Healthcare News & Stories

Health, Vision, Dental, Blue Cross NC

Navigating Blue Cross NC Services: A Comprehensive Guide for Members

This article highlights the key features of the Blue Cross NC customer service directory, including how members can find doctors, pay premiums, print ID cards, and access support for Medicare, dental, behavioral health, and more. It also explains the convenience of using the Blue Connect portal for managing health coverage online.
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

Group

Empower Your Business with Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)

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<h2>Empower Your Business with Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)</h2>
<p>At Health Plans of North Carolina, we understand the challenges small and midsize businesses face in providing affordable, flexible health benefits. That’s why we specialize in Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs)—a cost-effective solution that allows you to support your employees’ healthcare needs while maintaining control over your budget.</p>
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

Happy multigenerational people having fun sitting on grass in a public park stock photo
Health, Wellness, Blue Cross NC, Mental Health

Get Help with Food, Housing, and More: Introducing the Blue Cross NC Resource Navigator

At Health Plans of North Carolina, we believe that health is influenced by more than doctor visits. Access to basic needs—like food, housing, transportation, and safety—plays a vital role in well-being. We want to highlight a powerful free tool available to everyone in our community: the Resource Navigator from Blue Cross NC.
The Resource Navigator is an easy-to-use online platform that connects individuals and families to free or reduced-cost services across North Carolina. Whether you're facing financial hardship or housing instability or need help finding local support for child care, utilities, or behavioral health, the Resource Navigator makes it simple to find trusted, nearby assistance.
You don’t need to be a Blue Cross NC member to use it—anyone in North Carolina can access this tool. Just enter your ZIP code and select the type of help you seek. The platform will display a tailored list of services in your area, along with descriptions, contact details, and eligibility information.
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

Medicare

What Employees Turning 65 Should Know When Working for a Company with Fewer Than 20 Employees

Turning 65 is a pivotal moment, especially if you work for a small company with fewer than 20 employees. Unlike larger firms, small employers face fewer federal mandates under laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This means no guaranteed health insurance or job protections based on age, leaving you to navigate coverage and career decisions carefully. Whether you’re staying on the job or eyeing retirement, here’s what you need to know to secure your health and finances, including critical details if you skip Medicare Part B.
Build Your Health Coverage with Medicare

HealthPlans of NC

Smiling senior woman having fun during rock climbing adventure stock photo
Senior Adult, Rock Climbing, Lifestyles, Exercising, Women
Blue Cross NC, Medicare

Blue365 From Blue Cross NC

Blue365 is a free health and wellness discount program available to Blue Cross NC members with active health plan coverage (e.g., commercial plans, Medicare Advantage, or Federal Employee Program plans). It’s not insurance but an added perk designed to help members save money on products and services that promote a healthy lifestyle, many of which aren’t typically covered by standard health plans.
- Categories of Deals:
- Exclusive Discounts: Members can access savings from national and local retailers on health-related items and services.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Hearing Testing Coverage with Blue Cross NC

General Coverage for Hearing Testing:
Hearing testing coverage with Blue Cross NC  depends on the specific plan you’re enrolled in.
  -  Routine Hearing Exams: 
HealthPlans of NC

Medicare, Blue Cross NC

FlexCard by Blue Cross NC

Purpose: The Blue FlexCard comes preloaded with a set allowance (the amount varies by plan) that members can use to cover out-of-pocket costs for eligible healthcare services and products.
- Eligible Expenses: Depending on the specific Medicare Advantage plan, the card can be used for:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) items like medications, bandages, or health-related products.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC

Top 10 Features of Blue Connect for Blue Cross NC Members

Blue Connect is Blue Cross NC’s online member portal that provides easy access to important health plan information. Here are the top 10 features members use:
1. View & Manage Your Claims
Track the status of recent medical, dental, and vision claims.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC

Blue Cross NC Introduces Pay as a Guest for One-Time Premium Payments

Blue Cross NC’s Pay as a Guest feature allows one-time premium payments for medical, dental, and vision plans without logging into Blue Connect. Available to Medicare and individual members, payments can be made via bank draft, credit/debit card, Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, or Venmo. Payments reflect within 24-48 hours.
HealthPlans of NC

Medicare

Medicare Special Enrollment Period for Hurricane Helene

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare products in North Carolina, including Blue Cross NC, is available for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible individuals can enroll from September 25, 2024 – May 31, 2025. Proof or verbal attestation is required.
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

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Blue Cross NC Members Can Receive Prescriptions Through Amazon Pharmacy

Blue Cross NC members can now enjoy the convenience of home delivery for prescriptions through Amazon Pharmacy, simplifying medication management while maintaining trusted benefits.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Wellness, Blue Cross NC, Medicare

NEW FitOn Health Program

Starting January 1, 2025, Blue Cross NC members can join FitOn Health for access to over 13,000 gyms and studios.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC, Medicare

Healthy Blue + Medicare Could Be the Ideal Plan for Those Who Qualify

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers Healthy Blue + Medicare (HMO-POS D-SNP), a plan for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. It combines medical, hospital, and prescription drug benefits with over $10,000 in extra services at no cost.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family

Teladoc Updates for Individual Under-65 Members in 2025

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is updating Teladoc services for individuals under 65 ACA members in 2025, enhancing telehealth accessibility and affordability. Telehealth services will now be free for Blue Local, Blue Home, and Blue Value plans, while Bronze HSA plan members will pay 0% after meeting their deductible. Virtual dermatology services are being added to the Primary360 package at no cost, alongside existing $0 services for acute care, behavioral health, nutrition, and primary care. These updates simplify billing, expand virtual care options, and improve access to healthcare, reflecting Blue Cross NC's commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective care.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC

Blue Connect Improvements and Paperless Delivery

Blue Cross NC has introduced new enhancements for members registered for Blue Connect,
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

Older woman and younger woman sitting on a park bench looking at a phone
Medicare

Helping A Senior Relative Or Friend Find Health Insurance

If your senior parent, relative or friend asks for your help in choosing health insurance coverage, there are several things you can do to support them.
How can I help a senior parent, relative or friend find health coverage?
Whether Medicare or other coverage, there are things to consider when trying to help your senior parent, relative or friend find health insurance. It’s not an easy subject to discuss, and it involves talking about sensitive topics like personal health and finances. It will take time and research to select the best plan. Here are four things to consider.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Friendly agent helps couple find the best insurance policy
Medicare, Blue Cross NC, Health, Wellness

Medicare Supplement Plan Participation Is Rising in North Carolina

Are you a senior enrolled in Medicare? Are you considering additional coverage options to help with your healthcare costs?  Recent research shows that more and more seniors are turning to Medicare supplement plans.  Also known as Medigap plans, these plans are specifically designed to help you fill in the gaps often left by traditional Medicare coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

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

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