To help provide relief for Iowa policyholders residing in Black Hawk County who were affected by severe storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 30, 2026, and ending Dec. 4, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Texas policyholders and/or certificate holders residing in Atascosa, Austin, Bandera, Bastrop, Bexar, Blanco, Brazoria, Brewster, Burnet, Caldwell, Colorado, Comal, Crockett, DeWitt, Dimmit, Edwards, Fayette, Fort Bend, Frio, Galveston, Gillespie, Goliad, Gonzales, Guadalupe, Harris, Hays, Jackson, Karnes, Kendall, Kerr, Kimble, Kinney, La Salle, Lavaca, Lee, Llano, Mason, Matagorda, Maverick, McMullen, Medina, Menard, Pecos, Real, Schleicher, Sutton, Terrell, Travis, Uvalde, Val Verde, Victoria, Waller, Washington, Webb, Wharton, Williamson, Wilson, Zapata, and Zavala counties affected by severe flooding, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 13, 2026, and ending Sep. 18, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability of in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Harney County who were affected by the Second Flat Fire, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 24, 2026, and ending Sept. 22, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Wasco County who were affected by the Grasshopper Fire, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting July 24, 2026, and ending Sept. 28, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Oregon policyholders residing in Klamath County who were affected by the Wrights Spring Fire, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Aug. 5, 2026, and ending Oct. 6, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Indiana policyholders residing in the state who were affected by the severe weather in August, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Aug. 11, 2026, and ending Oct. 16, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Nevada policyholders residing in the state who were affected by the wildfires in August, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Aug. 8, 2026, and ending Oct. 26, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Hawaii policyholders residing in the state who were affected by Hurricane Lowell, Tropical Storm/Hurricane Lala, or the Kona low, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Mar. 10, 2026, and ending Jan. 7, 2027. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Iowa policyholders residing in Washington County who were affected by severe storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 19, 2026, and ending Nov. 27, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for Geogia policyholders residing in the state who were affected by Hurricane Isaias, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Oct. 8, 2026, and ending Dec. 27, 2026. This grace period will prevent lapse or cancellation due to nonpayment or late payment of premium.
To help provide relief for Iowa policyholders residing in Pottawattamie County who were affected by severe storms, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Sept. 29, 2026, and ending Nov. 9, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Imperial, Los Angeles, Orange, and San Diego Counties who were affected by the Rachel Tropical storm, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Oct. 11, 2026, and ending Dec. 14, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Tuolumne County who were affected by the Dove Fire, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Jul. 26, 2026, and ending Dec. 14, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
To help provide relief for California policyholders residing in Calaveras County who were affected by the Gann Fire, Aflac will provide a premium grace period starting Aug. 3, 2026, and ending Dec. 14, 2026. This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims and leniency for any other action required under the policy. Aflac will provide a replacement copy of the policy upon request by the policyholder.
For Network Dental and Vision Members:
This grace period also provides an extension of filing deadlines for claims; relaxation of prior authorization, precertification, and referral requirements; access to appropriate out-of-network providers due to unavailability on in-network providers or the members’ displacement; and leniency for any other action required under the certificate. A replacement copy of the certificate will be provided upon request by the certificate holder. Affected members should contact Aflac Benefit Solutions (formerly Argus Dental and Vision) at 855-819-1873, Option 1, for assistance.
By Matthew Owenby, senior vice president and chief strategy officer and head of Human Resources, Aflac Incorporated
In today’s evolving economic landscape, many professionals are finding themselves in a place they didn’t expect: feeling stuck. Whether it’s due to hiring slowdowns, industry shifts or broader market uncertainty, many employees are holding tight to their roles — not necessarily out of passion, but out of caution. It’s a concept we’ve come to know as “job hugging”: staying in a role not because it’s fulfilling, but because the future seems unclear.
But job hugging doesn’t have to be a red flag. In fact, it presents an opportunity for reflection, recalibration and strategizing ways to grow from where you are now.
Before I dive into helpful tips, let me say this: Feeling stuck is not a reflection of your talent, ambition or value. It’s a natural response to external conditions that are beyond your control. The job market is experiencing a period of recalibration, and if you’re feeling emotionally detached, overwhelmed, or underappreciated, you’re not alone. In fact, according to the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report, 61% of employees report at least moderate burnout — a seven-year high. That’s not just a statistic; it’s a signal.
Now, how can you pivot so that you can avoid feelings of burnout, disengagement and frustration? Here are a few suggestions:
Commit to your growth. Career development doesn’t always mean a new title or a change in role. It also can mean deepening your expertise, expanding your network or taking on stretch assignments that build new capabilities. If you’re feeling stagnant, talk to your manager or a member of the Human Resources (HR) team, and look into mentorship opportunities, cross-functional projects or other skill-building programs.
Recognize signs of burnout early. Burnout isn’t always dramatic. It can be subtle — what some call “quiet cracking” — where employees silently push harder and longer without recognition. Protecting your energy isn’t selfish; it’s strategic. Take opportunities to truly step away and catch your breath by using your PTO, unplugging after hours and engaging in your favorite hobbies. If you need support, talk to your manager or HR — that’s exactly what they’re there for.
Remember that your career can be a long-term journey. Market conditions may slow movement temporarily, but they don’t define your trajectory. Use this time to reflect on your goals, identify areas for growth and invest in yourself. Small steps — like attending a workshop, joining an employee resource group or volunteering for a new initiative — can reignite your sense of purpose and momentum, and they can provide great exposure for potential future opportunities.
Advocate for yourself. If you feel undervalued, speak up. Fewer than half of employees (48%) believe their employers genuinely care about them, according to the 2025-2026 Aflac WorkForces Report. That’s a trust gap, but it’s also a chance to start a conversation. Schedule regular check-ins with mentors, managers and HR representatives where you can share your goals, ask for feedback and get clarity and support.
Final thought: Normalize the conversation. Buzzwords like “job hugging” or “quiet quitting” can be helpful — they give language to what many are feeling. But talk alone isn’t enough. We must act. If you’re hugging your job right now, do it with boundaries. Do it with purpose. And most importantly, do it with hope, because you’re not stuck — you’re strategizing.
Content within this article is provided for general informational purposes and is not provided as tax, legal, health, or financial advice for any person or for any specific situation. Employers, employees, and other individuals should contact their own advisers about their situations.
Aflac includes American Family Life Assurance Company of Columbus and/or American Family Life Assurance Company of New York and/or Continental American Insurance Company and /or Continental American Life Insurance Company.
Z2501125 Exp. 11/26
