Healthcare News & Blog

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!

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

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.

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

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

Blue Cross NC offers Teladoc telehealth services to individuals under 65 years old who are ACA members, providing 24/7 access to virtual care for acute conditions, mental health, dermatology, nutrition, and primary care through Primary360. Many plans include $0 telehealth visits.

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.

Complete guide to dependent eligibility for health insurance. Learn who qualifies—spouses, children, domestic partners—and explore coverage options for non-family members, including Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA marketplace plans.

Insurance involves monthly premiums, deductibles, categories, out-of-pocket expenses, out-of-network costs, and premium tax credits. For many people, these terms can cause stress and confusion.
Those searching for the best individual or family plan often encounter these daunting terms. It can be hard to fully understand what it means and how it impacts your bottom line. Plus, you may not know how to compare plans effectively.
In this article, we’ll dive into areas you should consider 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.

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. 

Health insurance is essential, as individuals should receive comprehensive coverage for various medical procedures and expenses. However, trying to find the right insurance plan at an affordable price can feel overwhelming. Proper information lets you learn more about potential costs and what to look for when choosing a coverage plan. This article will answer the question, “How much is health insurance for a family of 3? We will tell you everything you need to know to make the best decision. 
What is the Average Cost of Health Insurance for a Family of 3
A variety of factors determine the price of health insurance. To begin, you must understand the different expenses you must pay. Every month, you will pay a monthly premium. This is a decided amount you must pay to receive health coverage. Then, there is your deductible, the amount you pay out of pocket before your insurance begins to provide coverage. Once the deductible is met, various cost-sharing methods will be implemented. 

Complete guide to child-only health insurance in NC for 2026. Compare NC Health Choice, Medicaid, and ACA marketplace options. Understand income limits, coverage benefits, and enrollment requirements.

Group health insurance covers employees or organization members at lower premiums through shared risk and employer contributions. It often includes family coverage, dental/vision options, and strong protection against medical costs.

Medigap Plan M is a type of Medicare Supplement Plan offering basic coverage to help cover the gap for costs not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. It provides a low monthly premium, but you must pay for half of your hospital deductible and 100% of your yearly outpatient deductible. 

Medigap Plan D is a mid-level Medicare Supplement plan that covers most out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible and Part B excess charges. Here's what you need to know.

Medigap Plan A is the most basic Medicare Supplement plan, covering core benefits at typically the lowest premium. While it helps with Part A and Part B coinsurance, it leaves you responsible for deductibles and other costs. Here's what you need to know.

When you're a part of an employer-sponsored high-deductible plan or health savings account plan, you might want to consider purchasing a High-Deductible Plan G supplement also known as a Medigap plan. This plan is similar to the High Deductible Plan F, but it doesn’t provide coverage for your Medicare Part B deductible. 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) runs October 15 – December 7, 2026. It’s your yearly opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage for 2027, when the Part D out-of-pocket cap rises to $2,400 and negotiated prices take effect for 15 more drugs.

Over 2.2 million North Carolinians are enrolled in Medicare. Whether you're newly eligible or looking to review your coverage, these frequently asked questions cover what you need to know about Medicare costs, enrollment, and coverage options.

Medicare late enrollment penalties can add lifelong extra costs to Parts A, B, and D if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without creditable coverage. Enroll on time, verify employer plans, and keep proof to avoid fees.

Early retirement often disrupts employer health insurance, leaving you to fund coverage via COBRA, spouse plans, Marketplace subsidies, or short-term options until Medicare at 65. Our NC agents help find affordable solutions.

Understand the key differences between licensed health insurance agents and Marketplace Navigators to make an informed decision about who can best help you enroll in health coverage. This comprehensive comparison explores qualifications, training, services, and scope of support from each option. Learn when a licensed agent's personalized recommendations and ongoing support might be valuable, and when a Navigator's specialized Marketplace expertise and community-based assistance could be the right fit. Discover what services each can provide—from subsidy calculations and plan comparisons to post-enrollment support—and get practical guidance on choosing the assistance that matches your needs, preferences, and insurance goals. Both options are completely free to consumers.

Mental health professionals are in high demand right now. Many of us are grieving the loss of loved ones, jobs, plans, and normalcy. And if that’s not hard enough, the stresses of our everyday lives haven’t stopped.
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), your total health is our top priority, now more than ever, including your mental and emotional health.
If you’re struggling with your mental health and need some extra support, you’re not alone. Studies show that anxiety and depression are common among American adults. And our children’s mental health is suffering, too.

It’s curious how well-versed we are in the physical benefits of hiking. The activity can:
Reduce the risk of heart disease
Reduce your risk of hypertension, or high blood pressure. (Hiking regularly has been shown to lower blood pressure by 4 to 10 points.)