Blue Advantage and Blue Select

Blue Advantage and Blue Select are the names used to describe the largest network of doctors and hospitals available under Blue Cross NC plans. The Blue Advantage network is the broadest network, with over 95% of doctors and hospitals in North Carolina. Like Blue Advantage plans, Blue Select plans are also a broad network plan. However, the Blue Select network is broken down into two tiers. Blue Select policy holders will find that a bit more management is required when determining a facilities tier. For example, one may have different copayments for specialist visits depending on if they visit a Tier 1 or Tier 2 provider.

Blue Value

The Blue Value network option is a more limited network than Blue Advantage or Blue Select. However, enrolling in a Blue Value plan can help you save money. Where these plans lack in flexibility to see a broad network of doctors and facilities, you will find that Blue Value options offer lower monthly premiums. If your zip code falls  within the Triangle region of North Carolina, you will find the Blue Value plans are with UNC Health Alliance. Doing your research and checking to see if your doctor is in-network is necessary when enrolling in a Blue Value plan. If you are planning on visiting a specific doctor, specialist, or medical facility, it is a good idea to call the provider to confirm the network.

Blue Local

Blue Local with Atrium Health is the most limited of the four BCBSNC networks. This network with Atrium Health (also known as Carolinas HealthCare System) is available to Charlotte-area residents, including Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, and Union County. Like the Blue Value network, enrolling in a Blue Local plan will be a less expensive plan option, but have a more restrictive network. If you were to visit a doctor or facility outside of Atrium Health, then you would pay out-of-network rates.

Understanding these four network options will give you a great advantage when navigating available health insurance plans. A little research could potentially translate to savings on monthly premiums and the cost of care. CLICK HERE to generate a custom quote and discover what BCBSNC network options are available to you.

If you have made a plan change this year or were migrated to a new Blue Cross Blue Shield NC network for 2016, it is especially important for you to verify whether or not your doctor accepts your new plan.  You can do this through the BCBSNC Find a Doctor Tool, but we also recommend calling your provider to double check.

Having this information before you get sick or experience an emergency can help save you from any unexpected out-of-network charges.  It will also help you make the best decision about which providers you use in various circumstances.  As with most things in life, doing a little research now can save you a lot of headache down the road.

Open Enrollment does not officially end until January 31st so you still have time to make any necessary adjustments to your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan.  Remember, however, that in order to make a plan change after January 31, 2016 you will need to have experienced a Qualifying Life Event, which means oftentimes you will not be able to make changes at all until next year’s Open Enrollment period.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of 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.

Here’s what you should know about your plan:
+ The rate you pay for health insurance has always changed due to rising medical costs, but your rate may increase even more because of changes under health care reform. Some of the changes include increased benefits and new taxes and fees.
+ You may qualify for new federal subsidies that can help offset your monthly premium.
+ On October 1, log into Member Services and we will link you to the Health Insurance Marketplace so you can confirm subsidy
eligibility and ensure maximized savings.
+ Another way to save on premium costs is to consider one of the many new, low cost plan options such as Blue Value or Blue Select.

For more information on 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 professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obama care. Call us for details.

Information from a BCBSNC publication on 8/12/13.

Blue Value is one of these options.  The coverage you need, the savings you want. Blue Value features the lowest costs of all our plans. This plan offers:

+ Quality, cost-effective coverage
+ A limited network of providers and pharmacies
+ Prescription drug requirement

For more information on 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 professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

Information from a BCBSNC publication on 8/12/13.