Almost every year, listed among the top 10 New Year’s resolutions are a desire to lose weight, a desire to stay fit and healthy, and a desire to quit smoking.  Not surprisingly, 2015 is no different.  Of course, as we all know there is a big difference between a desire to do something and a determination to make something happen and most of that difference hinges on the word resolve.  Webster’s Dictionary defines resolve as “a definite and serious decision to do something” and it defines the word resolution as “the act of determining or solving a conflict or problem.”  This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages you to make some healthy resolutions and to make a BCBSNC health plan part of your healthier new year.

Perhaps your goal is to shed some extra pounds or make lifestyle changes that will help you be more fit.  Becoming a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member gives you immediate access to Blue Connect, a new personalized way to manage not only your health care needs, but also your fitness goals.  Blue Connect partners with every BCBSNC member in preventive care maintenance by allowing you to track your daily fitness, weight loss goals and nutrition plans as well as helping you link the fitness apps you already use as part of your daily wellness regimen.  This will help you manage your fitness or weight loss resolutions and put you on the road to a healthier 2015.  Also, don’t forget that every Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan covers preventive care at 100%, giving you the peace of mind of knowing you can stay well.

As always, before starting any weight loss or fitness program, consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect your participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

If quitting smoking is your 2015 New Year’s Resolution, then Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers a substantial incentive toward that goal as well.  Did you know you can save 20% on your health insurance policy simply by becoming a non-smoker?  If you are currently paying a premium rate based on being a smoker, resolving to quit smoking in 2015 and sticking with it for twelve months will offer you the opportunity to appeal for a rate change based on a new non-smoker status.  Being a smoke free member of BCBSNC will not only increase your overall wellness, it can actually put money back in your wallet.

We all know resolutions are easy to make and hard to keep.  In fact, studies show that typically only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions are actually carried out, but percentages don’t write stories.  People do!  2015 is a New Year and you get to write your own story.  Becoming a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member could be one of the best resolutions you ever make toward a happier, healthier year.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is bringing in the New Year with a whole new look, but it isn’t simply cosmetic.  Blue Connect will replace My Member Services starting January 1st, 2015 and although the changes are big, they were made with you and your family in mind.  We live in a fast paced, media-driven world and BCBSNC is setting the standard for keeping you and your health care needs connected in an innovative and user friendly way.  In fact, when you become a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, you don’t just get an insurance policy.  You get a partner in healthy living.  Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Connect allows you the opportunity to see not only your policy and premium, but how your money is being spent, where you can save an extra dollar and how much of your deductible has been exhausted.  With a personalized webpage that graphs how your family is using your health care dollars, you can make sure you are getting the most out of your insurance policy.

In addition, Blue Connect wants to partner with you in preventive care maintenance by allowing you to track your daily fitness, weight loss goals and nutrition plans as well as helping you link the fitness apps you already use as part of your daily wellness regimen.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina knows that preventive care is the most important part of living a healthy lifestyle and Blue Link provides you with a place to integrate and manage all of your wellness goals and data.  If a healthier lifestyle is part of your New Year’s resolution, then this is the place to start.

In fact, finding a doctor or hospital in your area has never been easier with Blue Connect’s updated and improved Health Navigator.  Find Primary Care Physicians, Specialists and Mental Health Care Providers in your area, plus read reviews on these health care providers from other Blue Cross Blue Shield members.  You can research which plans certain providers accept and Blue NAV will tell you which tier those doctors and hospitals fall into.  With Blue Connect, there is never a reason you can’t stay in network with a doctor or hospital you have researched and reviewed.

Allowing you to manage everything from mail order prescriptions to finding the best pediatrician in your local area, Blue Connect is a friendly personal assistant for all your family’s health care needs.  It’s a new year and with all the changes in insurance due to the Affordable Care Act and subsidy eligibility, you may have more questions than ever.  With pertinent news and information on both your insurance policy as well as steps you can take toward preventive care, Blue Connect is your family’s new healthcare hub for 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a subsidy, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.