Healthcare News & Stories

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.

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.

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.

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 updating Teladoc services for individuals under 65 ACA members in 2025, enhancing telehealth accessibility and affordability. Telehealth services will now be free for Blue Local, Blue Home, and Blue Value plans, while Bronze HSA plan members will pay 0% after meeting their deductible. Virtual dermatology services are being added to the Primary360 package at no cost, alongside existing $0 services for acute care, behavioral health, nutrition, and primary care. These updates simplify billing, expand virtual care options, and improve access to healthcare, reflecting Blue Cross NC's commitment to providing high-quality, cost-effective care.

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.