Open Enrollment 2021
Open Enrollment Begins October 15, 2020
It’s more important than ever to get a jump start on reviewing your options and deciding if you want to make changes.
This year’s enrollment is shorter than usual. With COVID-19, enrollment assistance may be limited, and customer service response times may be longer. We encourage you to start reviewing your options now and be sure to make any changes during the upcoming enrollment period, which is October 15 to October 31. Keep in mind, that this enrollment period applies to both your State Health Plan and your NC Flex benefits. Your new elections will go into effect January 1, 2021.
You will be able to enroll online at https://www.ebenefitsnow.com/sso/saml/ECU . Log in with your ECU email address followed by your Pirate ID and passphrase using the attached instructions. Please visit this site using Chrome or Firefox and login now to avoid delays once annual enrollment begins. Using this information, please visit the link above to ensure you can log into the enrollment site. Doing this now will help avoid delays once Annual Enrollment begins. Reach out to your Benefits Consultant should you need any assistance.
Good news for 2021! Your health plan premiums will remain the same as 2020.
Health Changes
70/30 Plan and 80/20 Plan
· If you select a Clear Pricing Project (CPP) provider as your Primary Care Provider, you’ll enjoy a $0 copay.
· You’ll also have reduced copays if you visit a CPP specialist.
· Preferred and non-preferred insulin will have a $0 copay for a 30-day supply.
· The formulary (drug list for covered medications) is updated quarterly, so there may be changes in drug coverage.
Tobacco Attestation
In addition to going to a CVS MinuteClinic, you can now complete a tobacco cessation counseling session at a Primary Care Provider’s (PCP) office. Both options are FREE.
If you attest you are a tobacco user and agree to visit a CVS MinuteClinic or your PCP to satisfy your credit, you must fulfill that visit by November 30, 2020.
NC Flex Changes
Dental Plan
· There will be lower premiums for 2021.
Health Care Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
· The annual contribution will be $2,750 for 2021.
· You will be able to use your account on over-the-counter medications and menstrual items.
· If you have unused funds in your Health Care FSA at the end of this year, you can rollover up to $550 to next year. Note: You must have a minimum balance of $25.
Cancer and Specified Disease Insurance
You can enroll in or increase coverage without providing Evidence of Insurability.
Learn more
Visit www.shpnc.org for information about your health benefits and www.ncflex.org for information about your NCFlex benefits.
Click here to review more detailed information about 2021 benefits options.
Click here to review the 2021 Open Enrollment Poster.
Click here to view the 2021 Plan Comparison.
State Health Plan 101 Webinars: Register for a session here.
During the Open Enrollment period of October 15 – 31, the Eligibility and Enrollment Center will be open for extended hours to help you with any enrollment questions you may have. Call 855-859-0966 during the hours listed below:
· Monday – Friday: 8 a.m. – 10 p.m., ET
· Saturday: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., ET
What You Need to Know and Do
As you consider your needs for the coming year and decide which benefits to elect, remember the following:
1. If you are enrolled for health coverage under the State Health Plan, you and your eligible dependents will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan for 2021. If you want to enroll in the 80/20 Plan, you must actively enroll during Open Enrollment.
2. If you want to reduce your premium under any of the plans offered by the State Health Plan, you MUST complete your tobacco attestation by October 31, 2020. If you fail to take action during Open Enrollment, your monthly premiums will be considerably higher in 2021. If you attest you are a tobacco user and agree to visit a CVS MinuteClinic or your PCP to satisfy your credit, you must fulfill that visit by November 30, 2020.
3. The Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) require re-enrollment every year, so if you want to participate in either or both of the FSAs, you must make your election during Open Enrollment:
· The 2021 Health Care FSA maximum annual contribution limit is $2,750.
· The 2021 Dependent Day Care FSA maximum annual contribution is $5,000.
4. You cannot be covered as an employee and a dependent. Additionally, when you and your spouse are covered as employees, only one may cover eligible dependent children.
5. If you aren’t currently enrolled in vision coverage, you can enroll in the Core Vision Plan at no cost. This coverage provides a wellness exam for $20 plus discounts on materials.
6. You are eligible for $10,000 of Core AD&D Insurance at no cost to you, but you must enroll to have coverage. If you’ve already enrolled, you don’t need to re-enroll.
7. If you enroll in Group Term Life Insurance, your rate will be based on your age as of January 1, 2021.
Enrolling For Your Benefits
All campuses have single sign-on for online enrollment. Beginning October 15, click here and select your institution. Enter your institution Login ID and Password and select “Get Started.” You can enroll in or update the following benefits:
· Health
· Dental
· Vision
· Cancer and Specified Disease
· Critical Illness
· Accident
· Core AD&D
· Group Term Life
· Voluntary AD&D
· Flexible Spending Accounts
If You Don’t Enroll
Health Benefits
If you are currently enrolled for coverage under the State Health Plan, you and any currently covered dependents will be automatically enrolled in the 70/30 Plan. To reduce your premium by $60 (via the tobacco attestation) or to enroll in the 80/20 Plan, you must take action during Open Enrollment.
NC Flex Benefits
You’ll have the same coverage as 2020 with one important exception: You will not have Flexible Spending Accounts. To participate in either FSA (Health Care or Dependent Day Care), you must make an active election, even if you currently participate in one.