Healthcare News & Blog

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.

This employer guide to the CHOICE Arrangement (formerly 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.

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 is known for its arts scene, outdoor recreation and regional hospitals. Here’s an overview of life and health care in Asheville, and how to find health coverage that fits.

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.

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 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, with an annual deductible of $283. 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 September 2026, CMS and the SBA renamed the ICHRA the CHOICE Arrangement. The rules haven't changed, so you'll still see both names used.
CHOICE Arrangements—formerly called Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)—are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced as ICHRAs in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, CHOICE Arrangements allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses.
What is a CHOICE Arrangement?

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.

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 member 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 the member portal 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.