Healthcare News & Blog

Health

Featured Plan
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

Health Insurance Guide for NC's Newly Self-Employed

Just went self-employed in NC? Learn how to enroll in ACA Marketplace plans, claim tax credits, and choose HSA-eligible coverage as a freelancer or small business owner.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Family Health Insurance in NC: Plans, Dependents & Subsidies

NC parents: learn how family ACA plans work, how long kids can stay on your plan, subsidy eligibility, and coverage options for uninsured college students.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Rural Health Care in NC: Your Coverage Options in 2026

From Medicaid changes to Medicare and ACA plans, here's what rural North Carolina residents need to know about their health coverage options in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Medicaid Expansion: Coverage Gains and Gaps That Remain

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in late 2023, gaining hundreds of thousands of enrollees. Learn what changed, who still falls through the cracks, and what a UNC study found.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Health Insurance for NC Early Retirees Before Medicare

Retiring before 65 in NC? Explore ACA Marketplace subsidies, COBRA, spousal plans, and cost strategies to bridge the gap until Medicare starts.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Lost Your Job in NC? COBRA Vs. Marketplace Coverage

Lost employer health insurance in North Carolina? Learn how COBRA, ACA Marketplace plans, and Medicaid compare — plus key enrollment deadlines to protect your coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Enrollment Drop in NC: What It Means for Your Coverage

ACA enrollment fell in NC as premiums rose. Learn why it happened, who's affected, and which health coverage options still make sense for NC families in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for NC Gig Workers and Contractors

NC gig workers and independent contractors can access ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and HSAs. Learn your options, subsidy eligibility, and enrollment tips.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

How to Fight a Denied Health Insurance Claim in NC

Learn how to appeal denied health insurance claims in NC. Step-by-step guidance for ACA marketplace and Medicare plans, deadlines, documents, and free resources.
HealthPlans of NC

Wellness, Health, Individual/Family

Emergency Savings Accounts: A Practical Guide for NC Employees

NC employees can build a real financial cushion with the right emergency savings account. Learn how much to save, where to keep it, and how health coverage fits in.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Cyclospora Outbreak 2026: What NC Residents Must Know

Two active Cyclospora outbreaks — including a Taco Bell cluster in 9 states — put NC residents on alert. Learn symptoms, safe foods, and how your health plan covers care.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

NC Health Care Affordability Commission: What It Means for You

NC's new Health Care Affordability Commission held its first meeting July 21, 2026. Learn what it could mean for your health insurance costs and coverage options.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance After Divorce in NC: Know Your Options

Divorced in NC? Learn your COBRA rights, ACA marketplace enrollment windows, and coverage alternatives to stay protected after losing a spouse's health plan.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Metal Tiers in NC: Bronze to Platinum Explained

Learn how Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ACA Marketplace plans work in NC — and which tier fits your budget, health needs, and subsidy eligibility.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Medicaid Work Requirements 2027: What NC Farmworkers Must Know

Federal Medicaid work requirements take effect in 2027. Here's how NC farmworkers and seasonal workers can protect their health coverage under the new rules.
HealthPlans of NC

Featured Plan
Blue Cross NC, Health, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Returns to State Employee Health Coverage

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is taking over state employee health plans again. Here's what this means for NC workers, families, and your coverage options in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Happy granddaughter smiling between two grandparents
Health, Medicare

Move More, Live Better: An Introduction to SilverSneakers

SilverSneakers gives Blue Cross NC Medicare members free access to gyms, classes, and online fitness programs designed for older adults.
HealthPlans of NC

Father and mother waiting with young daughter at airport. Tourist family at airport terminal with luggage holiday.
Health, Short Term

Travel Insurance Guide: What It Covers, How Much It Costs, and Why You Need It (2025-2026)

Planning a vacation? Travel insurance can protect you from financial losses due to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Here's what you need to know before you go.
HealthPlans of NC

Person working on a laptop
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Group

Health Insurance for Freelancers and the Self-Employed: Your Complete Guide (2025-2026)

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also means finding your own health insurance. This guide covers all your coverage options and what self-employed workers need to know for 2025-2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Son, Daughter, Family, Embracing
Health, Vision

Vision Insurance in North Carolina: What You Need to Know (2025-2026 Guide)

Vision insurance helps offset the costs of eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Here's what you need to know about vision coverage options in North Carolina—including what the ACA and Medicare do and don't cover.
HealthPlans of NC

Family
Health

Health Insurance for the Self-Employed in North Carolina: Your Complete Guide (2025-2026)

As the gig economy grows, more North Carolinians are working as Selfemployed—and finding health coverage on their own. Here's what you need to know about your options, costs, and how to get covered.
HealthPlans of NC

A couple walks on a log in the woods while hiking
Medicare, Health

How Medicare Advantage Agents Help You Choose the Right Plan in North Carolina (2025-2026 Guide)

Medicare Advantage agents serve as your guide through the complex world of Medicare Part C plans. They help you compare options, verify your doctors are in-network, check prescription drug coverage, and find plans with the supplemental benefits you need—all at no cost to you.
HealthPlans of NC

Friendly agent helps couple find the best insurance policy
Medicare, Blue Cross NC, Health, Wellness

Why Seniors Are Choosing Medicare Supplement Plans: 2025-2026 Guide to Medigap Coverage

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare—covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that could otherwise add up quickly. Here's what you need to know about Medigap coverage in 2025-2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Stethoscope and calculator
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Cost Estimator: Know Your Healthcare Costs Before You Go (2025-2026 Guide)

Healthcare price transparency is more important than ever. Blue Cross NC's Cost Estimator tool empowers members to compare procedure costs across providers, estimate out-of-pocket expenses based on their specific plan, and make more informed healthcare decisions.
HealthPlans of NC

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