Healthcare News & Stories

Medicare has five key enrollment periods: Initial (7 months around age 65), Medigap Open (6 months after Part B starts), Special (for life changes), General (Jan 1–Mar 31), and Annual (Oct 15–Dec 7). Our North Carolina agents help you navigate them to avoid penalties and secure the right coverage.

Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans (SNPs) provide tailored coverage for specific needs: Chronic Condition SNPs for illnesses like diabetes or cancer, Institutional SNPs for nursing home residents, and Dual Eligible SNPs for those with both Medicare and Medicaid. They include Part D, care coordination, and extras like transportation.

Medicare Advantage PPO plans offer flexibility to see in-network providers for lower copays (no PCP or referrals needed) or out-of-network doctors at higher costs. They include Part D drug coverage, extra benefits like dental/vision, and a 2025 annual out-of-pocket maximum of up to $9,200.

Medicare eligibility starts at age 65 for most U.S. citizens or qualified residents. Under 65? You may qualify early if disabled (after 24 months of SSDI), with ESRD requiring dialysis/transplant, or diagnosed with ALS. Our North Carolina agents help clarify your eligibility and enrollment options.

Medicare can feel overwhelming for newcomers, with four parts offering different coverage types. Understanding what each part covers helps you choose the right plan for your health needs.

Health insurance agents save time, find affordable quotes, and provide expert guidance on plans like Medicare, Marketplace, or private coverage—tailored to your needs in North Carolina. Contact Health Plans of NC for personalized help!

Medicare Part D provides optional prescription drug coverage for Medicare enrollees, helping reduce high medication costs through private plans with monthly premiums. In 2025, the benefit simplifies to three stages: a maximum $590 deductible, initial coverage with 25% coinsurance until $2,000 out-of-pocket, then catastrophic coverage with $0 cost for covered drugs. The coverage gap is eliminated, capping annual out-of-pocket at $2,000. Enroll on time to avoid penalties. Contact our NC brokers for personalized help.

Individual health insurance offers personalized coverage outside of employer or government plans. ACA-compliant plans cover essential benefits such as preventive care, maternity care, and prescription drugs. Enjoy flexibility to choose between tiers (Bronze–Platinum) and types (HMO, PPO), plus subsidies to improve affordability.

Blue Cross NC's updated member portal (Dec 2025) features a refreshed homepage, SilverSneakers fitness benefit for Medicare members (replacing FitOn in 2026), enhanced nurse support for chronic conditions, improved Teladoc telehealth info, and clearer supplemental benefits.

Medigap Plan N in North Carolina offers comprehensive coverage with lower premiums than Plan G. Learn about costs, copays, benefits, and whether Plan N is right for you. Free quotes available.

How much does Medicare cost in North Carolina? Learn about Part A, B, and D costs, income-based premiums, and total monthly expenses. Free quotes available.

Clear up the confusion between Medicare and Medicaid with this comprehensive guide explaining how these two essential health programs differ. Learn who qualifies for each program, how they're funded and administered, and what services they cover. Discover how dual-eligible individuals can benefit from both programs simultaneously, understand North Carolina's Medicaid expansion and transformation to managed care, and explore special coverage options like Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs). This guide breaks down complex health insurance concepts into easy-to-understand information, helping North Carolinians access the quality, affordable health care they need while addressing health disparities in underserved communities.

Can You Have Private Insurance and Medicare at the Same Time? Discover how Medicare and private insurance can work together to provide comprehensive healthcare coverage. This guide explains coordination of benefits, which insurance pays first in different scenarios (employer coverage, COBRA, TRICARE), and important considerations including costs and coverage rules. Learn why you cannot have both Medicare and an ACA Marketplace plan, and find out if dual coverage is right for your situation. Get expert insights on premiums, networks, and out-of-pocket costs to make informed decisions about your healthcare coverage.

Explore comprehensive information about non-Medicare health insurance options, including employer-sponsored plans, ACA Marketplace coverage, and private insurance. Learn the key differences between Medicare and non-Medicare insurance, compare plan types (PPO, HMO, EPO, POS, and HDHPs), and understand when each coverage option makes sense for your situation. Discover how to navigate in-network vs. out-of-network care, what to consider when choosing a plan, and important rules about combining coverage types. Whether you're under 65, currently employed, or exploring alternatives to government programs, this guide helps you make informed decisions about your health coverage.

Navigate the complex decision between Medicare and private health insurance with this comprehensive comparison guide. Understand eligibility requirements, coverage differences, cost structures, and provider networks for both options. Learn when Medicare makes sense (typically age 65+), when private insurance is necessary (families, under 65, employer coverage), and whether you can have both simultaneously. Explore detailed breakdowns of Medicare Parts A, B, C, and D, plus private plan types including PPO, HMO, EPO, and POS options. Discover how coordination of benefits works, compare actual costs including premiums and deductibles, and get practical guidance on choosing the right coverage for your age, family situation, and healthcare needs.

Employer Guide to ICHRA explains how employers can reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and expenses, offering cost savings, budget control, flexibility, and tax benefits over traditional group plans.

Medicare members: Discover how SilverSneakers becomes your 2026 fitness benefit provider, offering thousands of gym locations, live virtual classes, on-demand workouts, and community programs—all at no extra cost.

Blue Cross NC's Blue to Blue rule lets current Medicare Supplement members switch plans twice a year without health questions during the May or October-December enrollment periods.

Navigating emergency room, urgent care, or primary care decisions during health crises involves balancing medical urgency, costs, and access. Learn when to seek immediate care and when to wait, with practical frameworks for making informed healthcare choices.

High Point, NC, offers comprehensive healthcare, including emergency and cancer services at High Point Medical Center, as well as specialized clinics such as eye care, dialysis, heart, and diabetes centers, along with mental health support for all residents.

Resistance training boosts brain health, enhancing cognitive function, strengthening neural connections, and slowing brain shrinkage in older adults. Accessible at home or with a trainer, it pairs well with nutrition coaching. Blue Cross NC supports wellness through fitness programs, health coaching, and resources, empowering members to improve body and mind.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC, thrives in 2025 as a resilient hub of arts, craft beer, and outdoor adventures. From Biltmore Estate's grandeur to the Blue Ridge Parkway's vistas, its vibrant economy and top-tier healthcare—bolstered by Blue Cross NC—make it a haven for families and seniors alike.

Short-term health insurance provides flexible, affordable coverage for up to 36 months, making it ideal for life transitions. It includes hospitalization, emergency care, and doctor visits, with customizable plans to fit your needs, ensuring peace of mind without long-term commitments.

Wilmington, NC, a coastal gem, offers robust healthcare through NHRMC, military facilities, and senior care, enhanced by Blue Cross NC’s affordable plans. Its historic charm and vibrant economy attract all.