NCHealthPlans.com Health News

Subscribers and dependents must satisfy a 12-month waiting period for pre-existing conditions under this health benefit plan. Any waiting period for pre-existing conditions begins on the effective date of this health benefit plan. During a waiting period for pre-existing conditions, neither you nor your dependents will receive benefits for conditions for which medical advice, diagnosis, care or treatment was recommended or received within the 12 months immediately preceding the effective date of this health benefit plan. However, provided there was no significant break in coverage, a waiting period for pre-existing conditions will not apply to any condition first identified, treated and covered under prior creditable coverage. Medical records may be ordered to make this determination. Genetic information [variable] is never treated as a pre-existing condition.

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The Maternity endorsement for Blue Cross Blue Shield Individual Plans may be purchased at the original issuance of the policy at a policy renewal (if the policy has been in effect for at least six months), or within 30 days of marriage or when adding a spouse as a dependent. If the application to add the maternity endorsement is submitted and approved during the renewal open enrollment period (October through November 30), it will become effective on January 1st and premium adjustments for any changes in coverage will apply, effective January 1.The maternity endorsement is only available for adult females, either subscriber Read the rest of this entry »

To be eligible for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, you must be a North Carolina resident under 65 years of age, not be covered by another health insurance policy, not be enrolled in Medicare, and qualify medically. Applicants must be able to provide one of the following as proof of residency: voter registration in NC, NC driver’s license, or current NC tax return. In addition, applicants are required to submit a Social Security Number.

Multiple Coverage

You may be covered under only one health program offered by BCBSNC, except with special permission. In that case, the total benefits paid will not be more than the allowed amount.

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Bullying is when one child picks on another child repeatedly. Bullying can be physical, verbal, or social. It can happen at school, on the playground, on the school bus, in the neighborhood, or over the Internet.

When Your Child Is Bullied

Help your child learn how to respond by teaching your child how to:
      1. Look the bully in the eye.
      2. Stand tall and stay calm in a difficult situation.
      3. Walk away.

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You can purchase a Blue Advantage, Blue Advantage Saver or Blue Options HSA policy to cover your child or adopted/foster child without being covered by the policy yourself. Your child will receive full plan benefits, including immunization, well-child and well-baby care coverage. When you apply, be sure to enter your child’s information (name, gender and birth date) as the primary applicant. If you plan to cover multiple children, each child must have his or her own policy, so you’ll need to apply for each policy separately. Multiple children may be covered on the same policy, as long as the parent is also covered by that same policy. You can cover children up to age 26 on your policy, as long as they are your legal dependents. However, children under age 18 are not eligible to have their own health savings account. Children under age 18 are subject to certain tax guidelines. Consult a tax professional for more information.

The information above is provided by BCBSNC, 2011 Plan Information Guide.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

The colorful quarters of the plate – green for vegetables, red for fruits, orange for grains, and purple for protein – are aimed at nudging Americans away from meals dominated by meat and starch and towards meals made up mostly of plant-based foods. 

MyPlate promotes fruits and vegetables, which cover half the circle, with grains and proteins such as meet, fish and poultry a quarter each.  Dairy (e.g. a glass of milk or food, such as cheese or yogurt) rests to the side.  Desserts are – well – in the desert, nowhere to be found.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness and good nutrition at an early age and reduce the risk of health problems, regardless of age.

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Last week, investment bank Morgan Stanley issued a “Healthcare Services & Distribution” report that makes reference to a potential change in Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina’s (BCBSNC) Pharmacy Benefits Management relationship. Because this mention could generate questions from our customers, we want to share some information with you about this. As part of our effort to reduce costs for our company and our customers, BCBSNC is in negotiations to change our pharmacy benefits management vendor. Assuming that final negotiations are concluded successfully and we receive regulatory approval, Prime Therapeutics would administer pharmacy benefits for our commercial customers whose pharmacy benefits we handle.

We hope this change will take place beginning April 1, 2012. This change would result in lower pharmacy costs for BCBSNC and our group customers, and would provide more flexibility regarding services and programs.

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Whether it is soccer, baseball, basketball, or the chess team, you have a golden opportunity to make a difference. Being your child’s coach, assistant coach, referee, or Team Parent lets you contribute to the quality experience your child will enjoy. But like many opportunities, it can be a double-edged sword.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness with team sports and good nutrition at an early age and reduce the risk of health problems, regardless of age.

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Many children are enamored with horses and long for riding lessons. Horseback riding can be a great pleasure providing terrific exercise for young riders (as well as the horses!). Often, children who learn to ride continue horseback riding into adulthood, helping to keep them fit and healthy.  Exposure to good fitness at an early age helps your children become fitness conscious through adulthood. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness and good nutrition at an early age and reduce the risk of health problems, regardless of age.

Recommendations for Safe, Fun Riding

While experts will stress that a child’s size, strength, ability to focus and take direction, and desire to learn horseback riding are the best indicators that they are ready to begin formal lessons, the typical age range for beginners is between 5-7 years old. Parents should make sure that their child wears proper attire, including long pants, sturdy shoes or boots, and most importantly, a well fitted safety helmet.  Children must be advised as to the importance of following all of the rules and asking questions if they have concerns or do not understand what is expected of them. Horse riding instructors who work with children are typically very patient and understanding, hoping to give children positive experiences in hopes that they will develop a lifelong appreciation of the sport.

Competitive Horseback Riding

Many stables that offer lessons hold occasional competitions, open to all riders, even beginners. Riders are normally categorised by age and ability, with inexperienced riders participating in walks and trots. More advanced riders may be offered the opportunity to showcase their skills in jumping and putting their horse through specified paces. If children choose to compete, parents and instructors should be sure that the emphasis remains on fun and sportsmanship, rather than only winning. Everyone likes to win, but kids should understand that the benefits of horseback riding go far beyond accumulating an assortment of ribbons and trophies. Horseback riding is great exercise, offers opportunities for fresh air fun, teaches responsibility and caring toward animals, and is enjoyed by people of all ages, making it an ideal family activity. 

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

BCBSNC offers an optional maternity rider to females (policy holder or spouse) ages 18 and over who are NOT pregnant when they apply for coverage unless their most recent creditable coverage was underwritten by BCBSNC and included maternity coverage. If you elect not to purchase the maternity rider when you first apply, you can add at the following times so long as you are not pregnant at the time: 

1. During the annual renewal period (November for a January 1 effective date) as long as the policy has been in effect for at least 6 months

2. Within 30 days following marriage (requires copy of marriage certificate)

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They say that good things come in small packages. That is especially true for the blueberry. This fruit has been touted as a superfood, an antioxidant powerhouse and a disease fighter, with good reason. In addition to being low-calorie and high in dietary fiber, blueberries are rich in vitamin C and phytonutrients beneficial for cardiovascular health, cancer prevention, as well as vision, brain and digestive health. Blueberries are shrub fruits and belong to the Ericaceae family (as do cranberries and bilberries)

Blueberries: A Whole Bunch of Antioxidants

In a Tufts University study, nearly 60 fruits and vegetables were analyzed to measure their antioxidant capability. Blueberries were rated among the highest. This means they are powerful free-radical destroyers, which are charged molecules (from many sources, such as pollution) that, when combined with oxygen, may attack the body’s cells and cause cellular damage. This free-radical damage can contribute to the development of heart disease, cancer, macular degeneration and cognitive decline.

Don’t forget, healthy lifestyle promotes good health which leads to reducing health insurance premiums.  Apply for BCBSNC today and see if you qualify for their healthy lifestyle discount.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

Get more bang for your buck by eating high protein vegetables. They are not only nutritious, they contain necessary vitamins, minerals and nutrients. According to the Vegetarian Resource Group, most people need 0.8g of protein for every kilogram they weigh or about 0.36g of protein for every pound they weight. High protein vegetables are a great source of nutrition whether you are a vegetarian or a meat lover.   Beans and Lentils: Beans and lentils are nutritious sources of protein. They are filling, tasty and are usually not too expensive. Some examples include soybeans, lentils, and peas. Soybeans have a high level of protein, 29g per one cup cooked, while peas have 9g of protein per one cup cooked. Add protein to your soups by throwing in some beans or lentils. You can also try putting some cooked beans or lentils into your salad, or your sandwich wrap. They add heartiness, flavor and nutrition.

For more information on health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.