Healthcare News & Blog

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

Retiring in NC before 65? Compare ACA Marketplace plans, COBRA, spousal coverage, and Medicare options to find the right health coverage for your situation.

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

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.

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.

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.