Healthcare News & Stories
Medicare
How To Take Advantage Of The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period 2023
Did you realize that there’s only a specific period where you can change your Medicare coverage? Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (known as AEP) is when you can enroll in a stand-alone Medicare Part D plan (which covers prescription drugs) or a Medicare Advantage plan. It’s also the time to make any necessary changes to your existing coverage.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare
Medicaid Program Underway in North Carolina to Help with Food and Shelter
In March 2022, Medicaid launched the Healthy Opportunities Pilot, a program to support up to 20,000 low-income North Carolina residents. The program, a $650 million initiative, aims to test whether Medicaid funding should be used differently to better support the social problems that affect people’s health.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Everything You Need to Know About AARP Medical Plans
AARP, formerly known as The American Association of Retired Persons, is a nonprofit, member-based organization for people aged over 50. Members can access a range of benefits, including access to medical insurance plans through United Healthcare insurance, a nationwide health insurance company. This article will look at some of the different insurance plans available with AARP, including the coverage and enrollment options for people living in North Carolina.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act
What Are The Dates For Open Enrollment & Special Enrollment Periods 2022?
Open enrollment 2022 for Affordable Care Act (ACA) health insurance has ended. However, it’s still possible to get health insurance if you meet specific criteria. Read on to find out more about how you can access health insurance, or contact one of our local NC Health Insurance agents to find out how we can help. Our team can explain when is open enrollment for health insurance and what it means for your coverage.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare
The Top Three Benefits of Using a Health Insurance Agent
It’s only natural that you’ll have questions if you’re considering enrolling in a health insurance plan. The good news is that the Affordable Care Act means you can get assistance when selecting your plan. You can either work with an experienced, licensed health insurance agent or an authorized individual Marketplace representative called a Navigator to help answer your questions. Although a licensed agent and a Navigator do share some similarities, there are some differences. It can be more beneficial to use a licensed agent over an unlicensed, government-trained representative. Here are our three top benefits of why you should choose a licensed agent.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
How Working With Medicare Insurance Agents Can Help HR Managers
If you’re an HR Manager, you’ve probably noticed that some of your employees are retiring later than in previous years. The age for Medicare eligibility is 65. With many residents in North Carolina working to 67 or beyond, there may be employees who qualify for Medicare and an employer’s group health benefits plan.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act
You May Qualify for Enrollment in an NC ACA Health Plan for $0 Premium
Low-income earners that do not exceed 150% of FPL in North Carolina can qualify for ACA health insurance for $0
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act
What You Need to Know About Health Insurance If You’re Self-Employed
In the United States, approximately 16 million workers identify as being self-employed. Self-employment can offer many benefits, including greater flexibility and being your own boss. It also provides an entryway to entrepreneurship and small business ownership.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Top 10 Considerations When Choosing A Medicare Plan
If you live in North Carolina and you’re approaching retirement age, there are typically three options for Medicare coverage to consider: Original Medicare Parts A and B. Original Medicare Parts A and B plus a supplemental insurance plan to help cover any costs Medicare doesn’t, along with a separate Part D prescription drug plan. Medicare Advantage, that gives you a variety of healthcare plans with additional benefits and usually includes coverage for prescription drugs.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family
What the Self Employed Need to Know About Health Insurance
In 2021, around 59 million Americans worked freelance, representing over one-third of the US workforce. Although many people take freelance gigs to supplement their primary employment, about 28% of Americans who freelanced in 2020 did freelance work as their full-time occupation. And Upwork, an online freelancing platform, believes these numbers will continue growing as more people turn to freelance. Regardless of whether this trend is a part of an overarching lifestyle choice, as many social pundits suggest, this shift does have significant implications for areas like healthcare coverage.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare
Do I Need a Health Insurance Agent?
Selecting the right health insurance can be time-consuming and often overwhelming. There is a vast range of medical health insurance available via the Health Insurance Marketplace and private insurance agencies.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Medicare Initial Enrollment Checklist: 6 Things You Need to Know
If you’re new to Medicare, this checklist can guide you step-by-step through the process. Our local Medicare agents can help you understand everything you need to know about Medicare plans NC if you’re based in North Carolina. It’s also important to realize that If your needs change after selecting a plan, you can make changes during specific times of the year. Let us help you compare your options.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Health, Medicare, Individual/Family
Help Understanding Your Medical Bills
If you’ve received a confusing medical bill, it’s essential to understand what you’re being charged for before you pay the bill.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Cómo Obtener Más Beneficios Con Los Planes Dual Medicaid-Medicare, D-SNP
Apoyo para los residentes de Carolina del Norte que tienen Medicare y Medicaid Los planes duales para necesidades especiales (D-SNP) son planes especializados de Medicare Advantage para personas con Medicare y Medicaid. Por lo general, ofrecen muchos beneficios y características adicionales más allá de Medicare Original. Si es residente de Carolina del Norte, nuestro equipo de agentes locales de Medicare, NC, puede ayudarle a comprender cómo obtener más beneficios con estos planes duales.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
What Additional Medicare Coverage Is Available?
Understanding what’s included and excluded from each Medicare plan can help you decide on the right option.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family
How To Ensure Pre-Existing Conditions Are Covered
Before 2010, if you had a pre-existing condition, you may have been denied health insurance coverage or subjected to high insurance premiums. Thankfully, when the Affordable Care Act passed, health insurance companies offering ACA plans could no longer refuse coverage of pre-existing conditions. They also can’t increase your premium rates based on existing health problems. If you’ve got any questions about pre-existing conditions, or health insurance North Carolina, get in touch with one of our experienced local health insurance agents. You can also compare plans online today.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Individual/Family
What You Need to Know About Maternity Coverage
In good news for many women in North Carolina thinking about having children, it’s now mandatory for all health insurance providers to provide maternity care coverage. In 2014, the Affordable Care Act became law, requiring pregnancy, labor, delivery, and newborn care coverage.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Should You Choose Medicare Supplement or Medicare Advantage?
While Original Medicare offers most people good basic health coverage, it only pays 80% of approved costs concerning doctors, hospitals, and medical procedures. It also typically doesn’t cover the cost of prescription drugs or dental care. As a result, many people enroll in a supplemental insurance plan to help cover the gap.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
How To Avoid Paying Medicare Late Enrollment Penalties
You could face late enrollment penalties for not signing up for Medicare at the right time.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare, Blue Cross NC
What Is the Blue to Blue Rule at Blue Cross NC?
When you choose a Blue Cross NC Medicare plan, you have the freedom to make changes to your plan without underwriting. In addition, members can switch supplement plans at designated times throughout the year. If you live in North Carolina, find out more about how our local Medicare agents can help you get the best Medicare plan for your needs.
Health Plans of NC staff
Medicare
How Can Early Retirement Impact Your Health Insurance?
Early retirement, whether desired or forced, can dramatically impact your health insurance coverage. Depending on the circumstances, you may find yourself responsible for funding your own coverage. In addition, the cost of monthly premiums varies widely based on your age, location, and benefit needs. As a North Carolina resident, it’s essential to consider how these additional costs could impact your quality of life in retirement.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
How to Get Started with Medicare if You’re Turning 65
Getting Medicare is a significant milestone. If you’re turning 65 soon, it’s a good idea to start preparing so you’ll get your coverage as soon as you are eligible for it. If you’re based in North Carolina, our local Medicare agents can help.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
Am I Eligible For Medicare?
If you’re a U.S. citizen or a permanent legal resident of the United States, then you may be eligible for Medicare if you meet one of the following criteria: You are 65 years old or older. You’re younger than 65, but you have a qualifying disability. You are of any age and have been diagnosed with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS, also called Lou Gehrig’s Disease). To qualify as a legal resident, you need to have lived in the United States for at least five consecutive years before applying for Medicare.
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Medicare
How To Get More Benefits with Dual Medicaid-Medicare, D-SNP Plans
Support for North Carolina residents who have Medicare and Medicaid
Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn
Ready to get started?
See plans and pricing today.