Vision Insurance

Taking care of your eyes gets easier with a vision plan that offers a choice of over 2,000 providers including ophthalmologists, optometrists and optical companies. Regular (non-temporary) employees working at least 20 hours per week (.5 FTE) may choose between three plan levels (employee only core, basic and enhanced).

Coverage is available for you and your eligible dependents. The NCFlex Vision plan gives you 3 options:

• Core Wellness is offered at no cost to all state employees eligible for NCFlex, it covers an annual eye exam for the employee with a $20 copay and includes discounts on materials
• Basic and Enhanced Plans allow you to cover dependents, include a comprehensive vision care plan and provide a choice of glasses or contact lenses
• Visit www.eyemedvisioncare.com/NCFlex to find a provider

The amount you pay depends on your selected plan level and who you cover.  If you are paid one time per month, the full monthly rate is deducted from your pay check. If you are paid every two weeks, one half of the monthly rate is deducted from the first two paychecks in the month. If there is a third bi-weekly paycheck in the month, the premium is not deducted.

Vision plan premiums are deducted from your paycheck on a pre-tax basis in the same month coverage is effective.  This means your premiums are taken from gross pay before Social Security, federal and state taxes are deducted, which reduces your taxable income.

If you are a new-hire or become eligible for coverage due to a qualifying life event and enroll in the  plan, benefits begin on the first day of the month following your date of hire. The plan year is January through December. Your plan election is “locked in” for the entire calendar year and does not require re-enrollment during open enrollment. Your elected plan continues from year to year unless you decide to make changes.

If you experience a qualifying life event during the year, you may add or drop dependents but you may not change the plan level (employee only core, basic, enhanced). You may change your plan level and drop/add dependents during open enrollment and the changes become effective on January 1.

If you lose eligibility for coverage, terminate employment or retire, your coverage will end on the last day of the month in which the event date occurs.

Vision plan enrollment and changes are made through ConnectCarolina Self Service (Enroll or Change Benefits).