deductions start? Deductions for Colonial Insurance products, Spending Accounts and Nationwide Pet Insurance will begin January 2024.

– 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 January 31, 2024.

– 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 3.5 months to submit claims for incurred qualified spending account expenses (or 3.5 months 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. Your plan includes a grace period which is an additional 2.5 months (running January 1, 2025, through March 16, 2025) during which you can incur eligible expenses that can be reimbursed. Therefore, you have from January 1, 2024 through March 16, 2025 to incur qualified expenses eligible for reimbursement. If you do not incur qualified expenses by March 16, 2025 and/or file by March 31, 2025 any contributions are forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule.

– 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. Your plan includes a grace period which is an additional 2.5 months (running January 1, 2025, through March 16, 2025) during which you can incur eligible expenses that can be reimbursed. Therefore, you have from January 1, 2024 through March 16, 2025 to incur qualified expenses eligible for reimbursement. If you do not incur qualified expenses by March 16, 2025 and/or file by March 31, 2025 any contributions are forfeited under the “Use It or Lose It” rule.

– 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. Once a QLE has occurred, an employee has 30 days to notify Mecklenburg County Employee Service Center at 704-432-6947 to request a change in elections.

– 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.

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

The Health Advocate Employee Assistance Program (EAP), available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers confidential, short-term counseling from Licensed Professional Counselors for a full range of personal issues and achieving a healthy work/life balance across the life span. In a crisis, emergency help is available 24/7.

– Stress, anxiety, depression

– Relationship, family, parenting issues

– Substance Abuse

– Anger, grief, loss

– Life transitions

– Referrals for additional treatment, as needed

888-645-1772  |   ColonialLife.com/EAP

Work/Life Planning Services

The Health Advocate work/life services, available through your Colonial Life Group Term Life Insurance, offers financial and legal counseling services, as well as grief support and referral for up to 12 months after a claim.

877.240.6863   |   HealthAdvocate.com/members  (Organization Name: ColonialLife-LifePlanning)

Congratulations on your new employment!

Your employment means more than just a paycheck. Your employer also provides eligible employees with a valuable benefits package. Below you will find information about how to enroll in these benefits as a new employee.

All Benefits – Please call PGB’s Employee Services within 30 days of your date of hire and a PGB Benefits Representative will help you enroll in benefits. The Employee Services number is: 888-662-7500.

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: cccti  |  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