Healthcare News & Stories

Pregnant person using a laptop
Individual/Family

Questions About Maternity Coverage?

A Quick Overview
It is mandatory for all health insurance providers to provide maternity care coverage. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act became law, requiring coverage for pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care.
How Has Maternity Coverage Changed?
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

We resolve to make health care simpler
Health, Blue Cross NC

Using High-Tech & High-Touch To Simplify Healthcare

Perhaps more than any other industry, health care represents the collision of humanity and technology—nothing is more personal than our health care. But for many, determining the best option for care is an overwhelming process. Knowing when to seek care can be just as difficult as combing through the volume of medical information offered online. This can lead to people spending more time, more money and using more services across the health care system than necessary.
At Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC), we are working to provide a more simplified health care experience for our members. By combining technology and human interaction, we’re helping members find the right resources for their care journeys.
High-Tech: Putting the Right Tools in the Hands of Members
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC

Three men resting during a hike
Medicare

Different Types of Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare Supplement Plans, also known as Medigap plans, provide coverage for millions of Medicare beneficiaries. These plans help pay for any gaps not covered by Medicare, such as your coinsurance or deductibles. These plans are a great choice if you don’t want to ‌pay out-of-pocket for your health care, and there are a range of plan options available in North Carolina. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Nurse with patient on sofa
Health, Covid 19

Post Pandemic Healthcare Issues

With restrictions now eased and the world returning to a ‘new normal’ post pandemic, there are still ongoing health issues facing many North Carolinians. The stressful events we’ve experienced during the past three years, including significant changes to our normal lifestyle, are likely to have long-term effects on many people’s physical and mental health.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Family with kids and grandparents laughing together
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

How The Family Glitch Proposed Rule Changes Could Save You Money

In April 2022, the Biden-Harris Administration proposed a rule to strengthen the Affordable Care Act (ACA) by fixing the ‘family glitch’ that could save families across America hundreds of dollars each month. The goal of this proposed rule is to revise the existing interpretation of eligibility relating to premium tax credits for families. If finalized, the rule will extend the ACA Marketplace health insurance subsidies to millions more people throughout America, including many North Carolina residents.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Four people at a meeting with laptops shaking hands
Medicare

Comparing Medicare Supplement Plans

Each Medicare Supplement plan has an associated letter, from A through to N. Each plan helps provide coverage for the gaps in Medicare and offers different levels of coverage. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Five older people laughing together in a park
Medicare

What Are Medicare Supplement Plans?

Medicare Supplements Plans are a type of health insurance offered by private insurance companies to help cover the gaps in Medicare. Medicare Supplement Plans are also known as Medigap plans.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Pregnant woman using a tablet computer on a sofa
Individual/Family

What You Need to Know About Health Insurance if You’re Trying for a Baby

If you’re trying to have a baby, there’s a lot to think about. You may be wondering how long does it take to get pregnant and whether you’re ready for this life change. It’s also a great time to consider your health care needs and ensure you have the right level of health insurance coverage for your care.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Older couple using a laptop on a sofa
Medicare

What Is a Medicare Advantage HMO Plan?

An HMO stands for a Health Maintenance Organization. It’s a type of Medicare Advantage plan that offers health coverage for hospitals, specialists, and doctors in the plan’s preferred network. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Four older people conversing at a round table
Medicare

How Do Medicare Supplement Plans Work?

Medicare Supplement Plans are a type of health insurance offered by private insurance companies to help cover the gaps in Medicare. Medicare Supplement Plans are also known as Medigap plans.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Older couple at desk with laptop
Medicare

How To Apply For Medicare

If you’re approaching 65, it’s essential to find out how and when to apply for Medicare. While it may seem overwhelming, enrolling in Medicare can be simple with access to the correct information. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Woman in a military uniform and a man at a desk with a laptop and a cup with small American flags
Medicare

Medicare Advantage For Veterans

If you’re a veteran who already has Veterans Affairs (VA) or TRICARE health coverage, you may not have considered Medicare Advantage coverage. But combining Medicare Advantage with your existing health coverage can offer many benefits. With the help of an independent health insurance agent, you can get the right coverage for your health care and budget.  Our experienced local agents help North Carolina residents every day and specialize in assisting veterans with their health insurance needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Two couples smiling on a golf course
Medicare

What Is Medicare Part B?

Medicare Part B provides coverage for a range of medically necessary outpatient services. Part B also offers coverage for medical procedures performed in and out of the hospital, where a physician performs the care. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Older woman and younger woman looking at a tablet computer on a sofa
Medicare

Medicare Costs

If you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, it’s essential to understand the costs for each of the different parts of Medicare, so you can work out how much to budget. Unfortunately, many people don’t realize the costs associated with certain aspects of Medicare, which can make it difficult to manage your monthly bills.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Four people walking outside
Medicare

Different Medicare Enrollment Periods

It can be a little overwhelming to understand all the different parts if you’re approaching Medicare eligibility, especially the various enrollment periods. This article will cover everything you need to know about each Medicare Enrollment Period and what they mean for your coverage. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Two older patients with a doctor seated in a hallway
Medicare

What Are Medicare Special Needs Plans?

A Medicare Special Needs Plan (SNP) is a Medicare Advantage Plan that provides organized care for people with special needs. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Older couple with a younger woman at a desk with clipboard and laptop
Medicare

How Medicare And Employer Coverage Works

If you’re considering enrolling in Medicare and currently have an employer sponsored health insurance plan, it’s worth reviewing your options to get the best combination for your health needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

A couple looking at a tablet while sitting on a sofa
Medicare

What Is a Medicare Advantage PPO Plan?

Medicare PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. A PPO means the insurance provider has a network of preferred health providers who offer negotiated service rates for your health care. A PPO plan is a type of Medicare Advantage plan, so you can enroll in this type of plan as an alternative to Original Medicare. Like other types of Medicare Advantage plans, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, and you also need to live in the plan’s service area. If you’re interested in finding out more information about Medicare Advantage PPO plans, get in touch with one of our experienced local Medicare agents. We specialize in helping people all over North Carolina with their health insurance to get the best coverage for you. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Four people sitting on a porch
Medicare

Your Medicare Eligibility

Most people living in North Carolina are eligible for Medicare benefits when they turn 65, even if they’re still working.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Woman holding Covid-19 rapid test
Individual/Family, Covid 19

Reimbursement Available For Over-The-Counter Covid-19 Rapid Tests

Did you know that insurance coverage has now been extended to cover at-home Covid rapid tests? Since January this year, private insurers are now required to cover the cost of rapid at-home tests when purchased over-the-counter.  
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Two couples smiling with a ferris wheel in the background
Medicare

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is health insurance for people aged 65 and over and people with specific disabilities. It’s a national health insurance program that is divided into four parts. Each of these parts fits together uniquely to provide different types of coverage for your health needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Couple looking at a tablet on a sofa
Medicare

The Four Different Parts of Medicare

Many people new to Medicare can find it overwhelming. There are four different parts that offer different types of coverage. Understanding what these four plans cover can help to ensure you have the right level of coverage for your health needs. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Three older women at a desk with a laptop
Medicare

What Is Medicare Part A?

Medicare Part A provides coverage for your inpatient hospital expenses to help you pay for the hospital care you need when you need it the most.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Family walking in a field holding hands
Health, Medicare

Common Allergies In North Carolina & Health Plan Treatment Options

Discover the most common allergies in North Carolina, including the tests and treatment options available under Medicare and private health insurance. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

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