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Are you ready to unlock the full potential of your employee benefit packages North Carolina? In today’s competitive job market, a well-rounded benefits package is crucial for attracting and retaining top talent. In this blog post, we’ll dive deep into the numerous benefits available for North Carolina state employees, from retirement systems to health insurance, dental and vision plans, supplemental insurance, and more. Let’s explore how these offerings can help you achieve a healthier, happier, and more financially secure future.
In North Carolina, eligible employees must participate in the state employees retirement system, which offers multiple retirement plans. Two of the main state employees retirement system plans are the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) and the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System (CJRS). Both plans require eligible employees to contribute 6% of their gross salary on a tax-deferred basis, helping them save money for their retirement years.
TSERS is available to permanent employees working at least 30 hours per week, with a vesting period of five years for full benefits. Retirement benefits in TSERS may be available with reduced benefits at age 50 with 20 years of creditable service or at age 60 with 5 years of creditable service. To access unreduced benefits, 5 years of creditable service will qualify you for a benefit if you are aged 65. Alternatively, 25 years of creditable service allows people to access a benefit at age 60. Finally, any age can receive the benefit with 30 years of creditable service..
CJRS is available to those in legal roles such as Justices, Judges, District Attorneys, and offers retirement benefits at age 65 with a minimum of five years of service, or after age 50 with 24 years of service.
State employees have access to various other state health plan options and options, PPO plans, wellness premium credits, and coverage for those working more than 30 hours per week. The State contributes a significant portion to the employee premium, enhancing the affordability of group health insurance for state employees.
Employees working 20-29 hours per week are eligible for State-sponsored health coverage. They must fully cover the cost of the state health plan coverage, the cost including the employee premium, dependent and other cost and employer costs..
The State Health Plan offers comprehensive existing medical coverage to eligible employees, including preventive care, major medical expenses, and prescription drug benefits, all at competitive premium rates. Employees can also reduce their monthly premiums by completing the tobacco attestation, which lowers the employee-only premium for both the Enhanced 80/20 Plan and the Traditional 70/30 Plan. Additionally, a tricare supplement to state health plan may be available for eligible individuals.
Employees have an assortment of dental and vision care plans to choose from, based on their needs and income. For dental coverage, North Carolina state employees can choose between High Option and Low Option plans. The cost of paying for High Option plan covers preventive, basic, major, and orthodontia services, while the cost of Low Option plan pays covers only preventive and basic services.
Vision care plans offer the following options:
These plans provide employees with the flexibility to choose the various plan options and plans work level of coverage that best suits their needs and budget.
Additional financial protection and coverage for an array of treatments and procedures are offered through supplemental insurance. These plans include a critical illness plan, which covers:
Employees in permanent or grant-funded positions working a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible for these supplemental insurance plans.
For example, the Cancer Insurance provided by Colonial Life Insurance Company offers financial protection through monthly premiums and a variety of benefits, including:
The Accident Plan provides for disability benefits existing medical coverage for specific injuries and events resulting from a covered accident occurring on or after the disability coverage effective date.
With Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs), employees can allocate pre-tax dollars for eligible expenses. These expenses can be:
This pre-tax benefit can help employees save money on their out-of-pocket healthcare and dependent care expenses.
The HCFSA can be used to pay for qualified out-of-pocket health care costs, while the DDCFSA provides reimbursement for child care or dependent adult care expenses, enabling employees to participate and remain in the workforce.
To be eligible for these FSAs, eligible employees must be employed in a permanent position, not a time limited position, and work at least 30 hours per week.
State employees in North Carolina can choose from a range of life insurance policy options, including:
These insurance plan options also provide financial support and peace of mind for employees and their families.
Group term life insurance policies pay a benefit to the covered person or beneficiary(ies) in the event of death while covered under the policy. Whole and universal life insurance plans offer long-term coverage, with options for long-term care and competitive pricing for eligible employees themselves, spouses, children, and grandchildren. AD&D insurance provides a lump sum payment in the event of a covered person experiences an accident or certain disabling injuries, both on and off the job.
A comprehensive employee benefits package includes both paid leave and community service opportunities. North Carolina state employees enjoy:
Employees receive the following benefits:
Employees and their families can secure their finances further through retirement savings and investment programs. These programs include voluntary supplemental retirement plans and the National College Savings Program (529 Plan) for higher education expenses.
The NC 401(k) Plan and the 457 Plan are two supplemental retirement income plans available to state employees, allowing them to save and invest additional pre-tax dollars for retirement.
The National College Savings Program (529 Plan) program is a program established by the State of North Carolina. It enables individuals from any state to invest funds to pay for higher education expenses, such as:
Employees can avail perks and discounts such as access to the State Employees’ Credit Union, SEANC employee organization membership, along with various financial services and benefits. Membership in the State Employees’ Credit Union is open to full-time and part-time employees, as well as their spouses and dependent children, offering financial counseling, checking accounts, travelers’ checks, money orders, and governmental savings bonds with interest.
SEANC membership program provides state employees with an income and access to additional benefits, such as discounts on insurance premiums, financial services, and other perks. To become a member, employees must fill out a membership program application form available on the SEANC website and pay a monthly membership program only fee.
Understanding the different benefits based on employment status is vital, even though navigating benefit eligibility can be challenging. The Benefits Eligibility Chart and guidelines provided by the North Carolina Judicial Branch and NCDHHS can help employees determine which benefits they are eligible for based on their specific circumstances.
Employees who are employed by the Judicial Branch, either on a permanent salary or grant-funded basis and work for a while spouse work a minimum of 20 hours per week are eligible to participate in supplemental insurance plans. This applies to all members working in the Judicial Branch. Full-time permanent employees working at least 30 hours per week are eligible for the Health Care Flexible Spending Account program (HCFSA). By understanding these eligibility requirements and guidelines, employees can make informed decisions about their benefits and maximize their overall compensation package.
In conclusion, North Carolina employees have access to a comprehensive and competitive benefits package that covers retirement, health insurance, dental and vision care, supplemental insurance, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, paid leave, retirement savings and investment plans work and programs, and employee perks and discounts. By understanding and taking advantage of the full cost of these benefits, employees can achieve a healthier, more financially secure, and fulfilling life. So, go ahead and unlock the full potential of your employee benefits package in North Carolina and invest in your future today!
NC State employees enjoy a wide range of benefits such as the State Health Plan, DHHS Supplemental Benefits, NCFlex Benefits, Retirement plans, Leave Benefits, and more. These offer comprehensive coverage to support their overall well-being.
Employee benefits packages typically include health insurance, dental insurance, vision care, life insurance, paid vacation leave, personal leave, sick leave, child care, fitness benefits, retirement benefits, and college debt relief. Some employers also provide additional benefits required by Federal and State laws such as COBRA, FMLA, and workers’ compensation.
North Carolina state employees have access to the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS) and the Consolidated Judicial Retirement System (CJRS), both of which require employee contributions.
Eligible employees can take advantage of supplemental insurance plans such as critical illness, cancer, accident, disability income, hospitalization, and long-term care insurance plans work together state health plan.
Employees and retirees can benefit from Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs) by setting aside pre-tax dollars for eligible medical, dental, and health expenses, as well as dependent care expenses, allowing them to save money on out-of-pocket costs.
Todd Taylor oversees most of the marketing and client administration for the agency with help of an incredible team. Todd is a seasoned benefits insurance broker with over 35 years of industry experience. As the Founder and CEO of Taylor Benefits Insurance Agency, Inc., he provides strategic consultations and high-quality support to ensure his clients’ competitive position in the market.
Todd Taylor with Taylor Benefits gives our small business the kind of personal service we need. Insurance benefits are important to our employees and Todd helps us find a balance between benefits and value. Todd responds immediately to my phone calls & e-mails. He has even gotten in touch with me on a Sunday when we were in need of coverage answers immediately. We are very pleased with the hands-on service Todd and his staff provide.”
-Ken and Linda Orvick, Orvick Management Group, Inc.
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