Healthcare News & Stories

Beyond Original Medicare Parts A and B, you have several options to get additional coverage. Over 34 million Americans (54% of Medicare beneficiaries) are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, while millions more use Medigap or standalone Part D plans. Understanding your options can help you find the right coverage for your health needs and budget.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) can simplify your healthcare while providing valuable extra benefits at little to no cost. Nearly 6 million Americans are enrolled in D-SNPs, and North Carolina residents have multiple plan options. Here's everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and enrollment.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, bundling hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage. Most plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing—plus an out-of-pocket maximum to protect you from high costs.

Understanding how Medicare coordinates with employer coverage is essential for maximizing benefits and avoiding penalties. This guide explains primary and secondary payer rules, enrollment timing, and the pros and cons of dual coverage.

Medigap Plan C is one of the most comprehensive Medicare Supplement plans available, covering both Part A and Part B deductibles. However, it's only available to people who were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Here's what Plan C covers and what alternatives are available if you're newly eligible.

Medicare Advantage agents serve as your guide through the complex world of Medicare Part C plans. They help you compare options, verify your doctors are in-network, check prescription drug coverage, and find plans with the supplemental benefits you need—all at no cost to you.

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.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans help fill the gaps left by Original Medicare—covering deductibles, coinsurance, and copays that could otherwise add up quickly. Here's what you need to know about Medigap coverage in 2025-2026.

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.

Helping an aging parent or loved one choose the right Medicare coverage can feel overwhelming. This guide walks you through what Medicare covers, supplemental options, costs to compare, and critical enrollment deadlines.

Veterans can have both Medicare and VA healthcare benefits—and the VA encourages it. Learn how these programs complement each other and how Medicare Advantage can expand your healthcare options beyond the VA system.

Medicare is more valuable than ever, with new benefits like a $2,000 out-of-pocket cap on prescription drugs and negotiated prices on high-cost medications. Here's what you need to know about all four parts of Medicare in 2025-2026.

Living with allergies in North Carolina can be challenging—several NC cities rank among the nation's worst for pollen. Here's what triggers allergies in our state, treatment options, and how insurance covers allergy testing and immunotherapy.

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.

With over 2.2 million North Carolinians enrolled in Medicare and more than 56% choosing Medicare Advantage, picking the right plan is a major decision. Here are 10 important factors to consider when choosing your Medicare coverage.

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.

Enrolling in Medicare doesn't have to be complicated. This guide walks you through each step—from signing up for Original Medicare to choosing additional coverage—so you can make informed decisions about your healthcare.

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

Early retirees face a coverage gap before Medicare eligibility at 65. Here's how to find affordable health insurance during those in-between years.

Understanding Medicare eligibility is the first step toward getting the health coverage you need. Here's who qualifies for Medicare, when to sign up, and what happens if you miss your enrollment window.

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.

Medicare Parts A and B don't cover routine dental or vision. Here's how to add these benefits through Medicare Advantage or standalone insurance plans in North Carolina.

Dual Special Needs Plans combine Medicare and Medicaid benefits into one plan, offering extra coverage and care coordination at little to no cost.

Medigap Plan L is a cost-sharing plan that covers 75% of most Medicare out-of-pocket costs. It includes an annual cap to protect you from unlimited expenses.