Healthcare News & Stories

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

Blue Cross NC

Blue Cross NC Customer Service

Blue Cross NC Customer Service for Medical
888-206-4697
Blue Cross NC Customer Service for Vision
HealthPlans of NC

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

A couple walks on a log in the woods while hiking
Medicare, Health

How Medicare Advantage Agents Simplify Choices for Seniors

If you’re a senior entering the world of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the many options available.  With an average of 43 plans on offer, knowing where to start and how to navigate the complexity of these plans to make an informed decision can seem impossible. That’s where Medicare Advantage agents come in.  In this article, we’ll explain the crucial role agents play in helping you sift through the myriad options to help you you choose the most suitable plan. Let’s get started.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Two active seniors walk their dog
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

The Medicare Out-of-Pocket Drug Spending Cap: A Game-Changer for Millions of Americans

Medicare is undergoing a significant shift, bringing hope to millions of beneficiaries grappling with the high costs of prescription drugs.  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has led to major changes in the Medicare Part D program, including a new prescription drug cap of $2,000. The Act focuses on reducing out-of-pocket patient expenses to curb Medicare's spending on prescription drugs. Let’s examine the changes, who will benefit, and when the new rules will take effect.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Senior man and woman shake hands with insurance agent after finding a policy that fits their Medicare needs and budget
Medicare

Medicare Special Enrollment Period - State of Emergency in North Carolina

As you may be aware, a State of Emergency has been declared in North Carolina due to the severe weather affecting much of the state. The emergency is effective January 8 until February 7 (unless the governor rescinds the order earlier).  For anyone living in North Carolina, a Special Enrollment Period is now available for Medicare until April 7, 2024.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

trustworthy agent shakes hands with client
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

Avoiding Health Insurance Scams: Your Guide to Making Smart Coverage Choices

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, by Kelly Quinn

a group of smiling successful team members
Individual/Family, Individual/Family, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Why Choose A Local Health Insurance Agent

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Heath Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

happy agent headshots
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Google Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Health Insurance

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

a group of smiling agents
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why an Experienced Health Insurance Agent Is Your Best Resource in a Digital World

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Multigenerational family on couch having fun
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Health

2024 Plan Year Open Enrollment Dates

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

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

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Navigate Healthcare.gov - For Free!

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

Health Plans of North Carolina by Kelly Quinn

A smiling group of multi-cultural co-workers
Blue Cross NC

Rate Decrease for Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina Customers in 2024

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

New Consumer Protections for Individual/ Family Health Insurance

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?
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC

Senior Couple talking to insurance agent
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

New Consumer Protections for Medicare Health Insurance

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?
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC

Twenty something young woman looking up information on laptop
Health, Vision, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

Essential Tips for Choosing Health Insurance Turning 26

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Happy couple signs online contract
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to Consent Requirements for Marketplace Consumers

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Team lead explaining new regulations to agents
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to How Agencies Can Market Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

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

Special Enrollment Period: Life Events that Make You Eligible for Health Insurance

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

A group of coworkers eating lunch
Health, Individual/Family, Blue Cross NC

The Benefits of Including Weight Loss Drugs on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, by Kelly Quinn

Family of four dancing in their living room
Individual/Family

How Much Is Health Insurance For a Family of Four?

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
HealthPlans of NC

Ready to get started?

See plans and pricing today.