Healthcare News & Stories

Health

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

Family walking in a field holding hands
Health, Medicare

Allergy Testing and Treatment in North Carolina: Insurance Coverage Guide (2025-2026)

Living with allergies in North Carolina can be challenging—several NC cities rank among the nation's worst for pollen. Here's what triggers allergies in our state, treatment options, and how insurance covers allergy testing and immunotherapy.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman with blood pressure cuff looking at another woman taking her blood pressure
Health

Blood Pressure and Hypertension: Understanding Your Numbers and Insurance Coverage (2025-2026 Guide)

High blood pressure is called the "silent killer" because it often has no symptoms but can lead to heart disease, stroke, kidney damage, and dementia. Here's what you need to know about monitoring and managing your blood pressure.
HealthPlans of NC

Family with kids and grandparents laughing together
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

5 Reasons to Work with a Licensed Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina (2026 Guide)

With federal navigator funding cut by 90% for 2026 and major changes coming to ACA subsidies, working with a licensed health insurance agent has never been more important. Here's why a local NC agent can make all the difference.
HealthPlans of NC

Man and woman talking at a desk
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Health Insurance Agent Vs. Navigator: What's the Difference? (2025-2026 Guide)

Both health insurance agents and government navigators can help you enroll in coverage—but they work differently. Here's what you need to know about each option and which may be right for you.
HealthPlans of NC

We resolve to make health care better.
Health, Blue Cross NC

Blue Cross NC Mental Health and Behavioral Health Services

Blue Cross NC members have access to mental health professionals, substance use treatment, crisis services, and telehealth options across all 100 North Carolina counties.
HealthPlans of NC

Via Blue Cross NC By Ish Bhalla

Man reading bills at kitchen counter
Health, Medicare, Individual/Family

How to Read Your Explanation of Benefits (EOB) and Medical Bill

Your EOB shows what your insurance covers and what you owe. Always wait for your EOB before paying a medical bill to avoid overpaying.
HealthPlans of NC

Three coworkers with laptops sitting together at a long table
Health, Individual/Family, Group

How to Handle Health Insurance When Changing Jobs

A job change doesn't have to mean a gap in health coverage. Here's how to transition your health insurance smoothly when switching employers.
HealthPlans of NC

Portrait of Senior Woman with Grey Short Hair in the City District. Older Business Woman with Eyeglasses is Carrying a Briefcase and Talking over her Mobile Phone During the Walk in the City Center.
Health, Individual/Family, Short Term

Expat Health Insurance: Coverage, Costs, and How to Choose the Right Plan

Living abroad? Your U.S. health insurance likely won't cover you. International expat health insurance provides medical coverage worldwide, from routine care to emergency evacuation.
HealthPlans of NC

Senior couple holding papers
Health, Medicare

Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) in North Carolina: Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Enroll

Dual Special Needs Plans combine Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one plan, offering extra coverage and care coordination at little to no cost.
HealthPlans of NC

Shot of a young woman checking her results in the dentists office
Health, Dental

The Connection Between Dental Health and Overall Health: Why Your Mouth Matters More Than You Think

Research increasingly shows that oral health and overall health are deeply connected. Regular dental checkups don't just protect your teeth—they may help protect your heart, brain, and more.
HealthPlans of NC

Family smiling and waving at a phone
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Working with a Health Insurance Agent Beats AI Chatbots and Online Tools

Technology makes health insurance research easier, but choosing the right plan requires more than a chatbot can offer. Here's why working with a local health insurance agent in North Carolina gives you an advantage—at no extra cost.
HealthPlans of NC

New parents move into a new house
Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Special Enrollment Periods: Qualifying Life Events That Let You Get Health Insurance Outside Open Enrollment

Special Enrollment Periods give you 60 days to enroll in health insurance after major life changes—even outside the annual Open Enrollment window.
HealthPlans of NC

Five older women walking in the water on a beach
Health, Individual/Family, Blue Cross NC

Should Employers Cover GLP-1 Weight Loss Drugs? Benefits, Costs, and Considerations for 2026

With obesity affecting 40% of American adults, more employers are considering coverage for GLP-1 weight loss drugs. But these medications come with high costs. Here's what employers need to know about coverage trends, benefits, and considerations.
HealthPlans of NC

A health insurance agent reassures her clients
Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance for Complex Cases: When You Need an Agent Who Understands Your Situation

Complex health situations—chronic conditions, multiple prescriptions, specialized treatments—require more than a basic plan comparison. An experienced health insurance agent can navigate the complexities and find coverage that actually fits your needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Joyful group of senior friends wearing warm clothes walking along park alley and chatting animatedly with each other, picturesque view on background
Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term, Group, Health

Find a Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina: Choose the Right Expert for Your Needs

Finding the right health insurance plan starts with finding the right person to help you. Our Find an Agent tool lets you choose which licensed agent works with you based on specialties, reviews, and availability.
HealthPlans of NC

Businessman talking to a man across a table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Questions to Ask a Health Insurance Agent Before Choosing a Plan

A licensed health insurance agent can help you find the right coverage—but only if you ask the right questions. Use this guide to prepare for your conversation.
HealthPlans of NC

Canoe on a lake at sunset
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

How to Protect Yourself From Health Insurance Scams in 2026

Health insurance scams cost Americans billions each year. Learn to recognize common scams, protect your personal information, and find legitimate help for your health insurance needs.
HealthPlans of NC

Ready to get started?

See plans and pricing today.
Health | Healthcare News & Stories | Health Plans of NC