Healthcare News & Stories

Medicare

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

Medicare

What Employees Turning 65 Should Know When Working for a Company with Fewer Than 20 Employees

Turning 65 is a pivotal moment, especially if you work for a small company with fewer than 20 employees. Unlike larger firms, small employers face fewer federal mandates under laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This means no guaranteed health insurance or job protections based on age, leaving you to navigate coverage and career decisions carefully. Whether you’re staying on the job or eyeing retirement, here’s what you need to know to secure your health and finances, including critical details if you skip Medicare Part B.
Build Your Health Coverage with Medicare

HealthPlans of NC

Smiling senior woman having fun during rock climbing adventure stock photo
Senior Adult, Rock Climbing, Lifestyles, Exercising, Women
Blue Cross NC, Medicare

Blue365 From Blue Cross NC

Blue365 is a free health and wellness discount program available to Blue Cross NC members with active health plan coverage (e.g., commercial plans, Medicare Advantage, or Federal Employee Program plans). It’s not insurance but an added perk designed to help members save money on products and services that promote a healthy lifestyle, many of which aren’t typically covered by standard health plans.
- Categories of Deals:
- Exclusive Discounts: Members can access savings from national and local retailers on health-related items and services.
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

Medicare, Blue Cross NC

FlexCard by Blue Cross NC

Purpose: The Blue FlexCard comes preloaded with a set allowance (the amount varies by plan) that members can use to cover out-of-pocket costs for eligible healthcare services and products.
- Eligible Expenses: Depending on the specific Medicare Advantage plan, the card can be used for:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) items like medications, bandages, or health-related products.
HealthPlans of NC

Medicare

Medicare Special Enrollment Period for Hurricane Helene

A Special Enrollment Period (SEP) for Medicare products in North Carolina, including Blue Cross NC, is available for those impacted by Hurricane Helene. Eligible individuals can enroll from September 25, 2024 – May 31, 2025. Proof or verbal attestation is required.
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, Wellness, Blue Cross NC, Medicare

NEW FitOn Health Program

Starting January 1, 2025, Blue Cross NC members can join FitOn Health for access to over 13,000 gyms and studios.
HealthPlans of NC

Blue Cross NC, Medicare

Healthy Blue + Medicare Could Be the Ideal Plan for Those Who Qualify

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers Healthy Blue + Medicare (HMO-POS D-SNP), a plan for individuals eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid. It combines medical, hospital, and prescription drug benefits with over $10,000 in extra services at no cost.
HealthPlans of NC

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

Older woman and younger woman sitting on a park bench looking at a phone
Medicare

Helping A Senior Relative Or Friend Find Health Insurance

If your senior parent, relative or friend asks for your help in choosing health insurance coverage, there are several things you can do to support them.
How can I help a senior parent, relative or friend find health coverage?
Whether Medicare or other coverage, there are things to consider when trying to help your senior parent, relative or friend find health insurance. It’s not an easy subject to discuss, and it involves talking about sensitive topics like personal health and finances. It will take time and research to select the best plan. Here are four things to consider.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Friendly agent helps couple find the best insurance policy
Medicare, Blue Cross NC, Health, Wellness

Medicare Supplement Plan Participation Is Rising in North Carolina

Are you a senior enrolled in Medicare? Are you considering additional coverage options to help with your healthcare costs?  Recent research shows that more and more seniors are turning to Medicare supplement plans.  Also known as Medigap plans, these plans are specifically designed to help you fill in the gaps often left by traditional Medicare coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

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

A couple walks on a log in the woods while hiking
Medicare, Health

How Medicare Advantage Agents Simplify Choices for Seniors

If you’re a senior entering the world of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans for the first time, it can be overwhelming due to the many options available.  With an average of 43 plans on offer, knowing where to start and how to navigate the complexity of these plans to make an informed decision can seem impossible. That’s where Medicare Advantage agents come in.  In this article, we’ll explain the crucial role agents play in helping you sift through the myriad options to help you you choose the most suitable plan. Let’s get started.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Two active seniors walk their dog
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

The Medicare Out-of-Pocket Drug Spending Cap: A Game-Changer for Millions of Americans

Medicare is undergoing a significant shift, bringing hope to millions of beneficiaries grappling with the high costs of prescription drugs.  The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 has led to major changes in the Medicare Part D program, including a new prescription drug cap of $2,000. The Act focuses on reducing out-of-pocket patient expenses to curb Medicare's spending on prescription drugs. Let’s examine the changes, who will benefit, and when the new rules will take effect.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by Kelly Quinn

Senior man and woman shake hands with insurance agent after finding a policy that fits their Medicare needs and budget
Medicare

Medicare Special Enrollment Period - State of Emergency in North Carolina

As you may be aware, a State of Emergency has been declared in North Carolina due to the severe weather affecting much of the state. The emergency is effective January 8 until February 7 (unless the governor rescinds the order earlier).  For anyone living in North Carolina, a Special Enrollment Period is now available for Medicare until April 7, 2024.
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

a group of smiling agents
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why an Experienced Health Insurance Agent Is Your Best Resource in a Digital World

In today's digital age, many Americans use technology to manage various aspects of their everyday lives, from buying groceries to sourcing financial advice.  With the rise of computer-generated assistants and helpful chatbots, saving time and using automated tools for the more complex things in life can be tempting - like finding the right health insurance coverage. But while you can enroll in a health insurance plan online, it's essential that you first understand your coverage options before choosing a plan.  When searching for the right health insurance for your health and budget, nothing beats getting advice from an experienced and knowledgeable health insurance agent. Particularly, one who specializes in understanding the needs of people like you who live in North Carolina.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC by 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 insurance agent
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

New Consumer Protections for Medicare 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

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

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