As many North Carolina residents are aware, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC experienced one of the toughest years to date in terms of customer service and problematic technical issues.  Earlier this month, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina signed a Voluntary Settlement Agreement with the Department of Insurance and were fined $3.6 million dollars as a civil penalty.  In accordance with the settlement, the disbursement of the record-breaking fine will go to benefit the public schools in North Carolina.  According to Assistant Director of Public Information for the North Carolina Department of Insurance Colin Day, this is “the largest fine ever issued to a single company by the department.”

Also in accordance with the settlement, BCBSNC customer premiums will not be impacted by the fine and Blue Cross Blue Shield has asserted that the fine will have “no bearing” on their decision to participate in the ACA for 2017.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plans to announce by late September whether or not they will be offering individual health plans in NC on the Marketplace for the upcoming year.

Following the settlement agreement, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC released the following statement:

“We’ve reviewed the Department of Insurance’s Voluntary Settlement Agreement and have paid the amount for our technological problems. We have been actively addressing these issues, and expect to be stronger as a result of this process. We remain committed to our customers and the communities of North Carolina, and are deeply sorry for the challenges that this created for our customers and providers.“

With United Healthcare and Aetna exiting the Marketplace earlier this year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina may be the only company offering individual health plans to the residents of North Carolina in all 100 counties, with Cigna possibly playing a small role in a few select counties as well.  The voluntary settlement reaffirms BCBSNC’s commitment to the residents of North Carolina and their continued effort to remain a viable and trusted player in the NC health insurance market.

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.

With Open Enrollment 2017 just around the corner, you may be hearing a lot of talk about the Health Insurance Marketplace.  You also may be wondering exactly what a Health Insurance Marketplace is and how it will affect you and your ability to enroll in a health plan. Basically, a Health Insurance Marketplace, also called a Health Exchange, is an organization set up to facilitate the purchase of health insurance in each state under the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (ACA), also known as Obamacare.  Some states have elected to run their own Marketplace or Exchange, while other states are a part of the federal Exchange.  North Carolina is a part of the federal Marketplace.

For North Carolina residents who do not have access to employer based insurance, the Marketplace (Exchange) provides access to individual health plans offered by private insurance companies.  As of September 1, 2016, the only company in North Carolina considering continuing offering health plans on the Marketplace in 2017 is Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.  If you are applying for a federal subsidy or premium tax credit you are required to enroll a Marketplace plan.  All Marketplace plans offer ten essential benefits, including preventive care, and ask no health questions regarding preexisting conditions. (more…)

The NC Health Insurance landscape has changed dramatically since the Affordable Care Act (ACA) was signed into law in 2010 and implemented in 2014.  Otherwise known as Obamacare, the ACA was the single biggest change in health insurance history since Medicare took effect in 1965.  Over the last six years, North Carolinians have seen significant changes in how they purchase health insurance, what is available to them as consumers, how health insurance effects their taxes, and how much it will cost to insure themselves and their families.  In fact, in 2015 health insurance in North Carolina saw some of the biggest rate increases in history with the average cost of plans increasing over 25%.

As Open Enrollment 2017 approaches, North Carolina, as well as many other states across the nation, are experiencing a new upheaval as some of the largest insurance companies in the U.S are pulling out of the ACA Market altogether.  In April 2016, United Healthcare announced that it would pull out of most of the nation’s exchanges, including North Carolina, which was a big hit to the residents of the state, leaving only two companies offering individual health insurance plans.  A statement by UnitedHealth Group cited a “smaller overall market size and shorter-term, higher-risk profile within this market” as the reason the company chose to exit.

But that was just the beginning.   (more…)

If you are a Medicare recipient, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will begin October 15, 2016 and end on December 7, 2016. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) allows beneficiaries to enroll a plan, with coverage effective January 1st, 2017.  During Medicare AEP, Medicare beneficiaries may make any change to their Medicare benefits, including dropping, adding or changing Part D Prescription Drug plans. This period allows you to switch from one plan to another based on your current medical needs or because of changes to your current health plan that may require you to enroll in something new. The Annual Enrollment Period is important because if you miss it, you may not be able to make changes again until fall of 2017.

Keep in mind that although you are not allowed to submit an application prior to October 15th, now is the time to begin researching your NC Medicare options. Reevaluate your health care needs and see if your current plan is offering sufficient coverage benefits.  Your current Medicare plan may also make changes, such as an increase in monthly premium or availability in your area.  Make sure you are aware of any changes that might affect you so you are prepared on October 15th to make any necessary adjustments. (more…)

It’s back to school and NC Health Plans encourages preventive care for your school-aged children!  Here are some simple steps you can take to help keep your kids healthy this school year.

1.  Make sure your student washes his or her hands regularly.  School nurses encourage parents not only to emphasize the importance of hand washing, but also to teach your children how and when to wash their hands.  Stress the importance of keeping fingers away from eyes, nose and mouth and how to cover any coughs and sneezes using elbows instead of hands.
2.  Provide a nutritious diet.  Nothing beats a little protein every morning to help kids’ brains in gear for the new day
3. Making sure kids get enough sleep.  Most studies agree that children need between 9 and 11 hours of sleep to work and play optimally.
4. Stay up to date on immunizations.  Also, make sure you keep your kids home from school when they do fall sick so that they have an opportunity to rest and recover and other children are not affected.  This will minimize the spread of illnesses.  Most schools require that students stay home for at least 24 hours after a fever subsides, but some children may require more time to ensure a full recovery.
5. Provide your child with a pack of disinfectant wipes and hand-sanitizer to keep in their desk.  This is always a good idea and sure to be appreciated by their teacher.
6. Before they start school, make sure your child has a preventive care checkup.  If your child is not currently insured, consider obtaining a health insurance policy that allows you to keep them up to date on wellness visits and vaccinations.  Open Enrollment begins November 1st and you can enroll your child in a policy at this time.

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.

Enrolling in Medicare means you have new choices in terms of health coverage, but not every Medicare plan is the same.  At NC Health Plans we know how important it is for you to fully understand what transitioning into Medicare may mean for you in terms of your health care. In fact, we are committed to helping you understand your Medicare options and determine which Medicare plan offers you the coverage and benefits you need.

Don’t wait!  About six months prior to your 65th birthday you should begin your Medicare research.  Make it a priority to understand what your Original Medicare (Parts A and B) covers and what it doesn’t cover.  Look closely at obtaining a Medicare Supplement, which can help fill in the gaps not covered by Medicare.  Although Original Medicare is offered by the federal government, in most cases a Medicare supplement plan is needed to offset health costs.

Talk with a licensed agent.  Medicare is complicated and it is of utmost importance that you understand enrollment periods and how those periods will affect your ability to obtain supplemental coverage.  Missing important enrollment periods can make your enrollment process much more complicated.  As licensed agents, we will help you through the transition and make sure you are notified of important dates and deadlines that affect your Medicare coverage.

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.

As Open Enrollment 2017 approaches, you may still have questions about health insurance under the Affordable Care Act (otherwise known as Obamacare) and what you need to do to make sure you and your family have the coverage you need at the most cost-effective price available.  Having a licensed agent as your point of contact is one of the best ways to get the answers you need.  Below are some of the questions we are most frequently asked here at NC Health Plans along with our answers:

1. Do I have to have health insurance?  Yes you do.  Under the Affordable Care Act, you are required by law to carry health insurance or be subject to a tax penalty.
2. How much is the penalty for not having insurance?  In 2016, the tax penalty is $695 per person or 2.5% of your income, whichever is higher.  The penalty will likely increase in 2017.
3. Can I be exempt from the penalty?  Yes.  Under certain circumstances, you may obtain a tax exemption.  Visit the government website for a complete list of tax exemption reasons.
4. Do I qualify for a federal subsidy?  You may.  Federal subsidies are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income (predicted for 2017) and the number of people on your tax return.  For help determining whether or not you qualify, visit www.nchealthplans.com or call 888-765-5400 to speak with a licensed agent.
5. What if my income changes over the course of the year?  You are required to update any income changes with the federal Marketplace.  A failure to do could result in you having to pay back a portion of your premium tax credit.
6. Do I have to enroll through the federal Marketplace (Exchange)?  No; however, you do have to have an ACA compliant plan to avoid a tax penalty. You do not have to get your plan through the federal Marketplace and Blue Cross Blue Shield offers plans both on and off the Marketplace so if you do not qualify for a federal subsidy, you may want to apply directly.

Obtaining health insurance doesn’t have to be a headache.  At NC Health Plans we utilize the most up-to-date online and telephone application process available to help make the enrollment process easy and are available to answer any questions you may have about your health insurance needs.  2017 quotes for BCBSNC health insurance will be available November 1st, when Open Enrollment begins.  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.

“Sometimes the eyes can say more than the mouth.” -unknown

Many ACA health insurance plans do not offer vision coverage for routine eye exams, frames, lenses or contacts, which can leave you with a gap in benefits and a big out of pocket expense.  Having a vision insurance plan can assist you in maintaining routine eye care and will even help pay for contacts and glasses should you need them.

Eye exams are important for individuals of all ages because they can assist in identifying any problems with vision, as well as other health issues.  In addition, during a comprehensive eye exam, your eye doctor will not only determine if you need prescription glasses or contacts, but also check for diseases of the eye such as glaucoma, which is important for your overall wellness.  As with all types of health care, preventive maintenance is always the best option and your eyes are no different.

For as little as $11.40 a month, you can make sure your eyes are covered and can save hundreds of dollars on contacts, glasses and more.  A vision plan is a smart and inexpensive way to protect one of your most important assets. (more…)

With health insurance premiums on the rise, people are looking for creative solutions to help alleviate the financial burden of health care expenses.  If you are currently uninsured, but need some relief when it comes to paying for medical expenses and prescription drugs, a Prescription Discount Card could be the solution.  The Discount Card is not traditional health insurance, but it can help you save 10-50% on qualified health care services. In addition, your Discount Card can help save you money on weight management programs, fitness centers, and other wellness-related products and services.

As a Discount Card member, you will receive discounts on all sorts of health care products and services from participating health care professionals, including retail chains and online providers.  This includes doctor visits, urgent care, specialists, physical therapy and more.  You can also save 18-20% on generic and name brand prescription drugs at leading drugstores and supermarkets, which sometimes price leading drugs below the discount rate.  With the minimum discount guarantee, however, you are guaranteed to receive the lowest price available at that drugstore or supermarket on that day (this guarantee does not apply to pharmacies), meaning you can be sure to get your prescription drugs at the most affordable price.   Your card can be used at drugstores nationwide, including Costco, K-Mart, Rite-Aid, Target, Walmart and many more.

The application process is simple and your Discount Card can be used to save on health care products and services for you, your spouse, and your dependent children.  Your Discount Card can also work in conjunction with other health plans you may have such as Critical Illness or Temporary Health.

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.

NC Health Plans offers short term health insurance for qualified individuals over the age of 19 or students who are not yet 19 can be on a short term policy with a parent or guardian.  These plans can begin as soon as the very next day so your student will not have to miss even one day of class time!

College students are one of the largest demographics of uninsured Americans and universities and colleges all over the country are mandating coverage in order to change that statistic. Over the last few years, more and more colleges and universities have insisted on health insurance as a prerequisite to enrollment as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness.

Although some colleges and universities offer health insurance on a semester basis, many student policies end during the months when school is not in session, which can leave a big gap in coverage.  Even further, many health plans offered by schools are quite expensive or don’t offer the depth or quality of coverage many students need.  So what is the answer?

A good option is temporary health insurance.  (more…)

Transitioning into Medicare can be an overwhelming prospect.  With Original Medicare Parts A and B, Part D Prescription coverage, NC Medicare Supplements, and various other Medicare options, it can be tough to figure out which plan is best for you.  While understanding Medicare and what it covers may seem daunting, at NC Health Plans we want to make enrollment as easy as possible.  We make it our job to understand Medicare and are here to assist you through the process from beginning to end.  Here are a few things to keep in mind as you begin researching your Medicare options.

Not Everyone is Eligible for Medicare:

• You must be age 65 or older OR you must be eligible due to a disability or End-Stage Renal Disease.
• You or your spouse must have been employed for at least 10 years.
• You must be a United States citizen or a permanent resident.

If you do not meet these requirements, you can contact the Medicare office (1-800- MEDICARE) to find out if you are eligible to apply under other special circumstances.

There are specific Enrollment periods for Medicare:

You cannot enroll in Medicare whenever you choose.  The federal government has established specific enrollment periods and if you do not enroll during these times, you could pay a penalty in addition to your premium.  Understanding these enrollment periods is very important. (more…)

NC Health Plans offers temporary student health insurance for qualified individuals over the age of 19 or students who are not yet 19 can be on a short term policy with a parent or guardian.  These plans can begin as soon as the very next day so your student will not have to miss even one day of class time!

College students tend to be one of the largest demographics of uninsured Americans and universities and colleges all over the country are mandating coverage in order to change that statistic. Over the last few years, more and more colleges and universities have joined the insurance bandwagon as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness.  Most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance before students can begin taking classes, which can present an interesting problem.

College classes typically begin in late August or early September, but Open Enrollment for health insurance does not begin until November, with plans taking effect in January.  Unless you have a qualifying life event, you will not be able to enroll in an ACA-approved qualified health plan outside of Open Enrollment and that can leave parents and new students who are uninsured in a bind.

The good news is that many colleges and universities offer health insurance on a semester basis.  The bad news is that many university policies end during the months when school is not in session, which can leave a big gap in coverage.  Even further, many health plans offered by schools are quite expensive or don’t offer the depth or quality of coverage many students need.  So what is the answer?

A good option is short term health insurance. (more…)