Healthcare News & Blog

Individual/Family

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

Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Customer Reviews Matter When Choosing a Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina

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.
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

Child blowing bubbles
Individual/Family, Individual/Family, Medicare, Affordable Care Act

Why Use a Local Health Insurance Agent in North Carolina? Benefits of Working with a Licensed Broker

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

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

How a Health Insurance Agent Can Help You Enroll Through Healthcare.gov—For Free

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.
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

Woman smiles at camera while packing up her office for a job change
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act, Blue Cross NC

COBRA Vs. Marketplace Health Insurance: Your Guide to Coverage After Losing Employer Benefits (2025-2026)

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.
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

Woman standing over an office desk using a laptop and holding a phone
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Health Insurance for Self-Employed Workers in North Carolina: Your Complete Guide for 2025 and 2026

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.
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

Six people walking on a beach
Individual/Family

Pre-Existing Conditions and Health Insurance: Your Rights and Coverage Options in 2026

Complete guide to pre-existing conditions and health insurance. Learn your rights under the ACA, what's covered, pregnancy protections, and how to find coverage in North Carolina.
HealthPlans of NC

Worker Friends Going With Bicycles On City Park
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Turning 26 in North Carolina? Your Complete Guide to Health Insurance After Aging Off Your Parents' Plan

Complete guide for North Carolina young adults aging off their parents' health insurance at 26. Compare Medicaid, marketplace plans, and Blue Cross NC options. Understand costs, subsidies, and enrollment deadlines.
HealthPlans of NC

A young woman of Indian ethnicity smiles while discussing her health concerns with her doctor. The doctor has her back towards the camera and is wearing a white scrub shirt.
Individual/Family

Health Insurance Options for 26-Year-Olds in North Carolina

Turning 26 often means losing parental coverage—time to get your own health insurance! Options include employer plans, Marketplace ACA plans (with subsidies), or Medicaid if eligible. Our North Carolina agents help you find affordable coverage that fits your needs and budget.
HealthPlans of NC

Pregnant person using a laptop
Individual/Family

Maternity Coverage Under the Affordable Care Act: A Quick Overview

The Affordable Care Act requires all ACA-compliant health plans to cover maternity care, including prenatal visits, labor, delivery, newborn care, and lactation support. Pregnancy is no longer a pre-existing condition. In North Carolina, contact our agents for affordable plan options and enrollment help.
HealthPlans of NC

Business team standing together
Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Benefits of Using a Health Insurance Agent or Broker

Health insurance agents save time, find affordable quotes, and provide expert guidance on plans like Medicare, Marketplace, or private coverage—tailored to your needs in North Carolina. Contact Health Plans of NC for personalized help!
HealthPlans of NC

Construction Site Engineer Working at Office Desk on Computer stock photo
ICHRA, Individual/Family, Medicare

Unlocking the Power of ICHRA: A Comprehensive Guide for Employers

Employer Guide to ICHRA explains how employers can reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and expenses, offering cost savings, budget control, flexibility, and tax benefits over traditional group plans.
HealthPlans of NC

Asheville, North Carolina, is a charming city in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Known for its vibrant arts scene, picturesque landscapes, and rich history, Asheville attracts visitors from near and far. The city offers a variety of outdoor activities, including hiking trails and waterfalls, as well as cultural attractions such as art galleries and music festivals. Asheville is also home to several healthcare facilities, including hospitals, medical centers, and clinics, ensuring quality medical services for residents and visitors alike.
Blue Cross NC, Medicare, Individual/Family

Asheville, North Carolina: A Vibrant Mountain City in 2025

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville, NC, thrives in 2025 as a resilient hub of arts, craft beer, and outdoor adventures. From Biltmore Estate's grandeur to the Blue Ridge Parkway's vistas, its vibrant economy and top-tier healthcare—bolstered by Blue Cross NC—make it a haven for families and seniors alike.
HealthPlans of NC

Hay Street, Downtown Fayetteville, North Carolina. KMayner78
Blue Cross NC, Medicare, Individual/Family

Fayetteville, North Carolina: A Vibrant City with Rich History and Comprehensive Healthcare

Fayetteville, NC, a vibrant city with a rich military and historical legacy, offers comprehensive healthcare through Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Womack Army Medical Center, and specialized clinics. With robust senior care, primary care, and community programs, it ensures accessible, quality healthcare for all residents.
HealthPlans of NC

Durham, North Carolina, is a vibrant city known for its rich history, thriving arts scene, and world-class research institutions. Home to Duke University and North Carolina Central University, Durham has a strong academic presence and fosters a spirit of innovation. The city's revitalized downtown area offers an eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. With its vibrant cultural heritage, beautiful parks, and growing culinary scene, Durham attracts residents and visitors alike, providing a dynamic and diverse community to explore and enjoy.
Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Durham NC Healthcare Facilities

Durham, NC, the City of Medicine, boasts top facilities like Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center for advanced cardiology, oncology, and pediatric care. Medicare supports specialized clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers affordable plans with preventive services, drug cost caps, and extras like dental and fitness benefits.
HealthPlans of NC

Downtown Greensboro, located in North Carolina, is a vibrant and dynamic urban center that serves as the city's heart. With its charming streets lined with historic buildings, bustling shops, and dining options, downtown Greensboro offers a lively atmosphere for residents and visitors alike. The district has popular attractions such as the Greensboro Historical Museum and the Greensboro Cultural Center, showcasing the city's rich history and vibrant arts scene. Whether exploring the local boutiques and galleries, enjoying a meal at one of the many restaurants, or attending events and festivals held in the area, downtown Greensboro provides a unique and engaging experience for all who visit.
Blue Cross NC, Medicare, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

Greensboro, NC: Facilities and the Advantages of Blue Cross NC

Greensboro, North Carolina, boasts comprehensive healthcare with hospitals like Moses H. Cone Memorial, primary care clinics such as Eagle Physicians and Guilford Medical Associates, specialized centers for cancer, heart, and orthopedics, mental health services, and senior facilities including Friends Homes at Guilford. Medicare support features tailored clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers extensive coverage, preventive care, member perks, nationwide access, and cost savings.
HealthPlans of NC

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