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Welcome to Carolina Blue: Benefits Materials

Carolina Blue is the color of security. 

The University provides employees with access to a variety of benefit plans that promote health and wellness, in addition to helping you build financial resources for retirement. We offer the benefit plans you would expect from a leading employer—including employer paid medical and retirement for eligible employees and a variety of health, life and income protection plans which can be valuable to your specific needs. Typically, benefits selections can only be changed during annual enrollment or if you experience a qualifying life event — marriage, birth or adoption, etc.

The benefits orientation tools below are an important step in understanding your options. If you have questions, please contact the Benefits and Leave Administration Office at: benefits@unc.edu or ask a Benefits Consultant during your in-person Welcome to Carolina Blue new employee orientation program.

Step 1

2020 Benefits Overview

Step 2

Teachers and State Employees’ Retirement System

  • Submit the Retirement Election Form to OHR Benefits and Leave Administration within 60 calendar days of eligibility. Thirty days after your first contribution is made, you must register and sign in to the ORBITportal to designate beneficiaries.

University of North Carolina Optional Retirement Program

Submit Forms within 60 calendar days of eligibility. Retirement Plan election is irrevocable as long as you remain in a position within the University of North Carolina System. | Email: benefits@unc.edu | Fax: 919-962-6010

For more information about retirement options, review the Mandatory Retirement Plan Decision Guide.

Step 3

  • Review Supplemental Retirement Programs (rolling enrollment)

UNC makes supplemental retirement savings programs available to eligible employees as authorized under Sections 403(b)(1), 403(b)(7), 457(b) and 401(k) of the Internal Revenue Code. A supplemental retirement plan allows you to make contributions through payroll deductions to a variety of investment vehicles.

The supplemental programs available are:

Step 4

  • Review State Health Plan options (enroll within 30 days)

Two Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are available to UNC Faculty and Staff. The State Health Plan of North Carolina administers these plans and they are underwritten by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina which offers coverage for in-network and/or out-of-network providers. The University contributes toward the monthly cost of coverage for regular full-time employees.

Enhanced 80/20 Plan is a traditional preferred provider organization (PPO) plan that offers freedom of choice among in-network providers, lower out-of-pocket costs and a strong emphasis on preventive health. Features include Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive services covered at 100% if performed by an in-network provider and wellness premium credits that reduce your monthly cost.

Traditional 70/30 PPO Plan is a traditional preferred provider organization (PPO) plan that offers freedom of choice among in-network providers, lower out-of-pocket costs and a strong emphasis on preventive health. Affordable Care Act (ACA) preventive services and medications require the applicable co-pay. Features include a wellness premium credit that can reduce the employee-only cost to $0 per month.

Enrollment is completed online at connectcarolina.unc.edu (Click SelfService)

For more details about the State Health Plan of North Carolina, please watch this video.

Step 5

  • Review NCFlex Benefit Plans (enroll within 30 days)

The NCFlex State Insurance Plans provide a variety of pre-tax plans to meet the needs of state employees and their family. All deductions are withdrawn from your pay on a pre-tax basis, which lowers your taxable income and saves you money. These benefits include Dental, Vision, Health & Dependent Day Care Flexible Spending Accounts, Cancer, Critical Illness, Voluntary Accidental Death & Dismemberment, and Group Term Life Insurance.

NCFlex offers a TRICARE Supplement Plan, which is available to military retirees or qualified National Guard and Reserve members.

Plans are effective the 1st of the month after hire date

Enrollment is completed online at connectcarolina.unc.edu (Click SelfService)

For more details about the State Health Plan of North Carolina, please watch these videos.

Watch Video

Step 6

  • Review Additional Benefits (enroll within 30 days)

UNC Group Term Life Insurance
Submit the enrollment form and health statement (if applicable) within 30 days of eligibility or qualifying life event.

Domestic Partner Dental Insurance
After you enroll in the NCFlex Dental plan, submit the enrollment form and affidavit of domestic partnership within 30 days of eligibility or qualifying life event.

Standard Long Term Disability
This plan aligns with UNC Optional Retirement Program (ORP).  Submit the enrollment form within 60 calendar days of eligibility. Late enrollment requires an additional medical statement for consideration.

Lincoln Financial Long Term Disability
This plan aligns with the Teachers’ and State Employees’ Retirement System (TSERS).  Submit the enrollment form within 60 calendar days of eligibility. Late enrollment also requires additional evidence of insurability for consideration.

Step 7

  • Contact the Benefits and Leave Administration Office if you need help

Benefits Office Main Line: 919-962-3071 | Fax Number: 919-962-6010
benefits@unc.edu |  Campus Address: Box 1045

Physical Location:
Administrative Office Building
104 Airport Drive
Chapel Hill, NC 27599-1045