Healthcare News & Stories

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Working with a local health insurance agent gives you expert guidance, access to multiple plans, and personalized service—without paying extra.

Technology makes health insurance research easier, but choosing the right plan requires more than a chatbot can offer. Here's why working with a local health insurance agent in North Carolina gives you an advantage—at no extra cost.

Healthcare.gov makes it possible to compare and enroll in health plans, but navigating your options can still be confusing. Our local North Carolina health insurance agents can help you find the right plan—and it's completely free.

Special Enrollment Periods give you 60 days to enroll in health insurance after major life changes—even outside the annual Open Enrollment window.

Complex health situations—chronic conditions, multiple prescriptions, specialized treatments—require more than a basic plan comparison. An experienced health insurance agent can navigate the complexities and find coverage that actually fits your needs.

Before automatically choosing COBRA continuation coverage after losing your job, explore all your options. In many cases, Marketplace plans offer better value—especially with premium tax credits that can significantly reduce your costs.

Self-employed workers in North Carolina can access affordable health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, with subsidies available to lower costs. This guide covers your options, enrollment dates, and how to choose the right plan.

A licensed health insurance agent can help you find the right coverage—but only if you ask the right questions. Use this guide to prepare for your conversation.

Health insurance scams cost Americans billions each year. Learn to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and find legitimate help for your health insurance needs.

Complete guide for North Carolina young adults aging off their parents' health insurance at 26. Compare Medicaid, marketplace plans, and Blue Cross NC options. Understand costs, subsidies, and enrollment deadlines.

Health insurance agents save time, find affordable quotes, and provide expert guidance on plans like Medicare, Marketplace, or private coverage—tailored to your needs in North Carolina. Contact Health Plans of NC for personalized help!

Greensboro, North Carolina, boasts comprehensive healthcare with hospitals like Moses H. Cone Memorial, primary care clinics such as Eagle Physicians and Guilford Medical Associates, specialized centers for cancer, heart, and orthopedics, mental health services, and senior facilities including Friends Homes at Guilford. Medicare support features tailored clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers extensive coverage, preventive care, member perks, nationwide access, and cost savings.

A fiduciary health insurance agent prioritizes your best interests, offering transparent, tailored advice on ACA, Medicare, or group plans. Legally bound to disclose conflicts and recommend optimal coverage, they ensure cost-effective, comprehensive solutions, distinguishing them from agents who may push suitable but not ideal plans.

In 2025, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, ICHRAs allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. 
What is an ICHRA?
An ICHRA is a tax-advantaged health benefit plan that enables employers to reimburse employees for premiums paid on individual health insurance policies, typically purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, as well as other eligible medical expenses, such as copays, deductibles, or prescriptions. Unlike Qualified Small Employer HRAs (QSEHRAs), which are limited to businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, ICHRAs are available to employers of any size. They can be offered alongside group health plans or as a standalone benefit. Employees must enroll in ACA-compliant individual coverage (or Medicare, if eligible) to receive reimbursements, which are tax-free for both parties.

In 2025, QSEHRAs are surging in popularity among small employers with fewer than 50 employees. These tax-advantaged plans reimburse workers for individual health insurance and medical expenses, offering cost predictability, employee flexibility, and simplified administration.