If you did not get health coverage previously under the Affordable Care Act, you can enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan for next year starting November 1st.  In addition, if you are already enrolled, you can make a change to your existing coverage or renew your plan for 2016.  Open Enrollment will end January 31st, 2016 and if you do not enroll in a plan during this time, you will not be able to obtain health coverage until 2017 unless you have a Qualifying Life Event.

There are at least three key components to choosing an ACA plan that is right for you and your family: Benefits, premiums and the network of doctors and hospitals.

Benefits:

All ACA plans are required to cover “10 essential health benefits” as defined under the law.  In addition, all individual plans must cover preventive health benefits entirely.

Beyond these requirements, consumers have choices when it comes to how much they pay out-of-pocket for covered services. Plans are divided into four metallic levels — bronze, silver, gold and platinum. As these names suggest, bronze plans have the highest deductibles and co-payments, while platinum plans have the lowest.  Inversely, bronze plans are typically cheaper on a monthly basis, while platinum level plans have the highest monthly premiums.

When shopping for a plan, review the “Summary of Benefits and Coverage,” which describes what the plan covers. Also be sure to review each plan’s prescription drug formulary to see what drugs are covered and how much you will be paying out of pocket.  Getting an idea of what plans interest you most prior to November 1st will help you be prepared for the enrollment process.

Premiums:

Health plans across the nation have been preparing customers for changes in rates from current plans for the new ACA enrollment period.  Generally speaking, the higher your out-of-pocket costs, the lower your premiums are. This tradeoff between rates and out-of-pocket costs is an important element to consider when shopping for coverage.

Federal subsidies help consumers pay for coverage through the ACA. If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, you do not have access to coverage through an employer, and you meet certain other requirements, you will be eligible for a federal subsidy to purchase a plan through the federal exchange.

Networks:

Another important consideration for consumers is whether their current physicians and hospitals are in-network. Going outside the plan’s network typically results in higher charges — sometimes significantly higher.  Some plans, especially HMO type plans, do not cover services provided outside their networks.

If you have had coverage before, or have a current plan, do not automatically assume your doctors will still be in-network for a new or renewed plan. It is best to check each time you go through an Open Enrollment period. All ACA plans are required to tell consumers which providers are in the plan’s networks and it is important for you to do your research.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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.

With back to school comes back to youth sports and if your children are participating, it’s important to make sure they are covered in case of accident or injury.  The soccer fields, football stadiums, volleyball courts, and swimming pools are full once again with school-aged children gearing up for a full season of team training and competitive sports.  Accidents and injuries are bound to occur and when they do, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered!

The facts are somewhat staggering.  A Safe Kids Worldwide survey of emergency room visits showed that more than a million times a year, a young athlete visits a hospital emergency room for a sports-related injury.  Among the top reasons for ER visits were sprains, strains, fractures, concussions, and abrasions.  Because more than 46 million kids participate in some form of youth sports, accidents can happen in almost any arena from cheerleading to baseball and the effects can be devastating.  Research shows that younger athletes take a longer time to heal than older athletes because their bodies are still growing and without the proper treatment, the injury sustained can be serious to life-long health.

Although typically schools require that children receive a sports physical before participating in youth sports, having children properly insured is not a requirement for participation in most cases.  Although children are required to have insurance under federal law, there are still many children participating in youth sports who are not properly covered in case of an unexpected injury or accident.  Whereas most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance in order to attend classes, younger athletes may remain uncovered.  Not only is a lack of coverage unsafe for the child, it’s hard on the wallet.  If your child sustains and injury and has to visit an Emergency Room, the average cost of an ER visit is roughly $1500!  Having the right amount of coverage can save you an enormous amount of money.

In addition, it is important for student athletes to make sure their bodies are rested.  Adding preventive and strengthening exercises as well as following proper techniques will also make a huge difference in helping them to avoid injury.  BCBSNC believes strongly in preventive care as part of every health plan offered, which is why preventive care services are covered at 100%.  In addition, for people under the age of 30 BCBSNC offers Catastrophic plans that are typically more affordable and will provide coverage in case of an emergency.  As a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, not only will your child get the preventive care he or she needs, your child will also be covered in case of accident or injury.  If your child plays sports, it makes sense to play it safe!

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.

But we are here to help!  At NC Health Plans, we are committed to making your enrollment in health coverage as easy as possible.  Our staff of licensed agents make it a priority to understand the laws regarding health insurance and are here to help guide you through the process of understanding your options, choosing a qualified health plan and enrolling in coverage that will meet your needs at a price you can afford.  We can help you determine whether or not you might qualify for a federal subsidy and can assist you in completing your subsidy application.  Or, if you are not interested in applying for a federal tax credit, we can help you apply for the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan of your choice off the Marketplace.

No matter what kind of health insurance your family needs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered.  With the broadest network of providers in the state of NC, you and your family can count on having an abundance of doctors and hospitals at your disposal for all of your health care needs.  If it’s time for you to enroll in health insurance, don’t stress!  Call NC Health Plans and let us help!

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.

How often you need a check-up can vary and is based on age and other risk factors.  The general rule of thumb is that if you are under 30 and healthy, don’t smoke, aren’t overweight, have no disease risk factors and don’t take prescription medications, a check-up every two years may suffice.  If you are female and sexually active, however, doctors recommend an annual Pap smear screen for cervical cancer starting at age 21.  If you are age 30-40 and healthy, you may still be able to visit your doctor every other year, provided you have no specific health risks.  However, for women 40 and over, a mammogram is recommended for baseline and should be repeated every 1 to 2 years.  Once you hit age 50, an annual physical is highly recommended.  Both men and women at that age should get a colonoscopy to screen for colon cancer.

Keep in mind that any risk factor, including smoking or being overweight, escalates the importance of an annual physical, no matter how old you are.  According to Doyle, “A person with diabetes, high blood pressure or high cholesterol, or one who is simply more susceptible to those conditions, can make lifestyle changes that are much more impactful that any pill….”  Knowing the condition of your own body is imperative in making those changes and practicing preventive care maintenance.

Every human being is different, with a different family history and health concerns.  Because of that fact, there is no pat answer for every person.  Still, a regular check-up is important for the following reasons:

1.  Even healthy people get sick:  Despite the fact that you may be in great physical condition, you could have underlying health issues that need routine care.  You can’t know your cholesterol level until you have it checked and knowing you have a problem gives you the opportunity to make lifestyle changes that could reduce your risk for things like heart attack and stroke.  Cancer screenings, mammograms and colonoscopy tests also become increasingly important as we age.  Hormone levels and thyroid function also need to be evaluated.  There is truth in the old adage, “Knowledge is Power,” and when it comes to your health you want all the knowledge you can get.  Even if you feel great, it’s important for your peace of mind to make sure there are no health issues lurking beneath the surface.

2.  You smoke, drink or don’t exercise:  If you happen to have an unhealthy habit, it becomes increasingly important for you to visit your primary care physician.  Let’s face it, very few of us are never guilty of an unhealthy choice, but we can still be wise about our health.  Being in the best possible physical condition according to your lifestyle is important and seeing your doctor annually can be a big part of preventive care maintenance.

3.  Everyone in your family died young or contracted a specific disease:   The main thing to keep in mind is that family history plays a big role in your personal health.  The key is to be proactive.  If a number of your immediate family members died of heart attacks, stroke, cancer or any other illness, make sure you let your doctor know.  Being honest about family history and other habits can maximize your physician’s ability to make sure you have the information and tools you need to stay healthy.  Having a doctor you trust and maintaining that relationship through regular check-ups may become important down the road if you are a higher risk for certain illnesses.

4.  Your health is your greatest asset:  It may seem like an annual physical exam is nothing more than a nuisance, but it should be a top priority.  If you are willing to spend time, money and energy on car maintenance or cat food, you should be willing to take a little time for yourself.  Without preventive care maintenance, everything would fall apart – our cars, our homes, and our bodies.  Whether you are a man, woman or child, a regular check-up is an important part of doing what you can to take care of yourself.

There is always an excuse why we can’t visit the doctor’s office for a physical.  A busy schedule, unusual work hours, fear of needles or budget issues are among the most common.  Many Americans, however, are routinely paying for health insurance, but never use it.  If you have access to quality medical care, take advantage of it.  Your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan, includes 100% coverage for preventive care.  If you are still uninsured, look into the possibility of obtaining health coverage.  With the provisions of the Affordable Care Act, you may likely qualify for a federal subsidy to help aid in paying your monthly premium.  The bottom line is do what it takes to take care of your health.  After all, your health is your greatest asset!

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.

Paying online has never been easier.  Members simply register online with Blue Connect using the Member ID or Subscriber number located on your health card and manage your payments right from your home computer.  Members paying online for their health coverage may choose to pay by bank draft, having premiums automatically deducted from a bank account on a recurring basis or by credit card, making a one-time initial payment OR having premiums automatically charged to a credit card on a recurring basis.  This allows members the freedom to choose the best and most effective payment method for paying monthly health premiums.

In addition to Visa and MasterCard, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC also now accepts Discover cards, giving members even more payment options, and if a member needs to update the credit card currently on file, they may do so through member services using Blue Connect.  Don’t forget that if you have purchased more than one policy, such as health and dental, you will be billed separately for each.  Discover the benefits of being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member today!

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.

Health insurance helps pay for these expenses, allowing you to concentrate on your health and recovery, not your medical bills. Your health care costs less when you have coverage.  Insurance companies negotiate with doctors and hospitals, getting lower rates for their customers. From office visits to emergency room visits, from simple procedures to surgery, the cost of medical treatment is much lower if you have insurance than if you don’t have insurance. A doctor visit that would cost $150 without insurance may cost only $70 with insurance. That’s a savings of over 50 percent.

Health insurance companies offer their customers special programs and resources — usually at no additional cost.  These programs can be very effective in helping you prevent disease, manage chronic conditions or recover more quickly from illness. And they are unavailable to the general public. You’re more likely to seek treatment, and at an earlier stage in an illness, if you have health insurance.

Studies show that people without health coverage tend to delay seeing a doctor, even when they know they’re sick. This means their condition is often more serious and more expensive by the time they get treatment. Having health insurance can spur you to take better care of yourself by getting the care you need, when you need it.

The above information is from a brochure by BCBSNC in 2011 and located at bcbsnc.com.

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.

You can select from Blue Advantage 100% plans with 0% co-insurance or Blue Options HSA high deductible plans coupled with a tax savings account.  Blue Advantage offers co-payments as low as $15.00 for your primary care physician and $30.00 for a specialist with 100%, 80/20 or 70/30 co-insurance.  If you are out of work or between jobs and need to lower your premiums, you can select from Plan B or Plan C, with higher office visit co-payments and co-insurance.   Want to reduce your premium more – look at our HSA Blue Options with deductibles as high as $10,000.00 for a family and $5,000.00 for an individual.

If you are looking for dental coverage, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers Dental Blue.   Select from any dentist, no waiting periods or deductible for preventive services. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has the largest network of doctors and hospitals in the State; they expand coverage to every State in the US and extend coverage to over 200 countries.  If you want to check and see if your doctor or hospital are in network, visit our site at www.nchealthplans.com and click on find doctor/hospital to begin your search.

Keep in mind, it can be cheaper to remove a dependent from your existing group plan if that individual is in good health.  If you would like to apply today and see how you can lower your premiums and keep the best coverage with the best company, click here.  You do not pay any premium when you initially apply, once your application has been approved you can elect to enroll or decline the coverage.   Explore group health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and provide coverage to your employees. 

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 qualified 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.