Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been providing quality, affordable health insurance to the residents of NC since 1933, but many members are concerned about recent or future rate increases.  In fact, it’s all over national news – the cost of health insurance is on the rise.  But do you know why?  Truthfully, it’s a complicated answer.  One of the reasons insurance premiums are going up, however, is because of the growing number of Emergency Room visits occurring on a regular basis.  Despite the fact that most people know the ER is rarely the most efficient place to get health care, many Americans still utilize the ER in non-emergency situations.  And the Emergency Room is expensive! (more…)