Healthcare News & Stories

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. 

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?

What is a Complex Case?
A complex case refers to specific healthcare needs for you or your family based on your circumstances. 
Here are some examples where seeking advice from a health insurance agent can be beneficial:

Did you know that dental health can impact your overall health? 
Over 100 diseases can appear in your mouth, making regular check-ups essential. Your family dentist can not only help you maintain good oral health but also help prevent serious health complications. Organizing the right level of dental insurance can allow you to access the ongoing dental care you need for you and your family to stay healthy. 
Benefits of good dental health

Having quality medical insurance is extremely important. Living without healthcare may leave you susceptible to substantial medical bills that you can’t afford. There are several different options for healthcare including employer insurance and Medicare. So, you may be wondering, “Can I have both employer insurance and Medicare?”.
Employer coverage refers to health insurance purchased by your employer. This insurance is then offered to their employees as part of a benefits package. An employer health plan is considered private health insurance coverage. 
Meanwhile, Medicare is a form of federal health insurance offered to people 65 or older, younger people with disabilities, and people with End-Stage Renal Disease. Since it is federal-based insurance, it is not considered private. 

In today’s world, taking care of your health starts with proper health coverage. Without health care coverage that meets your medical needs, you could get stuck with massive, avoidable debt. Private insurance and Medicare are two of the more popular forms of medical insurance. You may be wondering, “Can you have private insurance and Medicare at the same time?”
Private insurance refers to health coverage offered by the private health insurance industry. A private insurance plan is offered by private insurance companies that operate as separate, individual businesses. According to a 2020 report from the U.S. Census Bureau, 68 percent of Americans have some form of private health insurance.
Meanwhile, Medicare is a federal insurance plan eligible for adults 65 or older, individuals with disabilities, or people suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease. The government directly offers Medicare, not private insurance companies. 

Health insurance is essential as individuals should receive comprehensive coverage for a variety of 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. In this article, we 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 will need to pay. Every month, you will pay a monthly premium. This is a decided amount of money 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. 

What is a Complex Case?
A complex case refers to specific healthcare needs for you or your family based on your circumstances. 
Here are some examples where seeking advice from a health insurance agent can be beneficial:

Life can be full of planned events and some that are a little more unexpected. If you're changing jobs or facing unemployment, and need to reconsider your health plan, our local North Carolina health insurance agents are here to help.  Our agents work hard every day to find clients a better deal than COBRA. So before you use COBRA, call us to see how we can help. 

Medicare Advantage continues to grow in popularity with Medicare beneficiaries. Data released in January 2023 by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services shows Medicare Advantage provides coverage for just over half of all Medicare-eligible beneficiaries. So out of almost 60 million people enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, just over 30 million are enrolled in a private plan.

At Health Plans of NC, our experienced and professional team of locally based health insurance agents are here to help you. We've recently launched a new website to make it even easier for anyone living in North Carolina to access the best health insurance plan.  You can request a quote online in seconds simply by providing your zip code. It's a great way to get a quote fast, and we'll assign you to one of our knowledgeable North Carolina agents here to help you find the right plan for your health needs and budget. But if you want more control over your chosen agent, we recommend you look at our new 'Find an Agent' feature. This tool gives you the power to choose which insurance broker you use. 

AARP is a non-profit organization that aims to assist and advocate for individuals over 50 on issues relating to health security and financial stability. For qualifying individuals, it is helpful to stay informed on the different coverage plans available. By doing so, they can find a plan that is affordable and provides proper benefits.
What Are The Available Medical Plans For Members?
There are different insurance plans AARP members can enroll in. Each plan may have varying eligibility requirements.

What Else Should I Consider When I Apply For Medicare?
To start, you will only need to apply for Medicare once. This is done through the Social Security Administration. You can stay with Original Medicare or enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Medicare Advantage plans have an out-of-pocket limit. This means that after paying a set amount, Medicare will fully cover all eligible medical expenses. 

While it is essential to have comprehensive health insurance, fees can be concerning. Monthly premiums, copays, and coinsurance can all add up. However, for Medicare members, there are potential solutions to lessen high pocket costs.
Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap, can be an effective method to cover costly medical expenses. With proper information, you can better understand what the supplemental is and the benefits it can have. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know about Medigap, and answer the question “Do I really need supplemental insurance with Medicare?:
What is Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)?

Financial Considerations When Getting Self-Employed Health Insurance
If you are or are considering becoming self-employed, it is important to understand the ramification it may have on your health insurance. You may no longer receive coverage under your employer’s insurance plan. Therefore, it is essential to consider your financial situation and choose a health insurance plan that is affordable.
What Are Available Options for Self-Employed Health Insurance?

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 plans has ended. However, certain individuals may qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
To be eligible, you must have experienced a significant life change. Typically, you will need to apply 60 days before or after the event.
In addition, if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), you may apply at any time.