For individuals and families who did not have health coverage in 2014 and are subject to the tax penalty when they file 2014 taxes, a special enrollment period (SEP) has been announced.  This SEP has been created for those individuals who were unaware of the tax penalty or failed to fully understand the implications of the penalty for not enrolling in coverage during 2014.  From March 15th to April 30th, CMS is providing consumers with another opportunity to purchase health insurance; however, if consumers do not purchase during this enrollment period, they may have to pay the penalty when they file their 2015 income taxes.

The special enrollment period will begin on March 15, 2015 and will end at midnight Eastern Standard Time on April 30, 2015.  If a consumer enrolls in coverage before the 15th of April, coverage will begin on May 1st and if a consumer enrolls between April 16th and April 30th, coverage will begin on June 1st.

Because this year’s tax season is the first time individuals and families are required to provide information about their health coverage on their tax returns, CMS recognizes that there may be an adjustment period.  Administrator Marilyn Tavenner stated regarding this special enrollment period, “Our priority is to… provide those who were not aware or did not understand the requirement with an opportunity to enroll in affordable health coverage this year.” Further, those who could not afford coverage or met other certain conditions may be eligible to receive an exemption from the tax penalty.

The majority of taxpayers will only be required to indicate on their tax return that they had health coverage in 2014, either through an employer, Medicare, Medicaid, or other health coverage that meets the requirements of minimal essential coverage.  Other taxpayers will be granted an exemption from the tax penalty and still other taxpayers will pay a penalty for choosing to remain uninsured.  Americans who do not qualify for an exemption and who are required to pay the penalty will be paying a fine of $95 per adult or 1% of their income, whichever is greater.  This special enrollment period is designed to allow such individuals one final opportunity to get coverage and avoid having to pay other penalties in 2015.

Those eligible for this special enrollment period must meet ALL of the following requirements:

• Live in states with a Federally-facilitated Marketplace
• Attest that when they filed their 2014 tax return they paid the tax penalty for not having coverage
• Attest that they first became aware of, or understood the implications of, the Federal Tax Penalty after the end of Open Enrollment

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

All information contained herein is subject to change, from time to time, if the Federal Government or Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina implement any new updates and/or changes that can impact information provided in this blog.

Do you currently have enough savings to cover an unexpected health emergency?  If not, you may want to start setting aside money in 2015.  With the cost of health care on the rise, it is important to know you and your family are covered in case of a medical emergency.  One route you may want to consider is obtaining a Health Savings Account Eligible health plan.  If you purchase an HSA-compatible high-deductible health insurance plan, you can pair it with a health savings account and start saving for the unexpected.  Funds placed in the HSA account may be used for qualified medical expenses and there is no minimum contribution amount.  You are also able to claim a tax deduction for any and all contributions you make throughout the year.  In this way, your money grows on a tax-free basis.

In 2015, HSA holders can save up to $3350 for individuals and $6650 for families.  Holders 55 years of age and older can save an extra $1000, increasing savings for individuals to $4350 and $7650 for families.  All of this money is 100% tax free so this is a great way to increase wealth and create a small tax shelter.  For more information on HSA limits for 2015, click here.

Also, in 2015, a high-deductible health insurance plan is one with a deductible of at least $1,300 for self-only coverage and $2,600 for family coverage.  See eligible Blue Cross Blue Shield HSA compatible plans.

Once you have a clear idea of your healthcare needs and your financial situation, you can determine your plan options and compare benefits.  If 2015 brings life changes that make a different kind of insurance plan something to consider, consider a BCBNC HSA compatible high-deductible health plan and start saving the smart way!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

We all know exercise is an important part of feeling well, but you may be surprised at how much regular physical activity can improve not only your health, but also your mood and overall effectiveness.  One of the nice things about exercise is that it is available to everyone, regardless of your age, gender or even ability.  There are many different kinds of physical activities for all different kinds of people.  According to the Mayo Clinic, there are at least 7 clear benefits to regular physical activity.  Check these out and we think you will agree that routine exercise is one of the best choices you can make for your daily life.

Benefit No. 1:  Exercise Controls Weight

Weight is really a fairly simple formula of calories in and calories out.  Exercise helps prevent excess weight gain and allows for weight loss because physical activity burns calories.  More intensive activities, such as running or swimming burn more calories, while less intensive activities such as walking burn less.  Nevertheless, all activity helps!  Even small adjustments in your routine, such as taking the stairs instead of an elevator, can make a big difference and you don’t have to set aside hours of your day.  A twenty minute brisk walk daily can have a big impact on weight control and there are many exercise routines you can do right in your own home.

Benefit No. 2:  Exercise Combats Health Conditions and Diseases

Exercise increases blow flow, which in turn reduces your risk for cardiovascular diseases.  Physical activity boosts HDL or “good” cholesterol and decreases unhealthy triglycerides, which can help prevent heart disease and high blood pressure.  Studies have shown that maintaining a regular exercise routine can help prevent or manage a wide variety of health related problems, including certain types of cancer, stroke, type 2 diabetes, arthritis and even depression.  If you want to live longer, exercise is perhaps the most important thing you can do.

Benefit No. 3:  Exercise Improves Mood

We all have mood swings, which is a natural part of being human, but did you know that a gym workout or a nice long walk can actually help improve you mood?  Physical exercise stimulates not only your body, but also your brain, releasing chemicals that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.  When you exercise regularly, you may also feel more confident in your appearance, which can boost self esteem and an overall sense of well-being.

Benefit No. 4:  Exercise Boosts Energy

If you find yourself feeling exhausted or unable to complete daily chores or responsibilities energetically, you may need more physical activity.  Improving muscle strength and boosting endurance, exercise delivers oxygen and nutrients to your tissues and helps your cardiovascular system work more efficiently.  When your body works better, you have more energy to meet the demands of daily life.

Benefit No. 5:  Exercise Promotes Better Sleep

It may seem counter-intuitive, but if you are struggling to either fall asleep or stay asleep, regular exercise can help.  Because your body will be more tired, you may find you fall asleep faster and sleep deeper than you ever have before.  Although you want to avoid exercising too close to bedtime as this can actually increase your energy level, a routine of physical activity can improve your sleep immeasurably.

Benefit No. 6:  Exercise Puts the Spark Back in Your Sex Life

This is straight from the Mayo Clinic, so it must be true.  Regular physical activity can leave you feeling energized and looking better, both of which may have a positive effect on your sex life.  According to the experts, exercise “can lead to enhanced arousal for women and men who exercise regularly are less likely to have problems with erectile dysfunction than are men who don’t exercise.”

Benefit No. 7:  Exercise Can Be Fun

There are many ways to make exercise fun.  A hike through the woods or rowing a boat across a lake are great ways to enjoy the outdoors and engage in joyful experiences.  Use exercise to connect with family or friends in a social setting by playing a game of volleyball, going paddle boarding or skiing down the slopes.  Joining a soccer team or participating in a water aerobics class are great ways to meet new people and increase your circle of friends, while improving your health.  As the Nike slogan says, “Just Do It!” and if you find you don’t enjoy what you are doing, try something new.  You are sure to find an activity that suits your lifestyle.

Bottom line is:  Exercise is vital for health and mental well-being and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a proud supporter of preventive health care! As a general rule of thumb, aim for about 30 minutes of physical activity a day.  If you have specific weight loss goals in mind, you may have to exercise more, but always consult your doctor before beginning any exercise regime.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

Open Enrollment 2018 has officially ended and the Special Enrollment Period has begun.  Contrary to what so many people believe, this does not mean that no Americans are able to purchase health insurance.  It simply means that those purchasing or making changes to existing health insurance plans are subject to a different set of rules that apply to the Special Enrollment Period.

The most distinguishing factor of Special Enrollment is that in order to purchase or change a health insurance plan you must have what is called a Qualifying Life Event.  This means you must have a special circumstance in your life that would qualify you to purchase or change insurance outside of Open Enrollment.  People often experience Qualifying Life Events without even realizing the opportunities presented as it relates to health insurance.

The following is a list of common Qualifying Life Events:

• Loss of minimum coverage (through an employer, government plans, Medicaid, etc.)
• Adding a dependent through birth, adoption or marriage
• Gaining United States citizenship
• Enrollment/non-enrollment errors by the federal Marketplace or the United States Department of Health and Human Services
• Newly eligible for a subsidy or a change in the amount of subsidy for which you are eligible
• Move to North Carolina or a new county within North Carolina
• Other exceptional circumstances

Although this is a list of a few qualifying life events, this list is not exhaustive.  Ultimately, the only way to really determine if you are eligible to change or purchase health insurance during Special Enrollment is to complete an application.  Keep in mind that you can apply for health insurance without any obligation to purchase and the application itself will help you determine subsidy eligibility.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, 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 existing regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

All information contained herein is subject to change, from time to time, if the Federal Government or Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina implement any new updates and/or changes that can impact information provided in this blog.

As most Americans know, under the Affordable Care Act you are now required by law to carry qualifying health coverage or pay a tax penalty.  This penalty is sometimes referred to as the “individual shared responsibility payment,” or the “individual mandate.”  In some cases, however, you may qualify for what is called a “health coverage exemption.”

First and foremost, if you are covered by any plan that meets the ACA guidelines of minimum essential coverage , you will not have to pay a tax penalty.  Take a moment and learn what qualifies as minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act Law.  Being properly insured is the safest way to avoid any penalties.

If you did not have ACA approved coverage for all or part of 2014, however, you may still qualify for an exemption from the tax penalty.

Below are some examples of potential exemptions that might apply to you:

• You are uninsured for only 1 or 2 consecutive months of the year.
• The lowest-priced coverage available to you through either an individual or job-based plan would cost more than 8% of your household income.
• You do not file a tax return based on the fact that your income is below the level that requires filing.
• You are a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• You are a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry.
• You are a member of a recognized religious sect with religious objections to insurance, including Social Security and Medicare
• You are incarcerated
• You are not lawfully present in the United States
• You are a United States citizen living abroad
• You qualify for a hardship exemption

You can learn how to apply for any of the above exemptions and find the forms you need by visiting the federal Marketplace.

Once again, the easiest and smartest way to ensure you do not incur a tax penalty is to obtain an ACA approved health plan.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

All information contained herein is subject to change, from time to time, if the Federal Government or Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina implement any new updates and/or changes that can impact information provided in this blog.

It may be a myth that cold weather actually makes you sick, but it can negatively affect your health nonetheless.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC knows that being prepared and also aware of the potential dangers of cold weather induced health risks can help you stay well even when it’s not all that warm outside.  With lower temperatures comes greater potential for all kinds of health issues, from cold and flu, to increased weight gain, indoor allergies, and possibly even depression.  According to the Center for Disease Control (CDC), 5-20% of Americans are infected with flu virus each year and 200,000 are hospitalized due to complications, such as pneumonia.  Although cold weather won’t give you the flu or even the common cold, Dr. LeeAnna Lyne from Susquehanna Health Medical Group in Pennsylvania explains how cold weather affects our bodies:  “Cold weather causes decreased blood flow in the nose, ears, hands, etc., to keep the heart and brain protected.  This causes dryness and a decreased ability of the nose to filter pathogens like viruses.”  In other words, cold weather may not make you sick, but it makes you more vulnerable to becoming sick and it can also aggravate the symptoms you may already have.

Below are some good tips for staying healthy even in the coldest of temperatures:

1.  Practice cleanliness and good hygiene:  Sanitize, vaccinate, cover your mouth and wash your hands!  Avoid touching your mouth, nose and eyes as these areas are the most susceptible to dangerous pathogens.  Also, clean your house regularly with disinfectant and vacuum using a HEPA filter.  Wash clothes and bedding regularly.

2.  Dress for cold weather conditions:  Allowing your body to become too cold can stress your immune system and aggravate existing conditions.  Wear a  coat and don’t go outside with wet hair.  Dressing warmly can help prevent the risk of pneumonia, frostbite and hypothermia.

3.  Exercise regularly:  Cold, wet and rainy weather is not conducive to exercise, but maintaining a regular exercise routine is imperative.  Being stuck inside can create a recipe for weight gain, not to mention muscle atrophy and the lack of energy that accompany inactivity.  Staying fit ensures your immune system is ready for the fight should you encounter attacking viruses.

4.  Go outside anyway:  If at all possible, put on a winter coat and get outdoors.  Outdoor activity boosts physical health, not to mention increasing levels of Vitamin-D, reducing stress and improving mental health.  It may be chilly outside, but don’t let cold weather keep you from the benefits of being outdoors.  A lack of sunshine can trigger a chemical imbalance in the brain, leading to depression and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD).

5.  Know your limits:  Cardiac death rates increase in the cold weather months and though the reasons for this increase are not fully understood, it is believed that the physical effects of colder temperatures along with overexertion may play a key role.  Older people and people with preexisting health issues need to understand limits and be willing to ask for help. Even those in optimal health need to take more frequent breaks.

When it comes to staying healthy, colder temperatures require extra precaution.  Preventive care maintenance is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina takes very seriously, offering preventive care coverage at 100%.  For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

The Health Insurance Marketplace has announced that despite the fact Open Enrollment ended at midnight, February 15th, you may still be able to obtain health insurance for 2015.  The Insurance Marketplace is granting this extension for anyone who missed the deadline due to either technical issues or unusual call volume that made it impossible for you to complete your application by the deadline.  A Special Enrollment Period has been set for February 16-February 22 by the federal government for all those who may have had trouble on the government website or experienced an extensive Call Center wait on February 13, 14 or 15.

This Special Enrollment Period may apply to you:

1.  if you tried to enroll in health coverage by the deadline, but did not complete the enrollment process because of unusual wait times at the Call Center or…

2.  if you tried to enroll, but were unable to complete enrollment due to a technical issue, such as being unable to submit your application because verification sources were down.

If either of these apply to you, you may still be able to get coverage.  To finish your enrollment, you must attest to the truth of one of the above statements with the federal Marketplace and this opportunity will only be available until February 22. 2015.  In order to determine if you eligible for this Special Enrollment Period, you should contact the Marketplace directly.  If you do determine you are still eligible to enroll, we would be happy to help you pick your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan and guide you through the steps to complete the enrollment process.

Please note that this Special Enrollment Period is intended to help consumers enroll for 2015 health insurance for the first time.  It is not applicable for customers who are already enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace and simply want to switch to a different plan now.  Changes to your health insurance policy are now subject to the rules of Special Enrollment including Qualifying Life Events.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

Perhaps you are among the many Americans who received a federal subsidy to help reduce the cost of your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance in 2014.  If so, there are some things you may need to know.  Although as insurance agents we don’t have all the answers, we can offer some helpful information as you enter into tax season.  For more specific details about how your subsidy will affect your personal taxes for 2014, we recommend speaking with your tax adviser or the federal Marketplace.

What we can tell those of you who received a federal subsidy for health insurance is that the Obama administration stated earlier this month that it will begin sending out tax reporting forms that you will need in order to fill out your 2014 tax return.  These forms are specifically for individuals who got tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.  This form is important, so make sure you are looking for it in the mail and take it with you when you file taxes.  The form is called 1095-A and according to the administration, the form comes filled out with all the pertinent information from the federal healthcare Marketplace.   The form lists the members of each household that received a subsidy and how much the government paid each month toward the health insurance premium.

Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a statement, “In the coming weeks, HHS will work with other agencies, tax preparers and community organizations to arm… consumers with the information they need to know as they prepare to file their taxes.”

As most people getting a federal subsidy already know, the amount of tax credit you receive is based on a formula that takes into account your income and the number of people you claim on your tax form.  According to the IRS, those individuals who received too much of a subsidy will see a reduction in their tax refund and those who received less of a subsidy than they were entitled to will receive a refund.

Some important things to keep in mind:

• If you normally file Form 1040EZ, you can no longer do that if you received subsidized health care.  You will have to file a longer form
• If you were only in the healthcare Marketplace exchange for a few month, vice the whole year, you will still need your 1095-A to account for any subsidy you received.
• You could get more than one 1095-A, which could happen for various reasons.  You will need to keep all of them for filing taxes.
• Contact the healthcare Marketplace if you think there is a mistake on your 1095-A.

If you did not receive a subsidy for 2014, but are interested in seeing whether or not you may qualify for a premium tax credit toward your BCBSNC health plan for 2015, you may generate a quote and enter income information to help estimate your potential subsidy.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

The Open Enrollment period for 2015 and your once-a-year opportunity to enroll a new Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan or make changes to your current plan is coming to a close February 15th.  Open Enrollment began November 15th, but if you are one of the many Americans still trying to obtain health insurance for 2015 or if you still need to make changes to your health insurance policy, there is still time.

Here are four different scenarios that may apply to you:

Members with Grandfathered Plans:

A Grandfathered Plan is a health plan that was in place on March 23, 2010 and has had no changes made to it.  These plans are exempt from many of the Affordable Care Act requirements; however, you do have the option to change to an ACA plan.  Keep in mind, though, that once you give up your Grandfathered plan you will not be able to get it back.  Carefully consider the costs and benefits of your current plan and compare it against the available ACA plans before making a decision to change.

Members with Transitional Plans:

A transitional plan is a health plan that was purchased between March 24, 2010 and October 1, 2013.  These plans were originally supposed to be canceled on January 1, 2014 because of the new ACA requirements, but the administration decided at the last minute that members could keep these plans for two additional years.  Like with Grandfathered Plans, you may decide to switch to an ACA plan but remember, a new plan may cost more than your current plan, even with a subsidy applied.  Be sure to weigh your options carefully.

Members with ACA or Subsidized Plans:

ACA plans include many of those purchased on the Health Insurance Marketplace for 2014.  If you have one of these plans, there are some important questions you need to ask.  You want to consider how much you want to pay out of pocket for premiums and deductibles and also you need to consider the size of your network.  If you received a subsidy in 2014, you need to visit the Marketplace and update your subsidy qualifications.  If you don’t, you might not receive as much subsidy as you deserve and could wind up paying more than necessary for your health plan.

Members with ACA or Non-Subsidized Plans:

If you did not receive a subsidy in 2014 and you would like to make changes to your plan, you can still see if you qualify for a subsidy.  Again, consider the plans carefully, including the size of your network, out of pocket costs and monthly premiums.

FEBRUARY 15, 2015 is the last day you can apply for a 2015 plan or make changes to your current plan before the end of the Annual Enrollment Period.  After February 15, you will be subject to the rules of Special Enrollment involving Qualifying Life Events.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

Valentine’s Day is all about sweet treats, but if eating healthier is one of your resolutions for 2015, this recipe is sure to please.   Almost nothing tastes better than nice, juicy strawberries and we think this is a delicious way to say, “I love you.”  This yummy treat only calls for a few ingredients, most of which you probably have at home.  From Reader’s Digest, this is just one of many recipe ideas to help make your Valentine’s Day extra special.

Strawberry Pavlova showcases a pint of beautiful berries and only takes 1 hour to prepare.  Strawberries are high in antioxidants and the ones found in this bright red fruit have been proven to fight carcinogens and LDL, the bad kind of cholesterol which often leads to heart disease.  Further, strawberries are high in folic acid which is an important part of every pregnant woman’s diet because it plays a vital role in preventing birth defects.  Folic acid is important for everyone, however, because not having enough of it in your system can lead to dementia, osteoporosis, heart disease and many kinds of cancer.

Check out this  recipe and surprise your loved ones this Valentine’s Day with a beautiful and healthy dessert.

Promoting healthy eating, fitness and a healthy lifestyle is a main focus at Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Enjoy!  Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

With the holidays behind us and tax season looming, you may not realize that Open Enrollment is rapidly coming to a close, but it most certainly is.  In fact, there are only 10 days left to finish your application for a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan and the application must be completed by midnight, February 15th.  If you do not complete an application by the official end of Open Enrollment, you will not be able to purchase health insurance unless you have a Qualifying Life Event until Open Enrollment once again commences later this year.

If you are one of the many Americans trying to obtain a health plan for 2015 before the deadline, there are a few things to keep in mind.  First of all, under the guidelines of the Affordable Care Act you are now required by law to carry health insurance or incur a tax penalty.  The tax penalty is increasing in 2015: a minimum of $325 per year per person or up to 2% of annual individual income (whichever is greater).  To avoid paying this tax penalty, you cannot go uninsured for more than three months in the calendar year.

Also, if you are applying for a federal subsidy to help reduce the cost of your health insurance premium, you must complete a subsidy application before choosing your health plan.  As February 15th approaches, both the Marketplace website and phone lines will be busier and busier.   The sooner you complete your application, the easier it will be.  Keep in mind that not all plans offered through the federal Marketplace are equal.  A Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina subsidized health plan offers the broadest network of providers in the state of North Carolina and because it is not an HMO, you will still have coverage even if you happen to go out of network.

If you complete your application for a subsidized health plan by February 15th, your coverage will begin March 1st and that is the soonest effective date available to you at this point.  However, if you are applying for an unsubsidized health plan, you can still receive an effective date of February 15th if you complete your application by midnight, February 8th.  Either way, all applications for health insurance must be completed by the end of Open Enrollment or be subject to the rules of Special Enrollment involving Qualifying Life Events.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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.

As a consumer, shopping around to determine the cost of a particular medical procedure or surgery has not been a simple task – until now.  In early January, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC introduced a new public search tool – The Treatment Cost Estimator. This new search tool allows consumers to compare the cost of more than 1,200 medical procedures by simply typing the name of the procedure into a search box. BCBSNC has taken the data they have accumulated from paying thousands of health care claims each day and made that data available to the general public allowing consumers to become more informed and make more educated decisions about their medical care.

Now consumers can easily search to determine how much a surgery or procedure might cost them. They will also have the ability to compare the costs among medical facilities and doctors in their area. The search tool is not only available to members of BCBSNC, but to the general public as well. Anyone can access the search tool on the BCBSNC website.   It also enables consumers to compare the cost of common health care procedures at hospitals and other health care providers based on BCBSNC’s broad-network Blue Advantage plan and its narrow-network Blue Value plan. The Treatment Cost Estimator is so innovative it even caught the attention of Forbes Magazine. Forbes’ contributor Dan Munro writes, “Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is among the first (if not the first – certainly as a major) to offer these closely guarded, negotiated rates to the general public.”

The Treatment Cost Estimator is another example of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s strong presence in the health care industry and their commitment to providing consumers with the tools necessary to make informed decisions about their medical care and coverage. Unexpected medical costs can create a huge burden on a person or family and having the ability to shop prices among facilities and doctors can help consumers lessen that burden.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health 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

*Information provided by BCBS of North Carolina and BCBSNC Blog post dated January 7, 2015