Healthcare News & Stories

Individual/Family

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 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.
HealthPlans of NC

Happy family mother father and children at home on couch
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

 2025 HSA Contribution Limits

Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) are valuable tools for managing healthcare costs, offering tax advantages and flexibility. The Internal Revenue Service (IRS) has set the 2025 HSA contribution limits, critical for North Carolinians planning their benefits to maximize savings while staying compliant.
 2025 HSA Contribution Limits
For 2025, the IRS has established the following annual HSA contribution limits:
HealthPlans of NC

Close up of senior businesswoman who is using a smartphone in an office. stock photo
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Group

2026 HSA Contribution Limits and Deductibles: What You Need to Know

IRS announces 2026 HSA limits: $4,400 for self-only (+$100) and $8,750 for family (+$200). Minimum deductibles rise to $1,700 (self) and $3,400 (family), with out-of-pocket caps at $8,500 and $17,000. North Carolinians, maximize tax-free savings with Health Plans of NC. Contact us for HSA guidance!
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Hearing Testing Coverage with Blue Cross NC

General Coverage for Hearing Testing:
Hearing testing coverage with Blue Cross NC  depends on the specific plan you’re enrolled in.
  -  Routine Hearing Exams: 
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Special Enrollment Period Extended to Feb. 16 for 27 Hurricane-Affected Counties

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Blue Cross NC Members Can Receive Prescriptions Through Amazon Pharmacy

Blue Cross NC members can now enjoy the convenience of home delivery for prescriptions through Amazon Pharmacy, simplifying medication management while maintaining trusted benefits.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family

Teladoc Updates for Individual Under-65 Members in 2025

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Blue Cross NC Announces ACA Rate Increases Below National Average

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.”
HealthPlans of NC

By Health Plans of NC Staff

female agent smiling as she speaks to family of clients
Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Health

2025 Annual Open Enrollment & Special Enrollment Periods: Key Dates and Information

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

a couple signs deal with a trusted insurance agent
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

ACA Health Insurance: The Growing Issue of Unauthorized Plan Switching

A new concerning health insurance trend has emerged: unauthorized plan switching.  KFF Health News reports that this switching is happening with surprising ease in the 32 states that serve the Federal Marketplace. Customers find themselves enrolled in new plans without their knowledge or consent. The result? Profound implications for their financial well-being and;  Not being enrolled in the right plan to meet their healthcare needs.  
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

trustworthy agent shakes hands with client
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Individual/Family

Avoiding Health Insurance Scams: Your Guide to Making Smart Coverage Choices

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, by Kelly Quinn

a group of smiling successful team members
Individual/Family, Individual/Family, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Why Choose A Local Health Insurance Agent

Using a local agent or broker can offer plenty of benefits if you're in the market for a new health insurance plan. Not only can you access quotes for plans that support your future medical needs, but getting advice from someone nearby can mean they understand the nuances of different plans specific to North Carolina. At Health Plans of NC, our experienced agents know how to find the best health insurance plans for North Carolina residents. 
HealthPlans of NC

Heath Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

happy agent headshots
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Google Reviews Can Help You Find The Right Health Insurance

Did you know that over 50% of online shoppers in the US find customer reviews helpful when searching for products or services online? Using reviews in this way can apply to a range of products and services, with more and more Americans turning to various review sites, including Google, to help make purchase decisions.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Multigenerational family on couch having fun
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare, Health

2024 Plan Year Open Enrollment Dates

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Senior couple talking to health insurance agent
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Navigate Healthcare.gov - For Free!

Did you know that health insurance agents can help you sign up with Healthcare.gov at no cost? While online platforms make it easier to choose your healthcare plan, getting the right one and navigating the complexities of the various available policies can still be challenging. If you need help choosing the right health insurance, our experienced, knowledgeable, and local health insurance agents can help you - for free.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of North Carolina by Kelly Quinn

Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

New Consumer Protections for Individual/ Family Health Insurance

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced changes this year to protect your information and reinforce consumer rights. The new requirements, which help ensure greater transparency when working with health insurance agents and brokers, are part of the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP). What does this mean for you?
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC

Twenty something young woman looking up information on laptop
Health, Vision, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

Essential Tips for Choosing Health Insurance Turning 26

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Happy couple signs online contract
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to Consent Requirements for Marketplace Consumers

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) have introduced new requirements that aim to protect consumer interests. The requirements, which help ensure greater transparency when working with health insurance agents and brokers, are part of the 2024 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters (NBPP). These enhanced consumer protections were introduced in response to various complaints and disputes about who can act on an individual’s behalf. The rules apply to all enrollments by agents, brokers, and web-brokers, regardless of which platform they use.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Team lead explaining new regulations to agents
Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare, Short Term

Changes to How Agencies Can Market Medicare Advantage and Part D Plan

The U.S. Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has recently released changes to how health insurance agents and brokers can market to customers. These changes aim to improve your experience when sourcing Medicare Advantage and Part D plans.  Ensuring agents and plan providers follow the new guidelines helps you to make a more informed decision about your coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

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

Special Enrollment Period: Life Events that Make You Eligible for Health Insurance

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. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

A group of coworkers eating lunch
Health, Individual/Family, Blue Cross NC

The Benefits of Including Weight Loss Drugs on Employer-Sponsored Health Plans

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, by Kelly Quinn

Family of four dancing in their living room
Individual/Family

How Much Is Health Insurance For a Family of Four?

Health insurance costs for a family of 4 can be a financial nightmare. It’s a reality that countless families face as they navigate the labyrinth of healthcare coverage. Many searches for a reliable safety net, only to be met with exorbitant premiums, perplexing jargon, and a mountain of bills. So, how much is health insurance for a family of 4? 
Navigating the treacherous terrain of health insurance doesn’t have to be painfully complex. In fact, it can even feel seamless. We break down the truths, complexities, and solutions for the best coverage for your family. Let’s take a deeper look.
The Average Cost of Health Insurance for a Family With 4 Members
HealthPlans of NC

Happy granddaughter smiling between two grandparents
Health, Individual/Family

Can You Put Non-Family Members on Your Health Insurance?

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Husband and wife calculating finances
Individual/Family

Best Health Insurance for Couples Planning a Family

Starting a family can be very exciting for new couples. However, stress can easily pile up when insurance policies don’t cover an unexpected cost or monthly premiums become too high.
In fact, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the average monthly premium for a “Silver” plan covering a 40-year-old married couple was $1,120. That’s not considering all the possible pocket costs of growing your family.
Many unknowns can leave couples asking, “What options work best for us?  What can we expect when we decide to have children? And, what is the best health insurance for couples planning a family?”
HealthPlans of NC

Ready to get started?

See plans and pricing today.