NC Judicial Branch New Employee Orientation

State Health Plan

The Judicial Branch offers North Carolina State Health Plan medical coverage to eligible employees with a choice of two Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) health plans. Plan options include:

The Enhanced 80/20 Plan
The Traditional 70/30 Plan

The State Health Plan contracts with Aetna for use of their network of providers and hospitals.

The Traditional 70/30 Plan and the Enhanced 80/20 Plan vary in monthly premiums, deductibles, co-pays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums. Refer to the Rate Sheet or Plan Comparison Chart for more details.

Both health plans offer a wellness premium credit whereby employees can reduce their monthly premiums. This wellness premium credit is called the Tobacco Attestation. In order to receive a $60 wellness premium credit, employees must either attest to not using tobacco or enroll in the Quitline. Employees who enroll in the Enhanced 80/20 Plan may also lower co-pays by selecting a Primary Care Provider (PCP) or visiting a Blue-Options Designated Specialist.

For eligible employees, the State contributes $498.68 on a monthly basis towards the cost of health coverage. Eligible employees are those working at least 30 hours per week in a permanent or a time-limited position. Magistrates are eligible for health coverage and the employer contribution towards the cost regardless of weekly work hours. The employee pays a nominal premium for employee coverage and must pay the full cost to cover dependents. Permanent or time-limited employees working 20-29 hours per week are eligible for the State sponsored health coverage but must pay the full cost of coverage (employee cost, dependent cost, employer cost).

Non-permanent (temporary) employees are not eligible for the Enhanced 80/20 Plan or the Traditional 70/30 Plan. However, non-permanent employees who work 30 or more hours per week may be eligible for the High Deductible Health Plan (HDHP) in compliance with the federal Affordable Care Act. For additional information, see the HDHP Overview.

Employees must enroll within 30 days from date of hire. Coverage begins on the first day of the month following the hire date. Applicable premiums are deducted from your pay. Failure to enroll within 30 days from date of hire may result in not having health coverage until the next Open Enrollment.

Dependent verification: If you elect to cover a spouse or children, be aware that the State Health Plan requires documentation to verify their status as dependents. Documentation must be provided within 30 days of enrollment. Your assigned benefits specialist can answer any questions about documentation required.