At NC Health Plans, summer is our favorite time of year; however, summer can be stressful!  Although summer may seem like the time of year that should have the least amount of stress, oftentimes the fast-paced, vacation-packed, activity-driven summer months can be demanding and exhausting.  Stress is a normal psychological and physiological response to the ever-increasing demands of daily life, but it can wreak havoc on the human body. In fact, surveys show that many Americans suffer from stress at some point during the year and is it any wonder?  Managing the pressures of work, home, and family can be taxing to say the least and the stress created can take a toll on both body and mind.  For that reason, stress management is an increasingly important part of preventive care, even during the summer months.

One way to manage stress effectively is to practice relaxation.  In fact, developing relaxation techniques is an essential part of stress management.  If you are an overachiever, you may put relaxation low on your priority list, but don’t shortchange yourself.  Purposeful relaxation intended to recharge your mind and body is widely recognized as an important habit of highly effective individuals. (more…)

Summer is flying by and it won’t be long until Open Enrollment begins for 2017.  In fact, now is the time to start thinking about your health insurance needs for the coming year and getting prepared.  For many North Carolinians, 2016 saw an increase in insurance premiums as well as changes in long-standing networks.  Enrollment issues with the federal Marketplace and customer service issues across the board left many BCBSNC members feeling weary and frustrated.  As insurance agents, we understand those frustrations.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has worked tirelessly over the last few months to update information, improve communication, and meet the challenges presented by the ACA market.  On June 9th, BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson told the News and Observer, “While some critics of the law are saying ‘I told you so,’ I believe we need to take a more constructive tone toward making sure the ACA is in fact sustainable for the long haul” (Read full article).

And that is just what Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is doing. (more…)

Although Medicare Supplement benefits are standard under federal law, there are benefits to being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member.  Not only does BCBSNC have a substantial presence in North Carolina, they are a name you can trust when it comes to your health insurance needs.  In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has been serving the residents of North Carolina for over 80 years providing consumer-focused, high-quality health insurance.

For Medicare recipients, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the same high standard of customer care providing Medicare Supplement plans at a competitive price.  BCBSNC Medicare Supplement members also have access to added benefits like Blue to Blue, a program allowing members to change from one Supplement plan to another once a year without undergoing medical underwriting.  This means if your health care needs change, you can choose a new plan to accommodate your  changing circumstances.

In addition, BCBSNC partners with Silver and Fit to offer members access to local gyms and exercise facilities at a significantly reduced price.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in promoting preventive care and Silver and Fit helps Medicare recipients maintain health and wellness, while also providing for regular exercise and social engagement. (more…)

My kids love Mexican food and so do I.  The problem is that a lot of Mexican food is really unhealthy and can leave you feeling weighed down.  This recipe for Santa Fe Chicken Saute from Campbell’s Kitchen, however, highlights the lighter, springier side of Mexican food and offers you a delicious and healthy alternative to your everyday enchiladas.

It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be thrown together on a busy school night and served up with a salad in about 30 minutes.  Although it does call for some canned food, like black beans and tomato soup, it also incorporates fresh or frozen kernel corn, fresh cilantro, and green onions.  This dish is perfect over a bed of rice or quinoa and if your family likes avocado, a fresh slice of avocado on top adds flavor, color and a healthy dose of good fat. (more…)

Spring is in the air and if you are looking for easy and delicious ways to improve your mood, energy level, skin tone and brain power, these super foods may be just what the doctor ordered.  In many ways, food is the very best medicine if used correctly and BCBSNC and NC Health Plans believe in preventive care maintenance. This spring, try eating your way to a healthier, happier, more whole you!  Below are some foods that can give you the nutrients you need: (more…)

My Grandfather was a tobacco farmer in rural North Carolina and he said retirement was a strange kind of irony.  He had more free time than ever before in his life to do things, but he also had less strength and energy. Of course, my Grandfather was a part of a generation that thought a lot about hard work, but not a lot about exercise.  Over the years, what research has proven is that staying active and physically fit is more important than ever as we age.  In fact, maintaining a regular fitness routine can actually help combat the negative effects of aging, such as the lack of strength or energy my Grandfather complained about.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina promotes wellness and preventive care at every age, and although I’m not sure my Grandfather ever would have considered participating in any of the following activities, here are some great ways you can stay in good shape well into your Senior years. (more…)

Ready or not, if you are turning 65, life is changing.  Perhaps you are ready to retire and catch up on some traveling.  Perhaps you intend to keep working a bit longer, but are planning to put in a few less hours.  No matter what your 65th birthday brings, you can be sure of one thing.  Your health insurance options are going to change significantly.  Being prepared for Medicare is one of the smartest things you can do as you approach this major milestone and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help.

Here are some things you can do to prepare: (more…)

If you are turning 65 and are newly eligible for Medicare, you may be asking yourself this important question:  Is Medicare enough coverage to meet your health care needs?  Here are some facts to keep in mind as you are exploring your Medicare options:

Medicare Parts A and B, which are also known as Original Medicare, are run by the federal government and if you have these two parts, the government will pay the doctors and hospitals you visit.  However, not every expense will necessarily be covered and you may want to consider a Medicare Supplement. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a strong advocate of preventive care and according to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in America.  In fact, taking care of your heart may be one of the most important things you can do to improve your health and increase longevity, but how can you improve heart health?  Truthfully, it’s nothing we don’t already know, but a few small, deliberate changes this year could make all the difference.

Here are 5 easy things you can do to improve the condition of your heart: (more…)

One of the toughest things about health insurance is understanding the importance of continuing coverage during the months, or possibly even years, when it seems like you never really use your policy.  Now that monthly premiums are on the rise, you may be asking yourself if health insurance is really worth maintaining.  As licensed insurance agents, we often talk with people who obtain health coverage, possibly have a needed surgery or procedure, and then consider cancelling their policy.

Although that may seem like a logical financial decision, it’s important to understand that health insurance is not something you get because you are injured or ill, but rather something you maintain in case you are injured or become ill.  (more…)

Are you a small business owner?  Or, perhaps your company is opening a new office in North Carolina and you are interested in providing your employees with group health insurance.  If so, consider a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina group health insurance plan.

Group health insurance is often less expensive than individual insurance and is a great way to give your employees a perk.   In addition, group insurance can help employers by providing certain tax benefits.  What an employer contributes towards the health insurance coverage of their employees is a deductible business expense and in some small group cases may even qualify for a tax credit.  In addition, employees can often pay for their share of group health premiums using pre-tax dollars.  Pre-tax treatment of employee contributions saves employee’s money and it reduces net taxable payroll.  These same tax benefits do not apply to individual health insurance.

If you are interested in providing group coverage to your employees, talk with one of our licensed and professional agents to discuss your options.  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.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, unlike many of the companies offering coverage through the health insurance Marketplace, provides plans that cover you both in-network as well as out-of-network.  Having out-of-network coverage when it counts can make an enormous difference in your out-of-pocket expenses.  It’s important, however, to find out ahead of time whenever possible whether or not your provider is in network with your plan.  Because you will pay more for out-of-network coverage, knowing which doctors and hospitals accept your plan is one of the best ways you can manage your health care costs. (more…)