Healthcare News & Blog

Affordable Care Act

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

Child blowing bubbles
Individual/Family, Individual/Family, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Why Use a Local Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina? Benefits of Working with a Licensed Broker

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

Family smiling and waving at a phone
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Working with a Health Insurance Agent Beats AI Chatbots and Online Tools

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.
HealthPlans of NC

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

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Enroll Through Healthcare.gov—For Free

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.
HealthPlans of NC

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

Special Enrollment Periods: Qualifying Life Events That Let You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment

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

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

Health Insurance for Complex Cases: When You Need an Agent Who Understands Your Situation

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.
HealthPlans of NC

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

COBRA Vs. Marketplace Health Insurance: Your Guide to Coverage After Losing Employer Benefits (2025-2026)

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman standing over an office desk using a laptop and holding a phone
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance for Self-Employed Workers in North Carolina: Your Complete Guide for 2025 and 2026

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Businessman talking to a man across a table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Questions to Ask a Health Insurance Agent Before Choosing a 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.
HealthPlans of NC

Canoe on a lake at sunset
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

How to Protect Yourself From Health Insurance Scams in 2026

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Worker Friends Going With Bicycles On City Park
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Turning 26 in North Carolina? Your Complete Guide to Health Insurance After Aging Off Your Parents' Plan

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.
HealthPlans of NC

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