Healthcare News & Stories

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?

For United States citizens, having access to quality healthcare coverage is absolutely crucial. Without it, you may be liable for massive medical bills when an unforeseen health concern arises. Many people experience difficulties finding an affordable and comprehensive plan that suits all their needs. Open enrollment scheduling and confusing health insurance jargon can make the process seem more challenging than it needs to be. 
This article will focus on offering the reader tips and insights about open enrollment for health insurance in 2024.
What Is the Annual Open Enrollment Period?

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

As we all know, it is essential to have quality and comprehensive health coverage. However, the out-of-pocket costs for insurance plans can be quite expensive. Therefore, to help pay for Medicare expenses, Medigap policies are available to qualifying individuals. But, who regulates Medicare supplement insurance plans?
Medigap, otherwise known as Medicare Supplement insurance plans, can be an effective option to mitigate concerns about healthcare costs. It is important to know what these policies are, how to be eligible, and the benefits they offer. Furthermore, you should consider speaking to an experienced health insurance agent. 
In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about the regulation of Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans.

As an insurance policyholder, it is important to know which services are covered and the benefits you can receive. For example, many people wonder, “Does Medicare cover dental?” Therefore, Medicare members should know whether or not their plans offer dental insurance. Understandably, paying costly out-of-pocket expenses for dental care can be concerning. In addition, a lack of knowledge of Medicare’s dental coverage options can be distressing as well. 
In this article, we will discuss what you need to know about Medicare and potential dental plans. With proper information, you can make the right decision regarding dental care.
Understanding Medicare’s Dental Coverage

Approximately 54 million people in the United States have a disability. As it pertains to health insurance, insurers consider a person disabled when they cannot perform job duties due to an illness or injury. Also, people who struggle with a disability often struggle to get the medical coverage they need. Medicare covers a wide range of issues, but does Medicare cover disability insurance?
This article will focus on Medicare services and whether or not it covers disability insurance. It will also offer specifics about who Medicare can help (those that have Lou Gehrig’s disease, end-stage renal disease, or are over 65) as well as social security disability insurance.
For people with disabilities, finding affordable health plan coverage that meets all of their needs can be challenging. If you are seeking assistance enrolling in Medicare coverage, finding a qualified insurance agent can be a big help. Health Plans of North Carolina can help. Explore our options today.

Upon turning 65, many seniors opt to enroll in Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance coverage designed to support individuals over 65, who have eligible disabilities, or who have End Stage Renal Disease. While Medicare offers multiple parts and is considered quality healthcare, it isn’t comprehensive enough for everyone. So what is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?
For most Americans, medical insurance can be quite costly. Finding affordable health insurance alongside Medicare that covers basic needs, emergency care, long-term care, prescription drug coverage, and dental can be quite challenging. Some private insurance companies can raise monthly premiums as you age, making it very difficult to pay for the coverage you need.
The purpose of this article is to explore health insurance options for seniors on Medicare, and to help them find the best option available. For more information about health insurance options in the state of North Carolina, explore our website today. 

Medicare Supplemental Insurance plans, also known as Medigap, are types of health insurance plans meant to help individuals pay for out-of-pocket expenses. Primarily, it provides coverage for monthly premiums, copayments, and coinsurance. With several different plan types, you may be able to find a supplement plan that works best for you. You can also speak with a licensed and experienced health insurance agent to answer any questions or concerns you may have. 
How Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Work?
To begin, Medigap does not replace your primary health insurance plan. Instead, it provides benefits for expenses your health insurance plan does not cover. It is important to note that, unlike Medicare, Medigap is not administered by the federal government. Alternatively, it is sold by private insurance companies. For consumer protection, there are regulations put in place that guarantees that enrolling members receive proper coverage. In addition to federal regulations, there are also state policies that can benefit potential enrollees. 

There is no such thing as perfect insurance. When unexpected health concerns arise, even the best insurance plans may not be enough to cover all the costs. For individuals with Medicare, knowing what Medicare supplemental insurance options are available can be extremely helpful. But what is the average cost of supplemental insurance for Medicare?
Medicare supplemental insurance (also known as Medigap) refers to extra insurance that can be added to your regular medical coverage plan. Users can purchase Medigap through a private insurance company, helping them pay out-of-pocket costs. Medigap plans aren’t like normal insurance plans. Their purpose is to cover the costs that you may be responsible for your Original Medicare plan.
This article will focus on what supplemental insurance is and why you need it. It will also answer questions like, what is the average cost of a Medicare supplement? And, what is the average cost of medicare part B supplemental insurance?