Healthcare News & Stories

Starting January 1, 2025, Blue Cross NC members can join FitOn Health for access to over 13,000 gyms and studios.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is taking steps to keep health care more affordable for North Carolinians with a modest rate increase for 2025 Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans. The North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) has approved a 3% average rate increase for individual customers and families enrolled in ACA plans through Blue Cross NC. This increase is less than half of the estimated national average rate increase of 7% for ACA Marketplace plans. “The average rate increase of 3% on our ACA plans is less than half the national average. We have worked hard to keep our ACA plans as affordable as possible, but we know any increase is too much for many families,” said Dr. Tunde Sotunde, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “The cost of health care – including prescription drugs – is still too high. It will take all of us, including health systems and pharmaceutical companies, to make health care more affordable.”

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.

Are you a senior enrolled in Medicare? Are you considering additional coverage options to help with your healthcare costs?  Recent research shows that more and more seniors are turning to Medicare supplement plans.  Also known as Medigap plans, these plans are specifically designed to help you fill in the gaps often left by traditional Medicare coverage.

If you’re a senior entering the world of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the many options available.  With an average of 43 plans on offer, knowing where to start and how to navigate the complexity of these plans to make an informed decision can seem impossible. That’s where Medicare Advantage agents come in.  In this article, we’ll explain the crucial role agents play in helping you sift through the myriad options to help you you choose the most suitable plan. Let’s get started.

If you’ve just started researching health insurance coverage options, you’ll know that the industry can be complex. There are countless coverage options available at multiple price points.  Unfortunately, the confusion surrounding health insurance can sometimes lead to exploitation. We’ve seen operators selling inadequate health insurance products to customers throughout North Carolina that don’t deliver the benefits clients are promised.

In today's digital age, many Americans use technology to manage various aspects of their everyday lives, from buying groceries to sourcing financial advice.  With the rise of computer-generated assistants and helpful chatbots, saving time and using automated tools for the more complex things in life can be tempting - like finding the right health insurance coverage. But while you can enroll in a health insurance plan online, it's essential that you first understand your coverage options before choosing a plan.  When searching for the right health insurance for your health and budget, nothing beats getting advice from an experienced and knowledgeable health insurance agent. Particularly, one who specializes in understanding the needs of people like you who live in North Carolina.

Accessing the right level of healthcare coverage at a price that’s right for you helps ensure you can access the healthcare you need when you need it. While searching for the best health insurance plan for you and your family can be overwhelming, it doesn’t have to be.  At Health Plans of NC, we can help you choose an affordable and comprehensive health insurance plan. We can also explain how open enrollment periods work and when enrollment starts in 2024. 

Up until age 26, you can remain on your parent's health insurance plan. But turning 26 means it's finally time to sort out your own health insurance coverage. It’s important to make sure that you find a plan that meets your health needs, and that's within your budget. In this article, we'll help you find a plan that meets your lifestyle and give you plenty of information so you can make an informed choice.  At Health Plans of NC, we specialize in helping anyone from North Carolina find the right health insurance coverage. If you’re about to turn 26, here are our top recommendations for finding the right health insurance for you. 

No matter what stage of life you’re at, having the right level of health insurance can be crucial. The right coverage gives you (and your loved ones) financial protection and peace of mind that you can access quality healthcare services - when you need them most.  Whether you live in North Carolina or any state in the U.S., you can purchase the right level of health insurance coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Usually, you’re only eligible to purchase during what’s known as the annual Open Enrollment Period. But, for certain life events and special circumstances, known as Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs), you can enroll or change your health insurance plans outside of the regular enrollment period. 

With the rate of obesity continuing to rise throughout the U.S., so too are the introduction of new and promising weight loss drugs, such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro.  While these weight loss drugs can be expensive, some employers are considering adding them to their employer-sponsored health plans. To support employees and help boost productivity, which can produce significant savings over the long term.

Despite being an essential component of everyday well-being, most are not aware of the intricacies of health insurance. Typically, for elderly individuals, there are Medicare plans, which are policyholder only. Alternatively, there are employer-sponsored group health plans and Marketplace insurance plans that provide coverage for dependents. 
While you can claim dependents on your health insurance plan, many individuals are not properly informed of various eligibility requirements.  
This spurs the question, “Can you put non-family members on your insurance plan?” In this article, we will answer that question and provide additional information about who can be added to health insurance plans and its effects.

Insurance involves monthly premiums, deductibles, categories, out-of-pocket expenses, out-of-network costs, and premium tax credits. For many people, these terms can cause stress and confusion.
Those searching for the best individual or family plan often encounter these daunting terms. It can be hard to fully understand what it means and how it impacts your bottom line. Plus, you may not know how to compare plans effectively.
In this article, we’ll dive into areas you should consider when looking at healthcare plans and why they matter. You’ll also learn about the best family health insurance plans and how to choose the right one.

What is a Complex Case?
A complex case refers to specific healthcare needs for you or your family based on your circumstances. 
Here are some examples where seeking advice from a health insurance agent can be beneficial:

What is a Complex Case?
A complex case refers to specific healthcare needs for you or your family based on your circumstances. 
Here are some examples where seeking advice from a health insurance agent can be beneficial:

At Health Plans of NC, our experienced and professional team of locally based health insurance agents are here to help you. We've recently launched a new website to make it even easier for anyone living in North Carolina to access the best health insurance plan.  You can request a quote online in seconds simply by providing your zip code. It's a great way to get a quote fast, and we'll assign you to one of our knowledgeable North Carolina agents here to help you find the right plan for your health needs and budget. But if you want more control over your chosen agent, we recommend you look at our new 'Find an Agent' feature. This tool gives you the power to choose which insurance broker you use. 

AARP is a non-profit organization that aims to assist and advocate for individuals over 50 on issues relating to health security and financial stability. For qualifying individuals, it is helpful to stay informed on the different coverage plans available. By doing so, they can find a plan that is affordable and provides proper benefits.
What Are The Available Medical Plans For Members?
There are different insurance plans AARP members can enroll in. Each plan may have varying eligibility requirements.

Financial Considerations When Getting Self-Employed Health Insurance
If you are or are considering becoming self-employed, it is crucial to understand the ramifications it may have on your health insurance. You may no longer receive coverage under your employer’s insurance plan. Therefore, it is essential to consider your financial situation and choose an affordable health insurance plan.
What Are Available Options for Self-Employed Health Insurance?

The Open Enrollment Period for 2023 plans has ended. However, certain individuals may qualify for the Special Enrollment Period.
To be eligible, you must have experienced a significant life change. Typically, you will need to apply 60 days before or after the event.
In addition, if you qualify for Medicaid or CHIP (Children’s Health Insurance Program), you may apply at any time.

A health insurance agent can help you acquire health plans that meet your needs. A good agent is licensed and knowledgeable about health coverage in your area. Unfortunately, some agents are more knowledgeable and personable than others. When people choose an insurance professional that doesn’t meet their needs, they often wonder, “Can I change my health insurance agent?”
Changing your agent is simple, but timing is crucial. This article will guide you through the process and answer your questions. There are currently 881,500 licensed agencies and brokers working in the US. In addition, as of 2021, totals show 911,400 life and health insurance agents and 628,600 property/casualty insurance agents. Viable options are available for those seeking a new agent.
Can I change my health insurance company before renewal? Can I switch health insurance with no waiting period? Should I buy health insurance through an agent or online? Can I change my health insurance agent without being penalized? Let’s address these questions and more in this article.

Having quality health coverage is essential. Unfortunately, finding an affordable health plan that gives you all the coverage you need can be difficult. With so many plans available, finding the right one takes time, diligence, and dedication. While finding good health insurance by yourself is possible, many people ask themselves, “Can I use an agent to find health insurance?” 
A licensed health insurance agent works directly with insurance companies to find the ideal health insurance plan. They are committed to selecting a health plan that fits your financial availability and offer assistance in qualifying for a premium tax credit if needed.
Get a quote and find your most affordable North Carolina health insurance plan today.

Finding health insurance plans that meet all your needs can be time-consuming and stressful. Finding an insurance company that offers plans that fit your budget can also be difficult. Health insurance agents can assist you in this process. But what does a health insurance agent do?
Health insurance agents are licensed professionals who know the similarities and differences between insurance plans. They are well-versed in specific health insurance plans and often work directly for insurance companies. Using an insurance professional can save you time, money, and unnecessary stress.
This article is meant to educate potential clients about what agents do and how they can help you find the perfect health plan. Visit our website to get a quote and learn more about our agents.

Finding affordable health insurance that fits your needs can be difficult. Finding the right health plan is a daunting task with so many options available. Most people struggle to discover the perfect plan by themselves, not realizing there are health insurance agents who can help. So, how do I find a health insurance agent?
At Health Plans of NC, we are ready to help you find the health plan that suits your needs. It can be difficult to understand the fine print regarding health insurance plans. A qualified health insurance agent can walk you through the process so you don’t have to do it alone.
Finding the right health insurance plan starts with finding the right agent. This article focuses on what licensed agents do and where to find the right one for you.

Living without health insurance can leave you financially vulnerable to sudden illness or injury. Many individuals with health insurance coverage may feel that their plans don’t fulfill their needs.
If this is the case, several options are available, and Non-Medicare is one of the most widely used. But what is Non-Medicare insurance? And do you benefit from choosing it?
This article will offer a comprehensive understanding of non-Medicare insurance and how it differs from other types of insurance plans.