Healthcare News & Stories

Restaurants, multi-state employers, construction companies, and startups thrive with ICHRA. Older, stable workforces may not. Here's how to tell the difference.

Seven proven strategies to close the coverage gap between ICHRA and group health plans — from over-funding to dependent subsidies and supplemental benefits.

More employers are replacing traditional group health plans with Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs). If your employer is making this switch, here's what you need to know about how it works, what changes for you, and how to choose the right health plan.

ICHRA and Medicare work together seamlessly, offering significant advantages for employers with Medicare-eligible workers. This guide explains what expenses qualify for reimbursement, how to structure contributions, and the tax benefits for both employers and employees.

Beyond Original Medicare Parts A and B, you have several options to get additional coverage. Over 34 million Americans (54% of Medicare beneficiaries) are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, while millions more use Medigap or standalone Part D plans. Understanding your options can help you find the right coverage for your health needs and budget.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, maternity coverage is now a required benefit on all individual and small group health plans. Pregnancy can no longer be treated as a pre-existing condition, and many preventive services are covered at no additional cost. Here's what you need to know about maternity coverage in North Carolina.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) can simplify your healthcare while providing valuable extra benefits at little to no cost. Nearly 6 million Americans are enrolled in D-SNPs, and North Carolina residents have multiple plan options. Here's everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and enrollment.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, bundling hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage. Most plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing—plus an out-of-pocket maximum to protect you from high costs.

Planning a vacation? Travel insurance can protect you from financial losses due to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also means finding your own health insurance. This guide covers all your coverage options and what self-employed workers need to know for 2025-2026.

The Circle of Champions is a CMS recognition program honoring insurance agents and brokers who demonstrate expertise in helping consumers find and enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage. With record-high enrollment and important subsidy changes ahead for 2026, working with a recognized agent is more valuable than ever.

Vision insurance helps offset the costs of eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Here's what you need to know about vision coverage options in North Carolina—including what the ACA and Medicare do and don't cover.

As the gig economy grows, more North Carolinians are working as Selfemployed—and finding health coverage on their own. Here's what you need to know about your options, costs, and how to get covered.

Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for people in transitional periods—between jobs, waiting for employer benefits, or missing Open Enrollment. These plans aren't ACA-compliant and have significant limitations, but they can fill a gap when you need coverage fast.

Understanding how Medicare coordinates with employer coverage is essential for maximizing benefits and avoiding penalties. This guide explains primary and secondary payer rules, enrollment timing, and the pros and cons of dual coverage.

Medigap Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans available, covering both Part A and Part B deductibles. However, it's only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Here's what Plan C covers and what alternatives are available if you're newly eligible.

Blue Cross NC offers Pay as a Guest, a secure and straightforward way for subscribers and their loved ones to make one-time premium payments without creating an account or logging in. This feature is available for Medicare and individual under-65 members.

Medicare Advantage agents serve as your guide through the complex world of Medicare Part C plans. They help you compare options, verify your doctors are in-network, check prescription drug coverage, and find plans with the supplemental benefits you need—all at no cost to you.

As pharmacy closures create 'pharmacy deserts' across the nation, Blue Cross NC provides multiple solutions to ensure members can continue accessing their prescriptions—from Amazon Pharmacy mail-order delivery to enhanced services at independent pharmacies.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare—covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that could otherwise add up quickly. Here's what you need to know about Medigap coverage in 2025-2026.

Choosing a health insurance agent is an important decision. At Health Plans of NC, we make it easier by sharing our Google Reviews—verified feedback from real clients that helps you find the right agent for your needs.

Helping an aging parent or loved one choose the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through what Medicare covers, supplemental options, costs to compare, and critical enrollment deadlines.

Healthcare price transparency is more important than ever. Blue Cross NC's Cost Estimator tool empowers members to compare procedure costs across providers, estimate out-of-pocket expenses based on their specific plan, and make more informed healthcare decisions.

Under the Affordable Care Act, all major health insurance plans must cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits. Understanding your coverage options before and during pregnancy can help you plan for costs and ensure you receive the care you need.