At NC Health Plans, we love summer!  But did you know that extended periods of rest are actually important to your health?  According to the New York Times, taking a vacation can actually improve your physical health and both men and women who take a vacation every two years compared to every six, will lesson the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks.  Elaine Eaker, author of a study by the Framingham Heart Study, confirms saying “this is real evidence that vacations are important to your physical health.”

Similar to exercise, which requires periods of strenuous activity followed by periods of rest to maximize training effects, periods of work combined with periods of relaxation maximize productivity.  According to about.com, taking time off to rejuvenate will help insulate you from the symptoms of burnout that can arise from accumulated pressure making you “more creative and productive than your overworked, under-rested counterparts.”  Ellen Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University told CNN that mindless, uninterrupted routines tend to result in boredom, which hinders creativity and mindfulness. (more…)

Happy Father’s Day from NC Health Plans!  Traditionally, breakfast in bed is a Mother’s Day kind of treat, but last year at Father’s Day we suggested trying it out for Dad and my kids loved it.  In fact, in our home my husband seems to have a lot easier time laying in bed all morning than I do, so I thought we would continue the tradition.

Breakfast, however, can be a tricky meal to provide for men as they often prefer something heartier and meatier than french toast and strawberries.  Luckily, I found this little Father’s Day treat from Food Network that I’m certain will please the Dad in your life, not to mention any kids who may be hoping to share a few bites of Dad’s breakfast in bed.

In my opinion, Breakfast Burgers are the perfect Father’s Day surprise and can be made easily using simple ingredients you probably already have in your refrigerator.  Get the recipe and get started!  This Father’s Day, show your appreciation for the guy who helps make life possible by letting him enjoy a delicious Breakfast Burger in bed.

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 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

If you are currently enrolled in a high deductible health plan and are looking for relief, the Out of Pocket Protection
Plan is an inexpensive way to eliminate or reduce high out of pocket healthcare expenses.  The Out of Pocket Protection Plan helps pay your deductible up to $6350 as well as other copayments, and the benefits are paid directly to you in addition to any other coverage you may have. As an added benefit, this plan offers an Emergency Accident Benefit that pays $250 in case of accidents, up to four times a year.  If you are confined in a hospital as a resident inpatient, the Out of Pocket Protection Plan will pay the inpatient benefit you select (either $100 or $200) for up to ten days per hospital confinement.  That could amount to thousands of dollars back in your pocket!

With NC health insurance premiums on the rise, many people have chosen to enroll a health plan with a higher deductible in order to make their monthly premium more affordable.  Many short term or temporary health plans also have high deductibles that can be difficult to meet.  Although high deductible plans are a good way to keep health insurance costs under control, when you or a family member actually needs health care, it can be a big hit to your wallet. (more…)

Temporary health insurance is becoming increasingly popular in the ACA market.  Due to rising health insurance premiums and stricter guidelines on enrollment periods, many people are turning to short term insurance as a long-term solution.  Because short term health plans are not subject to the laws of the ACA, they are less-expensive and can be purchased outside of Open Enrollment.  For individuals and families who have either missed Open Enrollment or who simply cannot afford an ACA-approved Qualified Health Plan, short term coverage is a viable option. (more…)

If you or a loved one has ever been faced with an accident or illness that requires skilled nursing care, physical therapy, speech therapy or other types of home health care, you know how important it is to be able to recover at home comfortably and free of financial stress.  Perhaps you have aging parents and are concerned how a sudden illness or unforseen accident might affect your ability to care for them without having to admit them into a nursing home or assisted living facility.  Or maybe it’s you or your spouse that could possibly need at home health care. Either way, a Home Health Care policy can help.

For as little as $12.15 monthly, a Home Health Care policy pays benefits directly to you and in addition to other NC health insurance you may have, including Medicare.   (more…)

In today’s NC health insurance market, high deductibles are a real problem for many individuals and families.  With insurance premiums on the rise, however, many people have chosen to enroll a health plan with a higher deductible in order to make their monthly premium more affordable.  Unfortunately, the trade off is more out of pocket expense.  Although high deductible plans are a good way to keep health insurance costs under control, when you or a family member actually needs health care, it can be a big hit to your wallet.  In a good year when everyone stays healthy, it might not be a problem, but should someone on your health plan need an unusual amount of care, it can create unexpected bills and unnecessary debt.  If you are currently enrolled in a high deductible health plan and are looking for relief, the Out of Pocket Protection Plan is an inexpensive way to eliminate or reduce high out of pocket healthcare expenses. (more…)

Now that I have four children of my own, I appreciate my mom like never before.  In fact, on Mother’s Day I refuse to think about calories and sugar and simply want to bake (and eat!) something special.  Last year for Mother’s Day we posted a delicious Coconut Cake recipe because coconut is one of my mom’s favorite treats.  This year, I found a beautiful and delicious Dream Cake recipe from myrecipes.com highlighting another of my mom’s favorite springtime splurges – strawberries. (more…)

The NC health insurance market is changing, causing consumers to look for new ways to make sure their health care needs are met at a price they can afford.  For instance, there has been a marked decrease in the public’s interest in long-term care insurance over the last few years and there are many reasons for the decline. Due to more and also more expensive claims, as well as the waning economy over the last few years and the impact that has had on insurance companies, the premiums for long-term care policies have spiked, making them unaffordable for many consumers.  In fact, according to the American Association for Long-Term Care Insurance the average cost of LTC insurance premiums can be as high as $3500 annually and for people living on a fixed income, that becomes difficult, if not impossible, to afford.

For this reason, only about 8 million Americans have long-term care insurance, despite the fact that there are around 45 million Americans who are age 65 and older.  Because people are living well into their 80’s and 90’s, the possibility of needing a long-term care policy is greatly increasing; however, affordability has become a huge problem.  Many people are looking for other options. (more…)

The health insurance market has changed dramatically under the Affordable Care Act and it continues to change every year.  2016 brought a greater than anticipated rise in the cost of health insurance premiums across the board and many Americans are now wondering what other options are available.  Although in the past short term health insurance plans were primarily geared toward individuals who needed to fill a gap in health coverage due to a move, a job change, or recent graduation, many people are now taking a closer look at the benefits of temporary health insurance policies.

In terms of affordability, short term health insurance plans are typically much less expensive than regular health insurance policies.  Because they do not have to cover the 10 essential benefits required under the ACA, short term plans have much lower monthly premiums and are an excellent way to make sure you have coverage in case of an unexpected accident or illness.  Many temporary plans also include copayments for doctor visits as well as prescription drug coverage. (more…)

Under the ACA, you are now required to have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) in order to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment.  A Qualifying Life Event is some kind of special circumstance that allows you to enroll in coverage under a Special Enrollment Period and some common QLE’s include loss of access to minimum essential coverage through an employer or Medicaid, a move to North Carolina or to a different zip code within NC, or adding a dependent through birth or adoption.

If you do not have one of the life events, however, you will be unable to enroll in health coverage until the next Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2016 with coverage starting January 1, 2017.  Unfortunately, this rule excludes many individuals and can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a health insurance plan.  If you find yourself in this position you may be asking:  What can I do to get health insurance? (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…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to promoting well-being and preventive care for its senior members.  In an effort to provide older members with a benefit for staying fit, BCBSNC partners with American Specialty Health to offer the Silver & Fit program.  The Silver & Fit program is designed for older adults and provides access to a variety of fitness facilities from national chains to small community clubs. Eligible members can join the program and enjoy community involvement while maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. (more…)