Open Enrollment 2017 has officially begun and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has health plans available in all 100 counties!  Whether you are replacing existing coverage or obtaining NC health insurance for the first time, BCBNSC has a plan that will work for you.  In fact, every Blue Cross Blue Shield NC plan has preventive services covered at 100% and if you are insuring your family, children under the age of 19 have access to pediatric dental and vision services.  BCBSNC boasts one of the largest networks of providers available in North Carolina, and as a North Carolina based company, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC has been serving NC residents for over 80 years.

Whether you are looking for a high-deductible HSA plan, a Catastrophic plan, or a plan rich in health care benefits, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC delivers!  At NC Health Plans, we are committed to helping our customers review plan options, discuss benefits, determine subsidy eligibility and submit an application in the easiest, most stress-free way possible.  We offer the most up-to-date enrollment process available and have staff of professional, conscientious, licensed agents ready and willing to help walk you through the process from start to finish.

Don’t let Open Enrollment 2017 overwhelm you!  From the comfort of your own home, we can assist you in completing your subsidy application and enrolling your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan in a few short minutes. For more information on North Carolina 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina recently announced that they intend to participate in the ACA for 2017 and will be offering health plans in all 100 counties of North Carolina. This decision came after much deliberation and on the heels of two major health insurance companies, United Healthcare and Aetna, announcing their withdrawal from the ACA in NC.  Although BCBSNC’s participation for 2017 means at least one more year of ACA plans for the nearly 600,000 residents who are currently insured under the ACA, how is Blue Cross Blue Shield NC preparing for the unprecedented position of being the only real choice for consumers across much of the state?

Brad Wilson, President and Chief Executive Officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC explains.

In an op-ed article for the News and Observer on October 1, 2016, Brad Wilson called Blue Cross Blue Shield NC’s decision to stay in the game an “important commitment” to the residents of North Carolina.  He explained that had BCBSNC pulled out of the ACA market for 2017, over 600,000 NC residents would have been left without an option for health insurance.  The BCBSNC CEO went on to say that although he believes the decision was the right one, it also presents new challenges for an already troubled market.

Because ACA customers tend to be unhealthier and tend to use health care at a higher rate than non-ACA customers, the company is forced to reevaluate their ability to sustain an influx of possibly 260,000 new ACA clients. Not only must BCBSNC face the challenge of yet another rate increase to support the ACA business, but are also facing the reality of trying to prepare at the last minute for a customer service department that can handle an extraordinarily high volume of calls and customer needs.

Brad Wilson assures that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has “been working around the clock to prepare for these new customers… and are better prepared to manage expectations throughout this enrollment period.”   Some of the ways Blue Cross Blue Shield NC is preparing is by developing additional online resources and increasing the number of customer service personnel and phone lines available to consumers. That being said, Mr. Wilson also recognizes the fact that there will undoubtedly be a strain on the company both financially and in terms of service capabilities.  Having already lost upwards of $4 million dollars in 2014 and 2015, Brad Wilson reminds North Carolinians that the “commitment to serve the state cannot subordinate our obligation to our customers to be financially stable for the long term – which cannot occur if large financial losses continue despite having raised premiums.”

As Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina prepares for Open Enrollment 2017, we at NC Health Plans are likewise committed to assisting all of our customers through the enrollment process.  We offer the most up-to-date enrollment tools available and want to help our clients enroll in the best health plan available with the least amount of stress involved.  For more information on North Carolina 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.

In the wake of Hurricane Matthew, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina President and CEO Brad Wilson announced in a news release dated October 13, 2016 that “member health and safety are our primary concern and we are taking these steps to help customers focus on their most immediate needs.”  The steps he is referring to are the ones BCBSNC has taken to help ensure their members have the coverage they need during a difficult time of recovery.  The following policies are some of the ways BCSNC is helping members weather the storm and its aftermath:

• Members and employers within the disaster area may be able to delay premium payments for 30 days (call the number on the back of your health card to see if this applies to you)
• Members in the disaster area may be able to get an early prescription drug refill or replace a lost or destroyed prescription (provided member requests this within 29 days of the disaster declaration)
• BCBSNC will provide a 30-day extension for deadlines related to submission of claims, filing appeals, additions of newborns and adopted children, and requests for authorization of medical services

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina also encouraged members who need additional time on premium payments or medications to call the customer service number listed on the back of their health insurance card.

As a North Carolina based company, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has an investment in the communities of North Carolina and in its residents and the company is doing its part to try and help those affected by Hurricane Matthew.  For more information on North Carolina 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.

One of the biggest questions on many minds as Open Enrollment 2017 approaches is “will my health insurance premium rate increase?”  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina announced last week that the Department of Insurance (DOI) has approved a rate increase of 24.3% for 2017; however, this rate increase will be felt differently among BCBSNC customers.  In May of 2017, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC filed for an average increase of almost 19% for ACA (Affordable Care Act) individual health plans.  When Aetna announced early this fall that they would be exiting the NC marketplace, however, BCBSNC revised that rate filing in an attempt to adjust for the new market.

In a blog article released by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina on October 14, 2016 Brian Tajili, Director of Actuarial and Pricing Services for BCBSNC, explained that this rate increase will allow the company to “serve our ACA customers in a financially responsible way in 2017.”  He went on to say that Blue Cross Blue Shield NC understands that “these kinds of rate increases aren’t sustainable over the long term,” and reiterated the fact that the company has been consistent in their message that in order for the ACA (Obamacare) to work properly, younger, healthier customers need to enter the market to balance the higher health costs of the current membership.

Of further note, although there will be a rate increase for 2017, it will not be felt equally among all BCBSNC customers.  Blue Cross Blue Shield NC believes that many customers will actually see a decrease in their rates due to an increase in federal subsidies.  Keep in mind, however, that although the subsidies decrease the out-of-pocket costs for customers, they do not decrease the out-of-pocket costs for the company and the ACA market has consistently proven to be an unhealthier market.  The overall rate increase is an attempt to ensure that the company can remain sustainable and that BCBSNC can continue to offer health insurance plans in all 100 counties in NC.

For more information on North Carolina 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the health and wellness of all its members and this fall, BCBSNC in conjunction with the North Carolina State Park system is encouraging NC residents to get out and hike!  This community initiative, appropriately named Hike NC!,  is at aimed  getting North Carolinians off the couch and into the great outdoors.  The Hike NC! campaign consists of more than 60 guided hikes through North Carolina nature preserves and state parks.  Led by hiking and nature experts and totally free, these hikes are intended to help improve the overall health of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC members. (more…)

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare has officially begun and will continue through December 7, 2017 and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a variety of Medicare plans.  This period allows Medicare recipients to enroll in new Medicare plans and Part D Prescription plans or make changes to existing coverage.  At NC Health Plans we strive to make the Enrollment Period as simple and stress-free as possible and offer a variety of Medicare Supplement plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  Your application can be submitted right from the comfort of your home and our licensed NC health insurance agents are available to help you make changes to your existing plan, compare plans or enroll in new NC Medicare supplemental coverage.

If your current Medicare plan is not working for you or you are new to Medicare, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call 888-765-5400 to request a quote and see new 2017 Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Medicare plans and pricing.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a big supporter of preventive care maintenance, offering preventive benefits covered at 100%. This flu season BCBSNC encourages its members to get a flu shot to help maintain optimal health.  A yearly flu vaccination is the best way to protect yourself against the influenza virus and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends you get a flu shot once a year.  The flu vaccine can help reduce your risk of contracting the illness, which in turn will help reduce absences from work or school, doctor’s visits or even potential hospitalizations.  While the vaccine is not a guarantee against getting the flu, it can be a big deterrent and can also reduce your symptoms should you become ill.

In addition to protecting yourself, the flu vaccine can help protect the people around you, some of whom may be more vulnerable.  The elderly, as well as infants  and those with chronic illnesses, can suffer serious, even life-threatening flu symptoms.  According to the CDC, a recent study showed that the flu vaccination reduced children’s risk of flu-related hospitalization by 74% during flu seasons from 2010-2012.

Getting a flu shot is just plain smart, which is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages its members to get vaccinated.  With winter just around the corner, taking this critical step can help ensure that you and your family have the healthiest flu season possible. For more information on North Carolina 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.

Open Enrollment is the yearly period when people in the United States can enroll in individual or family health insurance plans. 2016 Open Enrollment ended January 31, 2016 and Open Enrollment for 2017 begins November 1, 2016 and will last until January 31, 2017.  This is a very important time period because if you miss Open Enrollment, you may not be able to enroll in a health insurance plan unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period.  To qualify for a Special Enrollment Period you must have a Qualifying Life Event, some of which include losing employer-sponsored coverage, having a baby, or getting married.

Since Open Enrollment 2017 is just around the corner, now is the time to begin considering your NC health insurance options. 2016 has brought significant changes to the insurance marketplace.  Both United Healthcare and Aetna announced this year that they will be pulling out of North Carolina for 2017.  This means that Blue Cross Blue Shield NC may very well be the only company offering health plans in all 100 counties in North Carolina.  Cigna has filed for plans in a few select counties throughout the state as well.

The Open Enrollment Period offers residents of NC the opportunity to enroll in health insurance or make changes to their current policy.  New rates for 2017 health plans will be available by November 1st and at that time, you will be able to submit an application for coverage.  Keep in mind that plans will not be effective until January, 2017 so if you are currently uninsured, you may want to consider temporary coverage until the end of December, 2016.

Under the Affordable Care Act, federal subsidies will also be available for 2017 health plans for NC residents who qualify and will be based on the Federal Poverty Level Chart.  NC Residents who fall between the 100% and 400% federal poverty level and who do not have employer coverage available to them can apply for a subsidy to help reduce the cost of their health insurance.

Open Enrollment is an important time of year to obtain the health coverage you need for you and your family for 2017. For more information on North Carolina 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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, in conjunction with Blue Prime, recently announced a new alliance with Walgreens, one of the nation’s largest drugstore chains.  This alliance initiates a 10-year retail pharmacy agreement based on a “simple, low-cost approach” intended to provide savings to clients and BCBSNC members.  This agreement will be in effect as of January 1, 2017 and will include a Prime and Walgreens home delivery for prescription medications.  The agreement is not exclusive, meaning BCBSNC members will still have access to other pharmacies in addition to Walgreens.

The good news for North Carolina residents is that Walgreens has more than 260 store locations throughout the state and over 8000 locations nationwide.  That means more convenient access to the prescription drugs you need at a cost you can afford.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina continues to partner with health care providers such as Walgreens to help ensure members have the quality healthcare they deserve.

For more information on North Carolina 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.

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins in two short weeks and new Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plans and rates have been released!  For more information, you can request a quote and compare plans through our website nchealthplans.com.  At NC Health Plans we are committed to helping our Medicare customers understand and enroll in Medicare supplemental coverage as easily as possible.  Not only can everything be done from the comfort of your own home, a licensed agent is simply a phone call away.

Keep in mind, the Medicare Annual Enrollment period does not officially begin until October 15th and you cannot submit an application until that date, but now is the time to begin comparing plans and choosing what best suits your needs for the coming year.  The Enrollment period will end December 7th.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been serving NC residents for over 80 years and is a name you can trust when it comes to your Medicare needs.  For more information on North Carolina Medicare 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.

“In every [life] phase, you’ll be confronted with something that scares you. And you have to go into it being as fearless as you can.”

-Rebecca Minkoff

If you are Medicare eligible and moving or have recently moved to North Carolina, welcome! North Carolina is a beautiful state with a diverse landscape, a rich history and much to offer individuals of every age.  North Carolina is well-known as a great state for retirees and boasts one of the largest populations of military verterans in the country.  We think you will love NC, but let’s face it, moving is a big deal.  As a military spouse of 20 years, I’ve made my fair share of moves and it’s always an ordeal.  In addition to learning a new place and new people, there are a lot of logistics that require time and attention.  Health insurance is one of those logistical issues that can be overwhelming when you move, but we at NC Health plans are here to help.

As a Medicare recipient you have some important things to consider when moving.  If you are newly retiring and new to Medicare, you should begin researching your NC Medicare options.  You will want to get enrolled in Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) through the Social Security office.  Next, you will need to determine what kind of supplemental policy is best for you.  Keep in mind that Medicare Advantage plans are NC county specific so you will need to determine what is available in the county to which you are moving.

If you are already a Medicare recipient, your move to North Carolina opens an important window for you in which you are able to enroll in new supplemental coverage.  It’s important that you do not wait too long after your move to secure NC Medicare supplemental insurance as there are strict rules regarding application deadlines and your ability to enroll your plan with guaranteed issue.  Understanding these important time frames can save you a big headache down the road and make your transition to North Carolina much easier. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina announced today that they will be offering individual health insurance plans on the federal Marketplace for 2017!  This is good news for North Carolina residents and comes as a sigh of relief for consumers in the wake of Aetna’s announcement earlier this summer that they would no longer be participating in the ACA in NC.  Aetna was the second major health insurance company to pull out of the Market, following United Healthcare’s similar announcement in April.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC’s decision to participate in the Marketplace reaffirms the North Carolina-based company’s commitment to providing quality, sustainable health insurance to the residents of North Carolina.

For 2017, BCBSNC will be the only health insurance company offering Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans in all 100 counties of North Carolina, meaning the company will absorb over 250,000 more customers than originally anticipated.  In light of this news, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC announced they will be revising their initial rate filings, with new rates being public sometime in October.

Over the past two years, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has weathered Marketplace changes, reporting $405 million in losses on Affordable Care Act plans alone. These losses have played a major role in BCBSNC’s debate over whether to participate this coming year in the ACA and similar losses are what Aetna and United Healthcare cited as their reasons for exiting the market in 2016.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina reiterated today that they are “doing everything [they] can to make the ACA work for North Carolina.”  Without Blue Cross Blue Shield NC’s participation in the Marketplace, 600,000 residents of NC would be at risk of losing their coverage, which is not something the company was willing to risk.  “This is our home too,” says Brad Wilson in an article released by BCBSNC earlier today, “and it’s important that our families, friends and neighbors – our customer – have access to the coverage they need.”

For more information on North Carolina 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.