Healthcare News & Stories

Affordable Care Act

Insurance agent and young couple using computer in the office
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

AI-Powered, Agent-Driven: Why Human Expertise Still Leads Health Insurance Enrollment

As technology reshapes industries, many wonder how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the enrollment process for health insurance. At Health Plans of NC, we understand the concerns some agents and clients have about AI-driven tools potentially replacing the personalized service our team provides. However, we believe the future is bright for both our clients and our dedicated agents in North Carolina. Here’s why human expertise remains irreplaceable, even as AI enhances the enrollment process.
AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement
AI is making waves in the health insurance industry, streamlining tasks such as answering basic questions, comparing plan options, and processing applications. For example, chatbots can quickly explain deductibles, and algorithms can suggest plans based on a client’s budget and health needs. These tools are efficient, available 24/7, and appealing to tech-savvy consumers who value speed.
HealthPlans of NC

Charlotte - North Carolina, North Carolina - US State, Downtown District, Urban Skyline, Financial District
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

Access to Healthcare Providers with Blue Cross NC in Charlotte

This article explores the extensive provider access available through Blue Cross NC in Charlotte, North Carolina. It highlights the robust network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals available to members enrolled in ACA, Medicare HMO, and PPO plans. The article also explains how to find in-network providers, the benefits of telehealth, and tools like Blue Connect that help members manage their care. Whether you're new to the area or comparing plan options, Blue Cross NC offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals and families across Charlotte.
HealthPlans of NC

Happy family mother father and children at home on couch
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

 2025 HSA Contribution Limits

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are valuable tools for managing healthcare costs, offering tax advantages and flexibility. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the 2025 HSA contribution limits, critical for North Carolinians planning their benefits to maximize savings while staying compliant.
 2025 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2025, the IRS has established the following annual HSA contribution limits:
HealthPlans of NC

Close up of senior businesswoman who is using a smartphone in an office. stock photo
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Group

2026 HSA Contribution Limits and Deductibles: What You Need to Know

IRS announces 2026 HSA limits: $4,400 for self-only (+$100) and $8,750 for family (+$200). Minimum deductibles rise to $1,700 (self) and $3,400 (family), with out-of-pocket caps at $8,500 and $17,000. North Carolinians, maximize tax-free savings with Health Plans of NC. Contact us for HSA guidance!
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Special Enrollment Period Extended to Feb. 16 for 27 Hurricane-Affected Counties

Residents in certain counties impacted by Hurricane Helene now have an extended opportunity to apply for or adjust their Blue Cross NC individual health insurance plans. The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) has been extended for these counties, offering a chance to secure health coverage or switch to a plan that better suits your needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Residents in the affected counties can use this SEP to enroll in a new plan and apply for coverage with Blue Cross NC or another carrier. They can also switch plans, updating their coverage to align with their current healthcare needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Announces ACA Rate Increases Below National Average

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is taking steps to keep health care more affordable for North Carolinians with a modest rate increase for 2025 Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has approved a 3% average rate increase for individual customers and families enrolled in ACA plans through Blue Cross NC. This increase is less than half of the estimated national average rate increase of 7% for ACA Marketplace plans. “The average rate increase of 3% on our ACA plans is less than half the national average. We have worked hard to keep our ACA plans as affordable as possible, but we know any increase is too much for many families,” said Dr. Tunde Sotunde, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “The cost of health care – including prescription drugs – is still too high. It will take all of us, including health systems and pharmaceutical companies, to make health care more affordable.”
HealthPlans of NC

By Health Plans of NC Staff

female agent smiling as she speaks to family of clients
Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Health

2025 Annual Open Enrollment & Special Enrollment Periods: Key Dates and Information

For Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period for 2025 runs from October 15 to Dec 7, 2024. For individual and family plans, Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2024 and ends January 15, 2025. For more details about enrollment periods for 2025, feel free to reach out to one of our agents.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

a couple signs deal with a trusted insurance agent
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

ACA Health Insurance: The Growing Issue of Unauthorized Plan Switching

A new concerning health insurance trend has emerged: unauthorized plan switching.  KFF Health News reports that this switching is happening with surprising ease in the 32 states that serve the Federal Marketplace. Customers find themselves enrolled in new plans without their knowledge or consent. The result? Profound implications for their financial well-being and;  Not being enrolled in the right plan to meet their healthcare needs.  
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

trustworthy agent shakes hands with client
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

Avoiding Health Insurance Scams: Your Guide to Making Smart Coverage Choices

If you’ve just started researching health insurance coverage options, you’ll know that the industry can be complex. There are countless coverage options available at multiple price points.  Unfortunately, the confusion surrounding health insurance can sometimes lead to exploitation. We’ve seen operators selling inadequate health insurance products to customers throughout North Carolina that don’t deliver the benefits clients are promised.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, by Kelly Quinn

a group of smiling successful team members
Individual/Family, Individual/Family, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Why Choose A Local Health Insurance Agent

Using a local agent or broker can offer plenty of benefits if you're in the market for a new health insurance plan. Not only can you access quotes for plans that support your future medical needs, but getting advice from someone nearby can mean they understand the nuances of different plans specific to North Carolina. At Health Plans of NC, our experienced agents know how to find the best health insurance plans for North Carolina residents. 
HealthPlans of NC

Heath Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

happy agent headshots
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Google Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Health Insurance

Did you know that over 50% of online shoppers in the US find customer reviews helpful when searching for products or services online? Using reviews in this way can apply to a range of products and services, with more and more Americans turning to various review sites, including Google, to help make purchase decisions.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

a group of smiling agents
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why an Experienced Health Insurance Agent Is Your Best Resource in a Digital World

In today's digital age, many Americans use technology to manage various aspects of their everyday lives, from buying groceries to sourcing financial advice.  With the rise of computer-generated assistants and helpful chatbots, saving time and using automated tools for the more complex things in life can be tempting - like finding the right health insurance coverage. But while you can enroll in a health insurance plan online, it's essential that you first understand your coverage options before choosing a plan.  When searching for the right health insurance for your health and budget, nothing beats getting advice from an experienced and knowledgeable health insurance agent. Particularly, one who specializes in understanding the needs of people like you who live in North Carolina.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Multigenerational family on couch having fun
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Health

2024 Plan Year Open Enrollment Dates

Accessing the right level of healthcare coverage at a price that’s right for you helps ensure you can access the healthcare you need when you need it. While searching for the best health insurance plan for you and your family can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  At Health Plans of NC, we can help you choose an affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan. We can also explain how open enrollment periods work and when enrollment starts in 2024. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Senior couple talking to health insurance agent
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Navigate Healthcare.gov - For Free!

Did you know that health insurance agents can help you sign up with Healthcare.gov at no cost? While online platforms make it easier to choose your healthcare plan, getting the right one and navigating the complexities of the various available policies can still be challenging. If you need help choosing the right health insurance, our experienced, knowledgeable, and local health insurance agents can help you - for free.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of North Carolina by Kelly Quinn

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

New Consumer Protections for Individual/ Family Health Insurance

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced changes this year to protect your information and reinforce consumer rights. The new requirements, which help ensure greater transparency when working with health insurance agents and brokers, are part of the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP). What does this mean for you?
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC

Twenty something young woman looking up information on laptop
Health, Vision, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

Essential Tips for Choosing Health Insurance Turning 26

Up until age 26, you can remain on your parent's health insurance plan. But turning 26 means it's finally time to sort out your own health insurance coverage. It’s important to make sure that you find a plan that meets your health needs, and that's within your budget. In this article, we'll help you find a plan that meets your lifestyle and give you plenty of information so you can make an informed choice.  At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping anyone from North Carolina find the right health insurance coverage. If you’re about to turn 26, here are our top recommendations for finding the right health insurance for you. 
HealthPlans of NC

Happy couple signs online contract
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to Consent Requirements for Marketplace Consumers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced new requirements that aim to protect consumer interests. The requirements, which help ensure greater transparency when working with health insurance agents and brokers, are part of the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP). These enhanced consumer protections were introduced in response to various complaints and disputes about who can act on an individual’s behalf. The rules apply to all enrollments by agents, brokers, and web-brokers, regardless of which platform they use.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Team lead explaining new regulations to agents
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to How Agencies Can Market Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently released changes to how health insurance agents and brokers can market to customers. These changes aim to improve your experience when sourcing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.  Ensuring agents and plan providers follow the new guidelines helps you to make a more informed decision about your coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

New parents move into a new house
Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Special Enrollment Period: Life Events that Make You Eligible for Health Insurance

No matter what stage of life you’re at, having the right level of health insurance can be crucial. The right coverage gives you (and your loved ones) financial protection and peace of mind that you can access quality healthcare services - when you need them most.  Whether you live in North Carolina or any state in the U.S., you can purchase the right level of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Usually, you’re only eligible to purchase during what’s known as the annual Open Enrollment Period. But, for certain life events and special circumstances, known as Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), you can enroll or change your health insurance plans outside of the regular enrollment period. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

A health insurance agent reassures her clients
Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Why You Need a Health Insurance Agent for Complex Cases

What is a Complex Case?
A complex case refers to specific healthcare needs for you or your family based on your circumstances. 
Here are some examples where seeking advice from a health insurance agent can be beneficial:
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Woman smiles at camera while packing up her office for a job change
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

Changing Jobs? Get a Better Deal With Health Plans of NC

Life can be full of planned events and some that are a little more unexpected. If you're changing jobs or facing unemployment, and need to reconsider your health plan, our local North Carolina health insurance agents are here to help.  Our agents work hard every day to find clients a better deal than COBRA. So before you use COBRA, call us to see how we can help. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of North Carolina by Kelly Quinn

View point of young families dancing at beach on ring around the rosy style - Lifestyle joy concept with mixed race people having fun moment holding hands
Short Term, Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Child Only Plans

As a parent, the right health insurance can provide peace of mind if your child becomes ill, experiences an injury, or requires urgent medical attention. Our agents at Health Plans of NC regularly help families find the right health insurance for their entire family, including recommendations for child-only health insurance.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Business team standing together
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

What Are The Benefits Of Working With A Health Insurance Agent?

When finding the right health insurance for you and your family, there are many benefits of using a health insurance agent or broker.
HealthPlans of NC

Badge for recognition for achievement levels
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

What Is The Health Insurance Marketplace Circle Of Champions?

The Marketplace Circle of Champions is a yearly program that recognizes all Marketplace-registered brokers and agents' work, service and expertise. These brokers partner with the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to help Americans find the best health insurance plans to support their short and long-term health needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

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