A few weeks ago, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina announced a requested rate increase for all 2016 BCBSNC health policies.  Since that time, NC health plans has received numerous calls from concerned customers regarding the proposed rate increase, with the number one question being why?  Here’s the answer. (more…)

With Open Enrollment rapidly approaching, you have a number of choices regarding your health insurance provider.  If you intend to enroll in health coverage for 2016 or if you need to make a change to your current health insurance plan, consider choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  As with anything else in life, you get what you pay for, which is why BCBSNC has earned a quality reputation for its long-standing commitment to the residents of North Carolina.  Although there are a number of insurance companies offering health plans both on and off the federal Exchange, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC has the largest presence in the state and is well-known for being a name you can trust in the health insurance industry. (more…)

These days it seems like everything is getting more expensive.  The price of gas will often increase overnight with almost no explanation.  For that reason and because our members deserve to be informed, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants you to understand why you may see a rate increase in your health insurance premium for 2015.  As the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) second Annual Enrollment Period begins on November 15th, there are some overall trends that have contributed to premium rate increases for ACA plans, grandfathered plans and transitional plans alike.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase, including:

• Lower enrollment of younger, healthier customers in ACA plans to help offset risk and medical costs
• The introduction of new, expensive medical treatments that are being used heavily by ACA plan customers
• Expansion of mental health benefit coverage for ACA plans
• Two closed plans (grandfathered and transitional), which do not allow new, younger and healthier customers to enter.  There is a greater increase in the transitional group because many of the healthier customers have left this group at a rate higher than we expected

The Affordable Care Act has brought not only a change in the way consumers purchase insurance, but also a change in the demographic of the insured.  These changes have required that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina make some necessary adjustments.  Although you may see an increase in your premium rate in 2015, it is not without benefit to you.  BCBSNC is offering the largest choice of networks and plans for customers and is still the only insurer offering plans in all 100 North Carolina counties on the Health Insurance Marketplace.  In addition, these plans do not require gatekeepers or referrals when you find yourself in need of a healthcare specialist and benefits have been expanded in some areas of medical coverage.

Understandably, rate increases are a delicate subject and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC understands that our consumers have not only healthcare concerns, but budget concerns as well.  That is why BCBSNC offers 35 plan options, allowing you the flexibility to choose the level of coverage you want at a price you are willing to pay.  As we welcome in a New Year, we want to remind you that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to quality health coverage at an affordable price.  Despite the 2015 rate increases, a Blue Advantage, Blue Select or Blue Value health plan offers you coverage you can count on all year long.  With the largest network of providers in North Carolina, preventive care covered at 100%, and emergency coverage without added complications, see why a BCBSNC health plan is still your very best option.  To get your free 2015 rate quote, click here.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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 experienced and professional agents.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.