Healthcare News & Stories

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, maternity coverage is now a required benefit on all individual and small group health plans. Pregnancy can no longer be treated as a pre-existing condition, and many preventive services are covered at no additional cost. Here's what you need to know about maternity coverage in North Carolina.

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.

The Circle of Champions is a CMS recognition program honoring insurance agents and brokers who demonstrate expertise in helping consumers find and enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage. With record-high enrollment and important subsidy changes ahead for 2026, working with a recognized agent is more valuable than ever.

Short-term health insurance provides temporary coverage for people in transitional periods—between jobs, waiting for employer benefits, or missing Open Enrollment. These plans aren't ACA-compliant and have significant limitations, but they can fill a gap when you need coverage fast.

As pharmacy closures create 'pharmacy deserts' across the nation, Blue Cross NC provides multiple solutions to ensure members can continue accessing their prescriptions—from Amazon Pharmacy mail-order delivery to enhanced services at independent pharmacies.

Choosing a health insurance agent is an important decision. At Health Plans of NC, we make it easier by sharing our Google Reviews—verified feedback from real clients that helps you find the right agent for your needs.

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.

Under the Affordable Care Act, all major health insurance plans must cover maternity and newborn care as essential health benefits. Understanding your coverage options before and during pregnancy can help you plan for costs and ensure you receive the care you need.

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.

This guide explains current health insurance options for low-income residents in North Carolina, including NC Medicaid (available year-round), ACA Marketplace enrollment periods, and critical changes coming in 2026. Our licensed agents can help you find affordable coverage.

With over 70 million Americans now freelancing and the gig economy representing 36% of the U.S. workforce, finding affordable health insurance is a top concern for independent workers. This guide covers all your coverage options in North Carolina.

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.

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

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.

Online reviews are one of the most trusted sources of information when choosing a health insurance agent. Here's why reviews matter, what to look for, and how they help you find an agent you can trust.

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.

Working with a local health insurance agent gives you expert guidance, access to multiple plans, and personalized service—without paying extra.

Healthcare.gov makes it possible to compare and enroll in health plans, but navigating your options can still be confusing. Our local North Carolina health insurance agents can help you find the right plan—and it's completely free.

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

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.

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.

Before automatically choosing COBRA continuation coverage after losing your job, explore all your options. In many cases, Marketplace plans offer better value—especially with premium tax credits that can significantly reduce your costs.

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.

Self-employed workers in North Carolina can access affordable health insurance through the ACA Marketplace, with subsidies available to lower costs. This guide covers your options, enrollment dates, and how to choose the right plan.