Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been providing coverage to the residents of North Carolina for over 75 years, including many former service members and their families.  In honor of those service men and women, NC HealthPlans would like to wish you a happy Veterans Day. Whether you are active duty or retired, stationed home or abroad, a military member or one of the spouses and children who provide stability and support, we want to offer our heartfelt thanks!  Having myself been married to a United States Marine for almost twenty years now, I am personally grateful for anyone who has ever served and understand the sacrifice it takes to do one of the hardest jobs in the country.

Honestly, even as the spouse of a military member, it is easy for me to take for granted the fact that I go to work, drive my children to school, take my daughter shopping and sleep every night under a blanket of freedom that is provided by real people sacrificing real time in order to keep our country safe and secure.  Veterans Day is a day to consciously consider those people who are “on the wall,” so to speak, and to honor them for their service to our nation. (more…)

Under the Affordable Care Act, health care costs have risen across the board for both consumers and insurance companies, as well as health care providers.  Increased visits to the Emergency Room and an increasing number of ACA members with chronic health issues have put a strain on the health and health insurance industry alike.  A recent review of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC claims data showed that of the many higher health care costs among ACA business, prescription drug costs rose more than any other category of medical care in the first half of 2015.  In fact, prescription drug costs rose 33% in just one year, with a prescription claims average of $96.70 per month for each ACA customer January – June of 2015.  Although pharmaceutical companies are currently being reviewed for how they price new prescription drugs, that 33% increase has still greatly affected the cost of health insurance.

There are viable reasons the cost of prescription drugs are on the rise.  There are many new and improved medications as well as specialty drugs that can be very expensive to develop and administer.  Maintenance drugs for chronic conditions are also pricey and being used more than ever.  For example, the Mayo Clinic cited that cancer drugs have risen from an average price of about $10K a year in 2000 to more than $100K in 2012!  Although those drugs may be more effective and have less side effects, they are also more expensive.  New diabetes drugs as well are retailing at about $400 a month, whereas the older class of diabetes drugs were as little as $4 a month for the generic brand.  Again, with every advantage in new prescription coverage comes an increased cost to the consumer and the insurance company.

On a national level, the realities of the Affordable Care Act and its impact on the health insurance market are being fully realized as ACA customers experience more chronic conditions and continue to use their health benefits more often and at a higher rate than could have been accurately predicted.  This has affected the cost of health insurance, as insurance companies all over the nation fight to stay solvent.  In fact, Tennessee’s two largest health plans available on the ACA exchange requested a 2016 rate increase of 36-44% based on 2015 claims data and the Oregan insurance commissioner actually ordered several companies’ rates to be higher than requested because of concerns that the companies would simply fold otherwise.

As Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina prepares for 2016, consumers will likely see a rate increase in their monthly premiums and may be asking why.  The answer is simple.  The price of health care and prescription drugs is on the rise and new ACA consumers are using their benefits at a higher rate for more expensive services.  As always, BCBSNC is committed to offering members the very best coverage available at a price that is competitive in this new market and will continue to provide the residents of North Carolina health coverage they can depend on.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, 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.

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…)

If you did not get health coverage previously under the Affordable Care Act, you can enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan for next year starting November 1st.  In addition, if you are already enrolled, you can make a change to your existing coverage or renew your plan for 2016.  Open Enrollment will end January 31st, 2016 and if you do not enroll in a plan during this time, you will not be able to obtain health coverage until 2017 unless you have a Qualifying Life Event.

There are at least three key components to choosing an ACA plan that is right for you and your family: Benefits, premiums and the network of doctors and hospitals. (more…)

The Affordable Care Act mandated that all United States taxpayers purchase ACA approved, qualified health plans or pay a tax penalty when reconciling taxes.  This is often referred to as the individual mandate.  The individual mandate went into effect at the beginning of January 2014 and continues each year. The penalty for not having coverage is paid on your Federal Income Tax Returns for each full month you or a family member does not have health insurance (unless you have an exemption) and is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income.  In addition, the penalty increased in 2015 and is increasing again in 2016.  (more…)

If you are part of the generation that remembers the movie Back to the Future II, you may recall that today, October 21, 2015, marks the day that Marty McFly and Doc Brown went from 1985 into the future in a rigged out DeLorean.  That was 30 years ago and although the movie may have gotten us thinking about what the future might look like, most of us never could have imagined some of the changes that have taken place not only in technology, but also in industry.  In fact, the last few years have marked the single biggest change in the health insurance industry the United States has ever seen.  With the induction of the Affordable Care Act, both insurance companies and insurance consumers have had to rethink health coverage and how it can be purchased and provided.

Despite the changes, however, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has continued to provide quality health insurance for the residents of North Carolina and is working hard to offer ACA-compliant, qualified health plans both on and off the federal Marketplace.  If you and your family are still uninsured, Open Enrollment is just around the corner, beginning November 1st, 2015 and running through January 31st, 2016.  During that time, anyone can apply for health coverage for any reason and you cannot be denied coverage based on preexisting conditions.

For assistance with an application for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health coverage or for help in claiming your federal tax credit, visit us at NCHealthPlans.com or call us toll free at 888-765-5400!  The future has arrived and no American need remain uninsured!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov to apply for your subsidy, 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been providing quality, affordable health insurance to the residents of NC since 1933, but many members are concerned about recent or future rate increases.  In fact, it’s all over national news – the cost of health insurance is on the rise.  But do you know why?  Truthfully, it’s a complicated answer.  One of the reasons insurance premiums are going up, however, is because of the growing number of Emergency Room visits occurring on a regular basis.  Despite the fact that most people know the ER is rarely the most efficient place to get health care, many Americans still utilize the ER in non-emergency situations.  And the Emergency Room is expensive! (more…)

From all of us at Jerry Ballard and Associates, we want to give a shout out to the World’s Greatest Bosses, Jerry and Cathy Ballard.  In an industry that has experienced a lot of change and the inherent stress that comes with such change, we just want to thank you both for being an absolute pleasure to work for!  We hope you enjoy a relaxing and beautiful day!!

Autumn has arrived and with it, an abundance of pumpkins and squash.  Not only are these fruits a beautiful reminder of fall and great for decorating, they are also good for your health.  Although not all pumpkins and gourds are made for eating, many are and they can make a great addition to your autumn diet.  A healthy diet is an important part of maintaining good health, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages members to be proactive and eat right.  This fall, you can make pumpkins a part of your preventive care maintenance by incorporating them into some of your recipes.

Especially good in soups and stews, pumpkins and squash are rich in antioxidants and vitamins, especially Vitamins A, C and E.  They are also rich in dietary fiber and boast an abundance of carotenes, while still being low in calories. They have zero saturated fat and no cholesterol and are a great part of a low-cholesterol diet in need of some hearty, robust flavors.

Here is a basic guide to some popular pumpkins and squash: (more…)

If you are a football fan like I am, you may have noticed that October is breast cancer awareness month and nothing says solidarity quite like an NFL linebacker wearing pink shoes.  The fact is, in the last few years there’s been a huge push to make the public aware that in the fight against breast cancer, we all need to be involved and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina takes that fight very seriously.  Offering preventive care services, including mammograms, covered at 100%, BCBSNC is a proud supporter of women’s health.  (more…)

Believe it or not, Open Enrollment is just around the corner and being prepared is half the battle!  This year, Open Enrollment begins November 1st and runs through January 31st, so if you are currently uninsured, you will be able to apply and obtain coverage very shortly.  Although Open Enrollment will not begin until November, you can begin preparing even now.  In fact, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself, as well as some important pieces of information you can gather so you are ready to successfully navigate Open Enrollment 2016. (more…)

Did you know that smoking is not only bad for your health, but also hard on your wallet?  If your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance premium is higher than you like, consider quitting.  Although under the ACA, health insurance companies are no longer allowed to ask any health questions, you still have to answer as to whether or not you are a tobacco user.  And if you are, your rate can increase by 20%!  Reducing the cost of your health insurance premium is another good reason to make this year the year you quit tobacco for good. (more…)