Healthcare News & Blog

Medicare

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

4 people at a desk looking at a laptop
Medicare

Health Insurance Options for Early Retirement in North Carolina

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

Five older people smiling after exercising
Medicare

Who Is Medicare For? Eligibility, Enrollment, and Coverage Start Dates

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Young woman using a tablet
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

A couple looking at something and smiling
Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Dental and Vision? Your Coverage Options in North Carolina

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Medicare

Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) in North Carolina: Benefits, Eligibility, and How to Enroll

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

Two women talking at an outdoor café
Medicare

Medigap Plan L: 75% Coverage with an Out-of-Pocket Maximum

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.
HealthPlans of NC

Retired couple with a suitcase talking on a walkway
Medicare

Medicare Coverage When Traveling: What's Covered in the U.S. and Abroad

Planning a trip? Understanding how your Medicare coverage works away from home is essential. While Medicare provides solid protection domestically, international coverage is limited—prompting many travelers to consider supplemental options.
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

woman arranging paper works
Medicare

Medicare Advantage and Employer Insurance: How They Work Together

With more Americans working past 65 than ever before, understanding how Medicare Advantage plans coordinate with employer insurance is essential. This guide covers your coverage options, who pays first, and how to make the best decision for your situation.
HealthPlans of NC

Does Medicare Cover Dental Care?
Medicare

Does Medicare Cover Dental? Your Guide to Medicare Dental Coverage

Dental care is essential to overall health, yet Original Medicare provides almost no coverage for routine dental services. Here's what Medicare members need to know about their options for dental coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Senior Couple on computer applying for medicare
Medicare

What Else Should I Consider When I Apply for Medicare?

Once you've enrolled in Medicare, there's more to know. From reviewing your annual plan documents to understanding preventive services, here's what you should consider to get the most from your Medicare coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Four friends talking over coffee at a table
Medicare

Medigap Plan K: Lower Premiums with an Out-of-Pocket Maximum

Medigap Plan K is a cost-sharing plan with lower premiums. It covers 50% of most Medicare out-of-pocket costs, with an annual cap that limits your total spending.
HealthPlans of NC

Two active seniors walk their dog
Medicare, Blue Cross NC

Medicare Part D Out-of-Pocket Cap: How It Works and What It Means for You

Major relief for Medicare prescription drug costs is here. The Inflation Reduction Act caps annual out-of-pocket spending at $2,100 in 2026 (rising to $2,400 in 2027), and Medicare-negotiated drug prices took effect in 2026, saving millions of beneficiaries thousands of dollars annually.
HealthPlans of NC

Family smiling and waving at a phone
Health, Blue Cross NC, Affordable Care Act, Medicare

Why Working with a Health Insurance Agent Beats AI Chatbots and Online Tools

Technology makes health insurance research easier, but choosing the right plan requires more than a chatbot can offer. Here's why working with a local health insurance agent in North Carolina gives you an advantage—at no extra cost.
HealthPlans of NC

Group of older friends walking together through a park
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

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

Medicare Part B: What It Covers, How Much It Costs, and How to Enroll

Medicare Part B is medical insurance that covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive care, and durable medical equipment. The standard premium is $202.90/month in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Older couple with a younger woman at a desk with clipboard and laptop
Medicare

Medicare and Employer Insurance: How They Work Together and When to Enroll

If you're turning 65 and still working, you may be able to keep your employer insurance alongside Medicare—or choose one over the other. Here's how to decide.
HealthPlans of NC

Three older women at a desk with a laptop
Medicare

Medicare Part A: What It Covers, Costs, and How to Enroll

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that covers inpatient care, skilled nursing facilities, hospice care, and some home health services.
HealthPlans of NC

Four women at an office meeting
Medicare, Group

Medicare and Employer Health Insurance: A Guide for HR Managers in North Carolina

When employees turn 65, questions about Medicare and employer coverage come to HR. Our licensed Medicare agents help NC businesses provide accurate answers.
HealthPlans of NC

Hand-holding notebook written Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare

How Much Does Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost?

Medigap premiums vary widely based on plan type, age, location, and insurance company. Here's what to expect and how to find affordable coverage.
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

A woman looking at her senior couple of client who is holding a papers
Medicare

Is Medicare Commercial Insurance? Understanding the Difference and Your Coverage Options

Complete guide to Medicare vs. commercial health insurance. Learn what Medicare covers, how it's funded, and whether Medicare Advantage and Medigap count as commercial plans.
HealthPlans of NC

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