Healthcare News & Stories

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.

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

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 plan and navigating the complexities of the various policies available can still be a challenge. If you need help choosing the right health insurance, our experienced, knowledgeable, and local health insurance agents can help you - for free.

In a win for North Carolina residents, the NC Department of Insurance has approved a 4% average rate decrease for individual customers and families enrolled in Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in 2024. This decrease will lower total premiums by an estimated $130 million, making quality healthcare more accessible for many North Carolinians.

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?

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?

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. 

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.

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.

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. 

With the rate of obesity continuing to rise throughout the U.S., so too are the introduction of new and promising weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.  While these weight loss drugs can be expensive, some employers are considering adding them to their employer-sponsored health plans. To support employees and help boost productivity, which can produce significant savings over the long term.

Health insurance costs for a family of 4 can be a financial nightmare. It’s a reality that countless families face as they navigate the labyrinth of healthcare coverage. Many searches for a reliable safety net, only to be met with exorbitant premiums, perplexing jargon, and a mountain of bills. So, how much is health insurance for a family of 4? 
Navigating the treacherous terrain of health insurance doesn’t have to be painfully complex. In fact, it can even feel seamless. We break down the truths, complexities, and solutions for the best coverage for your family. Let’s take a deeper look.
The Average Cost of Health Insurance for a Family With 4 Members

Despite being an essential component of everyday well-being, most are not aware of the intricacies of health insurance. Typically, for elderly individuals, there are Medicare plans, which are policyholder only. Alternatively, there are employer-sponsored group health plans and Marketplace insurance plans that provide coverage for dependents. 
While you can claim dependents on your health insurance plan, many individuals are not properly informed of various eligibility requirements.  
This spurs the question, “Can you put non-family members on your insurance plan?” In this article, we will answer that question and provide additional information about who can be added to health insurance plans and its effects.

For new couples, starting a family can be a very exciting time. However, stress can easily pile up when insurance policies don’t cover an unexpected cost or monthly premiums become too much.
In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average monthly premium for a “Silver” plan covering a 40-year-old married couple was $1,120. That’s not considering all the possible pocket costs that can come with growing your family.
A lot of unknowns can leave couples asking, “What options work best for us?  What can we expect when we decide to have children? And, what is the best health insurance for couples planning a family?”

Insurance involves monthly premiums, deductibles, categories, out-of-pocket expenses, out-of-network costs, and premium tax credits. And for a lot of people, these terms can bring up stress and confusion.
Those searching for the best individual or family plan often come across these daunting terms. It can be hard to fully understand what any of it means and how it impacts your bottom line. Plus, you may not know how to effectively compare plans.
In this article, we’ll be diving into areas that you should be considering when looking at healthcare plans and why they matter. You’ll also learn about the best family health insurance plans and how to choose the right one for you.

As a whole, health insurance for one person can be extremely intimidating and an exhaustive process. Now imagine that pressure for a growing family who has to balance doubled premiums, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums.
If you’re struggling to understand the overall benefit of family insurance and why your family may benefit from it, we’re here to help. This article will answer and expand on the question, “What is family insurance?”
What Are Family Insurance Policies?

Health plan costs have risen substantially yet salaries have remained nearly flat, up only 15% per year. At the beginning of every year, working America is demoted as health care costs unsustainably rise more than salaries.
In 2015, the Kaiser Family Foundation found that medical bills made one million adults declare bankruptcy. Its survey found that 26 percent of Americans aged 18 to 64 struggled to pay medical bills. And according to the U.S. Census, that represents 52 million adults.
However, most people who are eligible for Medicare hesitate to enroll because no one has told them the benefits that they may be eligible for. In this article, we’ll compare Medicare to other kinds of commercial insurance and answer the question, “Is Medicare commercial insurance?”

Coordination of Benefits, primary insurer, and secondary payer - these are terms that many people with multiple insurers are familiar with.
While some may think that Medicare is a one-and-done deal, and think that they have to give up their current insurance plan – it isn’t true. In fact, with the right knowledge and know-how, Medicare can expand your coverage and ease your financial burdens.
But that all depends on your insurance, medical situation, and more. In this article, we’ll be exploring how Medicare works with other insurance plans. 

As the workforce ages, associated statistics play a prominent role in claim cost projections. Statistically, employees aged 65 and older incur two to three times the claim cost of average employees aged 40. However, claims equal risk, and unfortunately, this drives up health insurance premiums or self-insured costs.
Employees who know their health coverage options use a Medicare Advantage Plan to help with these costs. But knowing which medical insurance plan is the most beneficial for you and what you’re eligible for involves a lot of research.
Below, we’ll discuss what a Medicare Advantage Plan is, your options, and how it works with employer insurance. We also answer the question, “Can you have a Medicare Advantage Plan and employer insurance?”

Medicare, a federal health insurance program, is meant to provide comprehensive health coverage for qualifying individuals. This includes people over the age of 65, those with disabilities, or those with end-stage renal disease. Many people ask the question, “Is Medicare primary or secondary insurance?” 
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Medicare coverage. We’ll also examine how it works with other coverage plans such as group health plans and retiree insurance. 
What is Primary or Secondary Insurance?

It is of utmost importance to have health insurance that is both comprehensive and affordable. Many receive coverage through Medicare and retiree health benefits. Understandably, costly Medicare expenses can be quite concerning. Thankfully, retiree insurance can work with Medicare to make out-of-pocket expenses more manageable. It’s also important to note that retiree insurance should fit within creditable coverage. But, how does Medicare work with retiree insurance, exactly?
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Medicare health coverage and how it works with retiree insurance.  
Understanding Your Medicare and Retiree Insurance