Healthcare News & Blog

Health

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

Group of older friends walking together through a park
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

Shot of a young pharmacist helping an elderly customer at the prescription counter.
Health, Medicare

Medicare Drug Price Negotiation 2026: How the Inflation Reduction Act Affects North Carolina Seniors

Medicare drug price negotiations are now in effect! Learn which 10 drugs have lower prices in 2026, how much you'll save, and what North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries need to know.
HealthPlans of NC

Businessman talking to a man and a woman at a table
Health

Can I Change My Health Insurance Agent? How to Switch Agents and What to Expect

Complete guide to changing your health insurance agent. Learn the simple process, understand timing considerations, and discover what qualities to look for in your new agent.
HealthPlans of NC

Father carrying his baby while drinking coffee at home
Health

Individual Health Insurance in North Carolina: A Complete Guide

Individual health insurance offers personalized coverage outside of employer or government plans. ACA-compliant plans cover essential benefits such as preventive care, maternity care, and prescription drugs. Enjoy flexibility to choose between tiers (Bronze–Platinum) and types (HMO, PPO), plus subsidies to improve affordability.
HealthPlans of NC

Child being fitted for hearing aids
Health, Medicare

Understanding Medicare Vs. Medicaid: What's the Difference?

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.
HealthPlans of NC

From Blue Cross NC By Brian Edmonds

Woman talking on the phone
Health

Understanding Non-Medicare Health Insurance: Your Complete Guide

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Doctor taking a patient's blood pressure
Health, Wellness

When to Go to the ER, Urgent Care, or Wait

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Aerial view of downtown High Point, North Carolina
Blue Cross NC, Health

Healthcare in High Point, NC: A Beacon of Wellness in the Piedmont Triad

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Older couple lifting weights in a gym
Health, Wellness, Mental Health, Medicare

How Resistance Training Enhances Your Brain Health

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Aerial view of the Wilmington, North Carolina, riverfront
Health, Blue Cross NC

Healthcare and Community Life in Wilmington, North Carolina

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.
HealthPlans of NC

woman sitting on floor looking at computer
Health, Vision, Dental, Blue Cross NC

Blue Cross NC Services: A Comprehensive Guide for Members

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Charlotte - North Carolina, North Carolina - US State, Downtown District, Urban Skyline, Financial District
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

Access to Healthcare Providers with Blue Cross NC in Charlotte

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Mother working on a laptop with her toddler on her lap
Health, Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Teladoc Telehealth Services for Individual ACA Members (2025-2026 Guide)

Blue Cross NC offers Teladoc telehealth services to individuals under 65 years old who are ACA members, providing 24/7 access to virtual care for acute conditions, mental health, dermatology, nutrition, and primary care through Primary360. Many plans include $0 telehealth visits.
HealthPlans of NC

Grandparents smiling with their granddaughter
Health, Individual/Family

Who Can You Add to Your Health Insurance Plan? Dependents, Family Members, and Eligibility Rules Explained

Complete guide to dependent eligibility for health insurance. Learn who qualifies—spouses, children, domestic partners—and explore coverage options for non-family members, including Medicare, Medicaid, and ACA marketplace plans.
HealthPlans of NC

happy family of three
Health, Individual/Family

Best Family Health Insurance Plans

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Young families holding hands and dancing in a circle on the beach
Short Term, Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Child-Only Health Insurance in North Carolina: Options, Costs, and How to Enroll in 2026

Complete guide to child-only health insurance in NC for 2026. Compare NC Health Choice, Medicaid, and ACA marketplace options. Understand income limits, coverage benefits, and enrollment requirements.
HealthPlans of NC

Retired couple smiling outdoors
Health

Considering Early Retirement? Our Agents Can Help You Secure Your Health Insurance!

Early retirement often disrupts employer health insurance, leaving you to fund coverage via COBRA, spouse plans, Marketplace subsidies, or short-term options until Medicare at 65. Our NC agents help find affordable solutions.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

See plans and pricing today.