Healthcare News & Stories

woman arranging paper works
Medicare

Medicare Advantage and Employer Insurance: How They Work Together (2025-2026 Guide)

With more Americans working past 65 than ever before, understanding how Medicare Advantage plans coordinate with employer insurance is essential. This guide covers your coverage options, who pays first, and how to make the best decision for your situation.
HealthPlans of NC

Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Dental? Your Guide to Medicare Dental Coverage (2025-2026)

Dental care is essential to overall health, yet Original Medicare provides almost no coverage for routine dental services. Here's what Medicare members need to know about their options for dental coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Senior Couple on computer applying for medicare
Medicare

What Else Should I Consider When I Apply for Medicare? (2025-2026 Guide)

Once you've enrolled in Medicare, there's more to know. From reviewing your annual plan documents to understanding preventive services, here's what you should consider to get the most from your Medicare coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Four multi-ethnic mature and senior adults sitting indoors at a table, drinking coffee, conversing and smiling. The main focus is on an African-American couple in their 50s. Their friends are a senior couple in their 70s.
Medicare

Medigap Plan K: Lower Premiums with an Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Medigap Plan K is a cost-sharing plan with lower premiums. It covers 50% of most Medicare out-of-pocket costs, with an annual cap that limits your total spending.
HealthPlans of NC

Portrait of successful group of business people at modern office looking at camera. Portrait of happy multiethnic businessmen and satisfied businesswomen standing as a team.
ICHRA, Group

ICHRA Vs. Group Health Insurance: Why More Employers Are Making the Switch in 2026

ICHRA offers employers predictable costs and employees' personal choice—a combination that traditional group health insurance can't match. Here's why adoption is accelerating.
HealthPlans of NC

Two active seniors walk their dog
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

Medicare Part D $2,000 Out-of-Pocket Cap: How It Works and What It Means for You (2025-2026)

Major relief for Medicare prescription drug costs is here. The Inflation Reduction Act caps annual out-of-pocket spending at $2,000 in 2025 and introduces Medicare-negotiated drug prices in 2026, saving millions of beneficiaries thousands of dollars annually.
HealthPlans of NC

Family smiling and waving at a phone
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Working with a Health Insurance Agent Beats AI Chatbots and Online Tools

Technology makes health insurance research easier, but choosing the right plan requires more than a chatbot can offer. Here's why working with a local health insurance agent in North Carolina gives you an advantage—at no extra cost.
HealthPlans of NC

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

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Enroll Through Healthcare.gov—For Free

Healthcare.gov makes it possible to compare and enroll in health plans, but navigating your options can still be confusing. Our local North Carolina health insurance agents can help you find the right plan—and it's completely free.
HealthPlans of NC

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

Special Enrollment Periods: Qualifying Life Events That Let You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment

Special Enrollment Periods give you 60 days to enroll in health insurance after major life changes—even outside the annual Open Enrollment window.
HealthPlans of NC

Five older women walking in the water on a beach
Health, Individual/Family, Blue Cross NC

Should Employers Cover GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs? Benefits, Costs, and Considerations for 2026

With obesity affecting 40% of American adults, more employers are considering coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. But these medications come with high costs. Here's what employers need to know about coverage trends, benefits, and considerations.
HealthPlans of NC

A health insurance agent reassures her clients
Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance for Complex Cases: When You Need an Agent Who Understands Your Situation

Complex health situations—chronic conditions, multiple prescriptions, specialized treatments—require more than a basic plan comparison. An experienced health insurance agent can navigate the complexities and find coverage that actually fits your needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman smiles at camera while packing up her office for a job change
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

COBRA Vs. Marketplace Health Insurance: Your Guide to Coverage After Losing Employer Benefits (2025-2026)

Before automatically choosing COBRA continuation coverage after losing your job, explore all your options. In many cases, Marketplace plans offer better value—especially with premium tax credits that can significantly reduce your costs.
HealthPlans of NC

Joyful group of senior friends wearing warm clothes walking along park alley and chatting animatedly with each other, picturesque view on background
Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term, Group, Health

Find a Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina: Choose the Right Expert for Your Needs

Finding the right health insurance plan starts with finding the right person to help you. Our Find an Agent tool lets you choose which licensed agent works with you based on specialties, reviews, and availability.
HealthPlans of NC

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

Medicare Part B: What It Covers, How Much It Costs, and How to Enroll in 2025 and 2026

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. The standard premium is $185/month in 2025 and $202.90/month in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

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

Medicare and Employer Insurance: How They Work Together and When to Enroll

If you're turning 65 and still working, you may be able to keep your employer insurance alongside Medicare—or choose one over the other. Here's how to decide.
HealthPlans of NC

Three older women at a desk with a laptop
Medicare

Medicare Part A: What It Covers, Costs, and How to Enroll

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services.
HealthPlans of NC

Five older people smiling after exercising
Medicare

AARP Medicare Plans From UnitedHealthcare: Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, and D-SNP Options

AARP partners with UnitedHealthcare to offer Medicare plans, including Medicare Advantage, Medigap, Part D, and D-SNPs. Learn which plan is right for you.
HealthPlans of NC

Four women at an office meeting
Medicare, Group

Medicare and Employer Health Insurance: A Guide for HR Managers in North Carolina

When employees turn 65, questions about Medicare and employer coverage come to HR. Our licensed Medicare agents help NC businesses provide accurate answers.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman standing over an office desk using a laptop and holding a phone
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance for Self-Employed Workers in North Carolina: Your Complete Guide for 2025 and 2026

Self-employed workers in North Carolina can access affordable health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, with subsidies available to lower costs. This guide covers your options, enrollment dates, and how to choose the right plan.
HealthPlans of NC

Hand-holding notebook written Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost in 2025-2026?

Medigap premiums vary widely based on plan type, age, location, and insurance company. Here's what to expect and how to find affordable coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Businessman talking to a man across a table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Questions to Ask a Health Insurance Agent Before Choosing a Plan

A licensed health insurance agent can help you find the right coverage—but only if you ask the right questions. Use this guide to prepare for your conversation.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC

Blue Connect: Your Blue Cross NC Member Portal Guide

A complete guide to Blue Connect, Blue Cross NC's member portal. Discover the top features, mobile app benefits, and step-by-step registration instructions.
HealthPlans of NC

Canoe on a lake at sunset
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

How to Protect Yourself From Health Insurance Scams in 2026

Health insurance scams cost Americans billions each year. Learn to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and find legitimate help for your health insurance needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Medicare, Blue Cross NC

Blue Cross NC Blue FlexCard: What It Is, How to Use It, and What's Covered

Complete guide to the Blue Cross NC Blue FlexCard for Medicare Advantage members. Understand your allowance, eligible expenses, and how to use your card online, in-store, or by phone.
HealthPlans of NC

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Healthcare News & Stories | Health Plans of NC