Benefits Update — December 2019

These year-end reminders may be helpful to you.

Updates

Paid Parental Leave FAQs added

Earlier this month, UNC Charlotte announced that the University will implement a Paid Parental Leave Program starting Jan. 1, 2020. The UNC System Office released additional information and a set of frequently asked questions. Links to the new information can be found on the HR Paid Parental Leave webpage.

IRS announces 2020 retirement contribution limits

In addition to the 6% that all eligible employees contribute to their mandatory retirement plan, you are encouraged to consider participating in supplemental plans based on eligibility. Below are the plan options and limits. Supplemental Plan Options

  • 401k and 457 plans (Prudential)
  • 403b and 457 plans (Fidelity and TIAA)

The IRS recently announced the contribution limits for 2020:

  • Under the age of 50: $19,500
  • Over the age of 50: an additional $6,500

Reference Supplemental Retirement Plans for more details and instructions for starting or changing your contributions.

Reminders

Verify your insurance plans and deductions

As a reminder, health insurance premiums are deducted a month in advance and NCFlex premiums are deducted in the month of coverage. Reference the premium schedule below for your 2019 Open Enrollment elections for the 2020 plan year.

  • Health Insurance deductions began with your Dec. 13, 2019, paycheck.
  • NCFlex deductions begin with your Jan. 15, 2020, paycheck.

Verify the benefit plans and deductions on your paycheck with the eBenefits confirmation statement you received after making your elections. Report any discrepancies to the Benefits Office at benefits@uncc.edu or 704-687-8134 by the following deadlines to ensure adequate time to process any exception requests:

  • For State Health Plan discrepancies: Jan. 17, 2020
  • For NCFlex Plan discrepancies: Jan. 31, 2020

More information on NCFlex exceptions If you defaulted to the Classic Dental Plan by not taking any action during Open Enrollment and now wish to have the High Option Plan instead for 2020, an exception request will be considered. You will need to pay the difference in premiums retroactively to Jan. 1 if the request is approved. If you enrolled in the wrong Flexible Spending Account during Open Enrollment, an exception request will be considered. Contact the Benefits Office with those requests by the deadline referenced above.

Update your Primary Care Provider (PCP) in eBenefits

Both the 70/30 and 80/20 State Health Plans have the copay reduction for Primary Care Provider (PCP) visits. It is important to keep your PCP updated. You can elect a PCP at any time through eBenefits.

Look out for your new ID Cards

ID cards for the State Health Plan and Dental Plan will be mailed out to enrolled members in December. Participant enrollment kits and debit cards for the Flexible Spending Accounts will also be mailed in December.

Use your FSA funds before the 2019 deadline

If you are a 2019 Health Care Flexible Spending Account participant, you have until Dec. 31, 2019, to use the funds in your 2019 Health Care Flexible Spending Account. If you have a balance of at least $25, you can roll over up to $500 of that unused money into 2020. However, anything over $500 will be lost if not used by the end of this year. Check your account balance, file a claim or order a replacement convenience card by visiting ncflex.padmin.com.

Upload documentation for any newly added dependents

If you have not already done so, upload supporting documentation in eBenefits by Dec. 31, 2019, for any newly added dependents during Open Enrollment. This is a requirement of the State Health Plan. If you fail to upload the correct documentation, your dependent may be dropped from coverage.

Make sure your name and Social Security number are correct

Make sure the name and Social Security number for you and your covered dependents are accurate in the online state insurance system. Follow the directions to validate your Social Security number and name in the online state insurance system, and notify the Benefits Office at 704-687-8134 or benefits@uncc.edu to report any discrepancies or if you have questions.

Visit a CVS MinuteClinic for a tobacco cessation session

If you are a tobacco user who, during Open Enrollment, attested that you would be willing to visit a CVS MinuteClinic for a tobacco cessation counseling session, you must complete at least one session before Dec. 31 or you risk losing your premium credit. You must present your State Health Plan ID card for the visit to be covered at 100%.