Healthcare News & Stories

Fayetteville, NC, a vibrant city with a rich military and historical legacy, offers comprehensive healthcare through Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Womack Army Medical Center, and specialized clinics. With robust senior care, primary care, and community programs, it ensures accessible, quality healthcare for all residents.

Durham, NC, the City of Medicine, boasts top facilities like Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center for advanced cardiology, oncology, and pediatric care. Medicare supports specialized clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers affordable plans with preventive services, drug cost caps, and extras like dental and fitness benefits.

Greensboro, North Carolina, boasts comprehensive healthcare with hospitals like Moses H. Cone Memorial, primary care clinics such as Eagle Physicians and Guilford Medical Associates, specialized centers for cancer, heart, and orthopedics, mental health services, and senior facilities including Friends Homes at Guilford. Medicare support features tailored clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers extensive coverage, preventive care, member perks, nationwide access, and cost savings.

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, provides a comprehensive healthcare system with leading hospitals such as Duke Raleigh and WakeMed, diverse clinics, specialized centers for cancer, orthopedics, and neurology, mental health services, and facilities for seniors. Medicare beneficiaries benefit from dedicated care and communities. Blue Cross NC enhances this with extensive coverage, preventive services, member benefits, and cost savings.

A fiduciary health insurance agent prioritizes your best interests, offering transparent, tailored advice on ACA, Medicare, or group plans. Legally bound to disclose conflicts and recommend optimal coverage, they ensure cost-effective, comprehensive solutions, distinguishing them from agents who may push suitable but not ideal plans.

Turning 65 is a pivotal moment for healthcare planning, as it marks eligibility for Medicare, including Part B, which covers outpatient medical services like doctor visits, preventive care, and diagnostic tests. Deciding whether to enroll in Part B, especially with group health coverage through a large or small employer, requires careful consideration. Missing enrollment deadlines can result in penalties, and for high-income earners, premium surcharges further complicate the decision-making process. This article outlines a safe strategy for approaching Medicare Part B at 65, addressing penalties for not enrolling, the wisdom of enrolling despite group coverage, and key factors for high-income earners to consider.
Understanding Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is a cornerstone of healthcare for individuals 65 and older, covering services such as outpatient care, laboratory tests, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. In 2025, the standard Part B premium is projected at approximately $185 per month, with an annual deductible of $250. Part B covers 80% of approved services, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have supplemental coverage like Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan. For high-income earners, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can significantly increase premiums, with surcharges starting for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $103,000 (or $206,000 for married couples) based on tax returns from two years prior.

In 2025, Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, ICHRAs allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses. 
What is an ICHRA?
An ICHRA is a tax-advantaged health benefit plan that enables employers to reimburse employees for premiums paid on individual health insurance policies, typically purchased through the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace, as well as other eligible medical expenses, such as copays, deductibles, or prescriptions. Unlike Qualified Small Employer HRAs (QSEHRAs), which are limited to businesses with fewer than 50 full-time employees, ICHRAs are available to employers of any size. They can be offered alongside group health plans or as a standalone benefit. Employees must enroll in ACA-compliant individual coverage (or Medicare, if eligible) to receive reimbursements, which are tax-free for both parties.

In 2025, QSEHRAs are surging in popularity among small employers with fewer than 50 employees. These tax-advantaged plans reimburse workers for individual health insurance and medical expenses, offering cost predictability, employee flexibility, and simplified administration.

In North Carolina, employees of small businesses often face a critical decision: accept a Qualified Small Employer Health Reimbursement Arrangement (QSEHRA) or purchase health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace (Healthcare.gov). Both options aim to provide affordable access to healthcare, but they differ in terms of structure, cost, flexibility, and their impact on financial assistance. This 800-word article compares QSEHRAs and the Marketplace in North Carolina for 2025, with a focus on employees with significant medical needs, such as pregnancy, to help individuals make informed choices.
What is a QSEHRA?
A QSEHRA is a tax-advantaged arrangement that enables small employers (with fewer than 50 full-time employees) to reimburse workers for individual health insurance premiums and eligible medical expenses, including copays, deductibles, and prescription medications. In 2025, the IRS sets maximum annual contributions at $6,250 for single employees (approximately $520.83 per month) and $12,600 for family coverage (roughly $1,050 per month). These limits are prorated for partial-year coverage.

As technology reshapes industries, many wonder how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the enrollment process for health insurance. At Health Plans of NC, we understand the concerns some agents and clients have about AI-driven tools potentially replacing the personalized service our team provides. However, we believe the future is bright for both our clients and our dedicated agents in North Carolina. Here’s why human expertise remains irreplaceable, even as AI enhances the enrollment process.
AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement
AI is making waves in the health insurance industry, streamlining tasks such as answering basic questions, comparing plan options, and processing applications. For example, chatbots can quickly explain deductibles, and algorithms can suggest plans based on a client’s budget and health needs. These tools are efficient, available 24/7, and appealing to tech-savvy consumers who value speed.

This article highlights the key features of the Blue Cross NC customer service directory, including how members can find doctors, pay premiums, print ID cards, and access support for Medicare, dental, behavioral health, and more. It also explains the convenience of using the Blue Connect portal for managing health coverage online.

This article explores the extensive provider access available through Blue Cross NC in Charlotte, North Carolina. It highlights the robust network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals available to members enrolled in ACA, Medicare HMO, and PPO plans. The article also explains how to find in-network providers, the benefits of telehealth, and tools like Blue Connect that help members manage their care. Whether you're new to the area or comparing plan options, Blue Cross NC offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals and families across Charlotte.

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are valuable tools for managing healthcare costs, offering tax advantages and flexibility. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the 2025 HSA contribution limits, critical for North Carolinians planning their benefits to maximize savings while staying compliant.
 2025 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2025, the IRS has established the following annual HSA contribution limits:

At Health Plans of North Carolina, we believe that health is influenced by more than doctor visits. Access to basic needs—like food, housing, transportation, and safety—plays a vital role in well-being. We want to highlight a powerful free tool available to everyone in our community: the Resource Navigator from Blue Cross NC.
The Resource Navigator is an easy-to-use online platform that connects individuals and families to free or reduced-cost services across North Carolina. Whether you're facing financial hardship or housing instability or need help finding local support for child care, utilities, or behavioral health, the Resource Navigator makes it simple to find trusted, nearby assistance.
You don’t need to be a Blue Cross NC member to use it—anyone in North Carolina can access this tool. Just enter your ZIP code and select the type of help you seek. The platform will display a tailored list of services in your area, along with descriptions, contact details, and eligibility information.

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: 

Residents in certain counties impacted by Hurricane Helene now have an extended opportunity to apply for or adjust their Blue Cross NC individual health insurance plans. The Special Enrollment Period (SEP) has been extended for these counties, offering a chance to secure health coverage or switch to a plan that better suits your needs.
Who Is Eligible?
Residents in the affected counties can use this SEP to enroll in a new plan and apply for coverage with Blue Cross NC or another carrier. They can also switch plans, updating their coverage to align with their current healthcare needs.

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 members can join FitOn Health for access to over 13,000 gyms and studios.

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.

For Medicare, the Annual Enrollment Period for 2025 runs from October 15 to Dec 7, 2024. For individual and family plans, Open Enrollment starts November 1, 2024 and ends January 15, 2025. For more details about enrollment periods for 2025, feel free to reach out to one of our agents.

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.