Healthcare News & Blog

Medicare

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

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

Blue Cross NC members can join FitOn Health for access to over 13,000 gyms and studios.
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

Doctor talking to senior couple
Medicare

What Is the Best Health Insurance for Seniors on Medicare

Upon turning 65, many seniors opt to enroll in Medicare. Medicare is federal health insurance coverage designed to support individuals over 65, who have eligible disabilities, or who have End Stage Renal Disease. While Medicare offers multiple parts and is considered quality healthcare, it isn’t comprehensive enough for everyone. So what is the best health insurance for seniors on Medicare?
For most Americans, medical insurance can be quite costly. Finding affordable health insurance alongside Medicare that covers basic needs, emergency care, long-term care, prescription drug coverage, and dental can be quite challenging. Some private insurance companies can raise monthly premiums as you age, making it very difficult to pay for the coverage you need.
The purpose of this article is to explore health insurance options for seniors on Medicare, and to help them find the best option available. For more information about health insurance options in the state of North Carolina, explore our website today. 
HealthPlans of NC

Senior Couple On Autumn Walk In Countryside Together
Medicare

What Is Medigap Plan M?

Medigap Plan M is a type of Medicare Supplement Plan offering basic coverage to help cover the gap for costs not covered by Original Medicare Part A and Part B. It provides a low monthly premium, but you must pay for half of your hospital deductible and 100% of your yearly outpatient deductible. 
HealthPlans of NC

Senior men drinking tea together and chatting
Medicare

Medigap Plan D: Coverage, Costs, and How It Compares to Other Plans

Medigap Plan D is a mid-level Medicare Supplement plan that covers most out-of-pocket costs except the Part B deductible and Part B excess charges. Here's what you need to know.
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
Medicare

What Is Medigap Plan A? Coverage, Costs, and Enrollment in North Carolina (2025-2026)

Medigap Plan A is the most basic Medicare Supplement plan, covering core benefits at typically the lowest premium. While it helps with Part A and Part B coinsurance, it leaves you responsible for deductibles and other costs. Here's what you need to know.
HealthPlans of NC

Retired Couple Sitting Outdoors At Home Having Morning Coffee Together
Medicare

What Is High-Deductible Plan G ?

When you're a part of an employer-sponsored high-deductible plan or health savings account plan, you might want to consider purchasing a High-Deductible Plan G supplement also known as a Medigap plan. This plan is similar to the High Deductible Plan F, but it doesn’t provide coverage for your Medicare Part B deductible. 
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC, Kelly Quinn

Two couples taking a selfie outdoors
Medicare

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) Guide: What You Need to Know for 2026 Coverage

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is your yearly opportunity to review and change your Medicare coverage. With significant new benefits for 2026—including negotiated drug prices on 10 medications and a $2,100 out-of-pocket cap—this year's review is more important than ever.
HealthPlans of NC

Six people smiling and hugging outside
Medicare

Medicare in North Carolina: Frequently Asked Questions for 2025-2026

Over 2.2 million North Carolinians are enrolled in Medicare. Whether you're newly eligible or looking to review your coverage, these frequently asked questions cover what you need to know about Medicare costs, enrollment, and coverage options in 2025-2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Man on the phone and desktop
Medicare

How Medicare Agents Get Paid

Medicare late enrollment penalties can add lifelong extra costs to Parts A, B, and D if you miss your Initial Enrollment Period without creditable coverage. Enroll on time, verify employer plans, and keep proof to avoid fees.
HealthPlans of NC

Pretty focused businesswoman sitting at desk holding cellular talking with client holding pen note on notepad
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Medicare

Licensed Health Insurance Agents Vs. Marketplace Navigators: Which Should You Choose?

Understand the key differences between licensed health insurance agents and Marketplace Navigators to make an informed decision about who can best help you enroll in health coverage. This comprehensive comparison explores qualifications, training, services, and scope of support from each option. Learn when a licensed agent's personalized recommendations and ongoing support might be valuable, and when a Navigator's specialized Marketplace expertise and community-based assistance could be the right fit. Discover what services each can provide—from subsidy calculations and plan comparisons to post-enrollment support—and get practical guidance on choosing the assistance that matches your needs, preferences, and insurance goals. Both options are completely free to consumers.
HealthPlans of NC

Health Plans of NC Staff

Man on the phone and desktop
Medicare

Turning 65 Soon? Here's What You Need To Know About Medicare

The year was 1953 and Dwight D. Eisenhower was inaugurated as the 34th President of the US.
The world was introduced to “007” as the first James Bond novel was published, and Walt Disney’s animated film Peter Pan premiered in theatres.
In 1953, the coronation of Queen Elizabeth II occurred in Westminster Abbey, London, England. That same year, “TV Guide” published its 1st issue, featuring actors Desi Arnaz and Lucille Ball’s newborn son, Desi Arnaz Jr.
HealthPlans of NC

Chris Privett

Smiling couple looking at baby clothes
Health, Blue Cross NC, Individual/Family, Medicare

Life Changes? When & How To Let Your Health Insurer Know

Getting married, moving to a new home, and adopting children are exciting events in your life. When these changes happen the last thing, you may think about is letting your health insurer know.  It’s important to let us know of these exciting events or other unexpected changes so we can make sure you have the right coverage and we’re able to send important communications to you.
Examples of changes you should report
A Change in Name:
HealthPlans of NC

James LaCorte

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