Healthcare News & Blog

Affordable Care Act

Featured Plan
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

Health Insurance Guide for NC's Newly Self-Employed

Just went self-employed in NC? Learn how to enroll in ACA Marketplace plans, claim tax credits, and choose HSA-eligible coverage as a freelancer or small business owner.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Family Health Insurance in NC: Plans, Dependents & Subsidies

NC parents: learn how family ACA plans work, how long kids can stay on your plan, subsidy eligibility, and coverage options for uninsured college students.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Rural Health Care in NC: Your Coverage Options in 2026

From Medicaid changes to Medicare and ACA plans, here's what rural North Carolina residents need to know about their health coverage options in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Medicaid Expansion: Coverage Gains and Gaps That Remain

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in late 2023, gaining hundreds of thousands of enrollees. Learn what changed, who still falls through the cracks, and what a UNC study found.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Health Insurance for NC Early Retirees Before Medicare

Retiring before 65 in NC? Explore ACA Marketplace subsidies, COBRA, spousal plans, and cost strategies to bridge the gap until Medicare starts.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Lost Your Job in NC? COBRA Vs. Marketplace Coverage

Lost employer health insurance in North Carolina? Learn how COBRA, ACA Marketplace plans, and Medicaid compare — plus key enrollment deadlines to protect your coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Enrollment Drop in NC: What It Means for Your Coverage

ACA enrollment fell in NC as premiums rose. Learn why it happened, who's affected, and which health coverage options still make sense for NC families in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for NC Gig Workers and Contractors

NC gig workers and independent contractors can access ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and HSAs. Learn your options, subsidy eligibility, and enrollment tips.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

How to Fight a Denied Health Insurance Claim in NC

Learn how to appeal denied health insurance claims in NC. Step-by-step guidance for ACA marketplace and Medicare plans, deadlines, documents, and free resources.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: What NC Residents Must Know

Two active Cyclospora outbreaks — including a Taco Bell cluster in 9 states — put NC residents on alert. Learn symptoms, safe foods, and how your health plan covers care.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

NC Health Care Affordability Commission: What It Means for You

NC's new Health Care Affordability Commission held its first meeting July 21, 2026. Learn what it could mean for your health insurance costs and coverage options.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance After Divorce in NC: Know Your Options

Divorced in NC? Learn your COBRA rights, ACA marketplace enrollment windows, and coverage alternatives to stay protected after losing a spouse's health plan.
HealthPlans of NC

Medicare, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for NC Retirees: Medicare & Pre-Medicare Guide

Retiring in NC before 65? Compare ACA Marketplace plans, COBRA, spousal coverage, and Medicare options to find the right health coverage for your situation.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Metal Tiers in NC: Bronze to Platinum Explained

Learn how Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ACA Marketplace plans work in NC — and which tier fits your budget, health needs, and subsidy eligibility.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Medicaid Work Requirements 2027: What NC Farmworkers Must Know

Federal Medicaid work requirements take effect in 2027. Here's how NC farmworkers and seasonal workers can protect their health coverage under the new rules.
HealthPlans of NC

Person working on a laptop
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Group

Health Insurance for Freelancers and the Self-Employed: Your Complete Guide (2025-2026)

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

The Health Insurance Marketplace Circle of Champions: What It Means for Your Coverage (2025-2026 Guide)

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why We Share Our Google Reviews: Transparency You Can Trust

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Stethoscope and calculator
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Cost Estimator: Know Your Healthcare Costs Before You Go (2025-2026 Guide)

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Family with kids and grandparents laughing together
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

5 Reasons to Work with a Licensed Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina (2026 Guide)

With federal navigator funding cut by 90% for 2026 and major changes coming to ACA subsidies, working with a licensed health insurance agent has never been more important. Here's why a local NC agent can make all the difference.
HealthPlans of NC

Man giving family a grocery bag
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Low-Income Health Insurance Options in North Carolina (2025-2026 Guide)

This guide explains current health insurance options for low-income residents in North Carolina, including NC Medicaid (available year-round), ACA Marketplace enrollment periods, and critical changes coming in 2026. Our licensed agents can help you find affordable coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman working at a counter in a shared workspace tying on a laptop
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for Freelancers in North Carolina: Your Complete Guide (2025-2026)

With over 70 million Americans now freelancing and the gig economy representing 36% of the U.S. workforce, finding affordable health insurance is a top concern for independent workers. This guide covers all your coverage options in North Carolina.
HealthPlans of NC

Man and woman talking at a desk
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Health Insurance Agent Vs. Navigator: What's the Difference? (2025-2026 Guide)

Both health insurance agents and government navigators can help you enroll in coverage—but they work differently. Here's what you need to know about each option and which may be right for you.
HealthPlans of NC

Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Customer Reviews Matter When Choosing a Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina

Online reviews are one of the most trusted sources of information when choosing a health insurance agent. Here's why reviews matter, what to look for, and how they help you find an agent you can trust.
HealthPlans of NC

Ready to get started?

See plans and pricing today.