Happy 4th of July from NC Health Plans! I wanted to find the very best recipe to share in celebration of our Independence Day, but the truth is I couldn’t decide on one. I was thinking about everything from cupcakes to BBQ to macaroni salad. I guess the 4th of July just makes me think about food – and all kinds of it! (more…)
NC Health Plans wishes you a Happy Independence Day! Believe it or not, the 4th of July is just around the corner and one of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to celebrate our nation’s independence is to set off some fireworks. As a child, I remember sitting on the hood of my mom’s car in the parking lot of Arlington Stadium (now The Ballpark at Arlington), watching a brilliant fireworks display following a Texas Ranger’s baseball game. (more…)
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports preventive care maintenance, including routine physical examinations, but why is that such a big deal? Have you ever asked yourself why an annual physical exam is so important? Does it really matter if you visit your primary care physician once a year? Physician Assistant Heidi Doyle, PA-C with North Hills Internal Medicine, a Duke Primary Care clinic thinks it is. According to Doyle, “Regular check-ups are important to maintain a relationship with your doctor and to receive individualized counseling based on your family health history and your lifestyle.”
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.
I once read that Mother’s Day is the biggest day of the year for the restaurant business. Everyone loves to celebrate Mom, and rightfully so. But that statistic always leaves me wondering what about Dad? Doesn’t Dad deserve a delicious meal? Maybe restaurants aren’t packed on Father’s Day because ultimately Dad winds up paying the check, which isn’t really much of a gift. I don’t know, but whatever the case Father’s Day deserves a little a attention, don’t you think?
The good news about Dads is typically they aren’t all that picky about food. Most Dads just love to eat, especially if they don’t have to cook… or pay. Most Dads also love to relax, which is why I thought this recipe was a great idea. Although often associated with Mother’s Day, I think this year would be a great time to give Dad a little taste of breakfast in bed.
This Taste of Home recipe for Cinnamon Pancakes is not only delicious, it’s also easy, even for kids who want to help out in the kitchen. Taking only 15 minutes to prep and 5 minutes to cook, Dad won’t have a long wait and little helpers won’t burn out too quickly. Using a regular pancake mix of your choice, the recipe calls for a few little tweaks to make this breakfast extra special. Using cookie cutters to spell out something sweet for Dad or making other shapes such as hearts or stars is another great way to tell Dad just how much you love and appreciate all he does. Even if you want to go for a simpler, more traditional round shape, these cinnamon pancakes with a brown sugar, butter and vanilla syrup are sure to be a big hit.
This Father’s Day, let Dad sleep in… and then wake him with a big surprise! Fry up some bacon, brew some coffee and give Dad a delicious breakfast that lets him know how much you love him. This may not be the healthiest recipe we’ve ever recommended, but I personally think it’s one of the happiest! Give Dad a Father’s Day to remember!
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.
There’s been a lot of talk lately about “core strength, but what exactly does that mean? Contrary to popular belief, there is more to core training than simply trying to get a six pack of abs, though a nice toned tummy might be one of the benefits. Still, core strength isn’t just a buzz word in the exercise world. Its’ one of the most important things you can do to keep your body strong and healthy, and a strong, healthy body is something Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants all its members to maintain.
Your “core” is actually made up of three groups of muscles: the upper abs, the obliques (your side muscles), and a very deep layer of muscle. It’s really those deep muscles that help the most because those are the ones that support the spine and hold your tummy muscles tight, making your stomach look flatter. Core training not only helps you look thinner, but it helps promote balance and overall body strength.
In fact, the big difference between “core” training and traditional sit ups is that core training doesn’t just target the front side of your body, but your back side as well. An exercise that trains your core will work more than one muscle group and produce much faster results. Although looking great in a swimsuit is nice, it’s not the most important part of core training, especially as we age. The real benefit is that the spine is strengthened to support the weight of our bodies and keep us from having chronic back pain.
One nice part of core training is that there are many different ways to help increase core strength. More traditional exercises such as sit ups and crunches are crucial for developing surface muscles that will help as you continue to strengthen the deeper layer of muscle tissue. Yoga and Pilates are also excellent ways to develop core strength. Water sports such as paddle boarding and surfing are also great ways to build a strong, solid core. Basically, any kind of exercise you do can strengthen your core if you introduce some element of instability. What that means is that you make the exercise tougher by creating an unstable surface of some sort. Instability then forces your body to work to create stability, which ultimately results in strong core muscles.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a strong advocate for preventive care and one of the best things you can do to prevent health problems tomorrow is to invest in your physical well-being today. Make core training a part of your preventive care program. A healthy diet, adequate rest and a good exercise regimen can do wonders for your both your body and mind.
As always, before starting any exercise regimen, consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity. Find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program. 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.
Well, today is Friday and the first official day of summer for my kids. Last night I attended my eldest son’s 8th grade graduation ceremony after a full week of class parties, awards assemblies and teacher appreciation celebrations. I put away the lunch boxes with a silent shout of thanks for the two and a half month respite from having to figure out how to pack an affordable, healthy lunch for four children, while being sensitive to the allergy concerns of every other child in the school. I threw 27 folders full of worksheets straight into the garbage can, along with four pencil boxes full of nubby pencils, broken crayons and pen caps that look like my kids have been using them to cut teeth. When I leave work today, I am embarking on a one-week vacation to one of my favorite places in all the world – Ocracoke, North Carolina where I intend to do absolutely nothing for 7 days.
And of course… like all good mothers, spouses and employees, I feel a little guilty. The thought of leaving the responsibilities of my home, pets and work in the hands of others for a week is borderline painful for my all too Type A, perfectionist personality. Let’s face it, rest doesn’t always come easily. In a world where performance matters and achievement is mandatory, I think most of us struggle to admit, let alone embrace, the fact that our bodies and our minds quite simply need a little vacation. But they do!
In fact, the New York Times reported that taking a vacation can actually improve your physical health and that both men and women who take a vacation every two years compared to every six will lessen the risk of coronary heart disease or heart attacks. According to Elaine Eaker, author of a study by the Framingham Heart Study, “This is real evidence that vacations are important to your physical health.”
And that’s really no surprise. With exercise, for example, your body needs both periods of strenuous activity combined with periods of rest in order to maximize training effects. In much the same way, 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 arise from accumulated pressure and discouragement, making you “more creative and productive than [your] overworked, under-rested counterparts.”
But that’s not all. “When you’re stressed out and tired, you are more likely to become ill, your arteries take a beating and you’re more likely to have an accident. Your sleep will suffer, you won’t digest your food as well, and even the genetic material in the cells of your body may start to become altered in a bad way,” says Dr. Susan Krauss Whitbourne, a professor of psychology at the University of Massachusetts Amherst. She asserts that mentally “you become more irritable, depressed and anxious and your memory will become worse and you’ll make poorer decisions. You’ll also be less fun to be with, causing you to become more isolated, lonely and depressed.” Similarly, Dr. Ellen Langer, a psychology professor at Harvard University, told CNN that mindless, uninterrupted routines tend to result in boredom, which hinders creativity and mindfulness and is, therefore, counterproductive.
So what’s the bottom line? You need a vacation!! From your computer and your commute. From your laundry and your laptop. From your yard work and your yoga class From your shopping list and your smart phone. You need to get away! As the New York Times reported, “Human beings aren’t designed to expend energy continuously. Rather, we’re meant to pulse between spending and recovering energy.” In other words, we need to work hard and play hard in order to maintain a healthy balance in our lives.
So maybe I’m self-justifying or simply looking for research to back me up and ease the uncomfortable guilt I’m feeling at the thought of a responsibility-free week at the beach, but I don’t think so! There’s a reason the research is there. Vacations are as important to our mental and physical health as maintaining a regular exercise regime and healthy diet. Vacations provide extended periods of rest as well as offering us a new perspective.
Luckily for me, I work for people who understand this completely and make vacation time an easy request. Even if you don’t, however, maintaining your physical and mental health is one of the most important things you can do, not only for yourself, but also your employer. Don’t let guilt or the thought that your company can’t manage without you for a few days keep you from taking the time off your body and mind need to function properly. I am a part of an industry where health and health maintenance really matter so preventive care is always on my mind. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina makes this a top priority. But whatever industry you are a part of, the facts remain the same – you need vacation time.
This summer, take the people you love to a place you love and discover the health benefits of a good old fashioned summer vacation!
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.
“Sometimes your joy is the source of your smile, but sometimes your smile can be the source of your joy.” – Thich Nhat Hanh
There’s almost nothing sweeter than a beautiful smile, but almost nothing worse than teeth or gums that are causing you pain or discomfort. That is where Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC and Dental Blue can help. Having a dental plan that provides for routine oral exams, teeth cleanings, fluoride treatments, and X-rays is an important part of oral maintenance and preventive care. With a large network of dental providers, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a trusted name when it comes to both health and dental insurance.
Although without a Qualifying Life Event you may not be able to obtain health insurance outside of Open Enrollment, under the laws of the ACA you can get dental coverage. Because dental insurance is not subject to the guidelines of Special Enrollment and Qualifying Life Events, you can enroll in a Dental Blue plan at any time during the year.
Dental Blue for Individuals allows you to visit any licensed dentist you choose within the network, provides for two annual cleanings at no additional cost, has no waiting period for preventive care and includes coverage for fillings, gum treatments, extractions, crowns, bridges and more. With preventive services covered at 100%, there is no reason to let your smile slide.
Although routine oral care may not seem imperative to your health, medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, pre-term or low-birth weight babies and other health issues. Furthermore, nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease. With proper daily dental care, however, having regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders.
This summer, give yourself something to smile about! Get Dental Blue for individuals and make oral health a part of your regular preventive care maintenance.
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.
Getting a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance quote has never been easier, or more mobile! In fact, if you have an I-phone, you can get your quote, fill out an application and enroll your BCBSNC health plan in a matter of minutes. At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we understand you are on-the-go and may not have time to sit down at your home computer. You want the ease and convenience of handling personal business from your mobile device. Perhaps you are like many of our clients who travel for much of the work week and who appreciate being able to generate a quote or fill out an application without excess hassle or frustration. Now you can!
To access our Mobile Application, simply Google us at nchealthplans.com. From there, you can generate your health quote, view the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plans available to you, estimate your subsidy eligibility, start and complete your application and enroll your new coverage. For short term health insurance, you can view temporary health plans and generate a personalized quote. Or, if you are looking for Dental coverage or a Medicare Supplement, you can get a quote for that as well. In fact, you can complete an application for health or dental insurance in a few short minutes. The bottom line is that getting health insurance has never been simpler.
Accessibility is one of the nicest parts of living in a high-tech world and Jerry Ballard and Associates offers you just that. Despite all of the new information and additional steps the Affordable Care Act may have added to the process of purchasing health insurance, it is our desire to make your experience as easy and satisfying as possible. Customer service is our number one concern and although we may not be able to eliminate all of the red tape, we can offer you access to all the information you will need to make an informed decision right at your fingertips. Check out our Mobile App and see just how easy it can be to enroll your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan.
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.
Do you find yourself feeling drowsy during the work day? Is it sometimes difficult to keep your eyes open while driving? Maybe you are one of the many Americans reaching for that fourth of fifth cup of coffee in the afternoon just to keep yourself alert and awake. If so, you may be experiencing sleep deprivation. Although the amount of sleep a person needs depends on a number of varying factors, including age, many experts agree that if you are experiencing frequent drowsiness, you are probably not getting enough sleep.
As it turns out, sleep is as important to our health as diet or exercise and not getting enough sleep can have just as many adverse effects on our bodies as overeating or being sedentary. In fact, sleep deprivation can lead to many serious health issues such as memory problems, depression and a weakening of the immune system. Having a weakened immune system will increase your risk of becoming sick as well as increase your perception of pain. In addition, getting too little sleep creates what some experts call a “sleep debt,” which is similar to having a bank account that is overdrawn. This sleep debt occurs because the amount of sleep a person needs increases as the days with too little sleep increase. In this way, there is an exponential increase in the amount of overall exhaustion a person may feel when he or she is not sleeping enough. Eventually, your body will demand you pay this debt and although we may get accustomed to getting less sleep than we need, our judgement, reaction time and other functions will still be impaired and our immune systems will be compromised.
If you find yourself drowsing while driving, be advised. Driver fatigue is responsible for an estimated 100,000 motor vehicle accidents each year, many resulting in fatalities (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration). Although many of us try to combat this drowsiness by ingesting large amounts of caffeine, neither caffeine nor other stimulants can truly overcome the effects of sleep deprivation. If you are having trouble keeping your eyes focused, if you can’t stop yawning, if you can’t remember driving the last few miles or you are having trouble holding your head up, you are too tired to drive and the only thing that will cure you is rest.
Let’s face it, Americans are productive people. We work long, hard hours and also want to be involved with family and friends. We work in our yards and in our homes and spend our weekends playing with kids or hanging out with neighbors. We are busy people and sometimes even feel guilty for falling asleep early or taking a much needed nap. Sleep deprivation, however, is an increasing concern among medical professionals. In order to determine if you are getting enough sleep consider the following:
If you are one of the many Americans who simply aren’t sleeping enough ask yourself why and make some adjustments. Perhaps you could turn off the television and go to bed earlier. Possibly sleep later on the weekends or days when you do not have to work. Schedule in a nap on the days that allow. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC knows the power of prevention. This year make a commitment to eat healthier, exercise regularly and sleep a little more. Whatever it takes, make sleep a top priority and a part of your preventive health care regimen.
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.
Are you one of the many Americans who missed Open Enrollment 2015? Despite your best efforts, did February 15th come and go and still you are uninsured? Perhaps you even missed, or did not qualify for, the Special Enrollment period that was in place until April 30th for those individuals who received a tax penalty on their 2014 tax return. If so, you are not wholly out of luck, though there are some things you should keep in mind.
Because we are now in the Special Enrollment Period, the rules regarding Qualifying Life Events are in full force. A Qualifying Life Event (QLE) is some special circumstance in your life that allows you to enroll in health insurance outside of Open Enrollment. As of now, the federal Marketplace has not announced any further exception to the rules of QLE’s, which simply means that you must have one in order to enroll in a health plan. It is a good idea to review the full list of Qualifying Life Events and if you have one, or if you anticipate having one in the near future, then that will serve as your opportunity to get insured. Keep in mind that you must complete an application for health insurance within 60 days of your Qualifying Life Event.
Another thing to note is that if you are uninsured for more than three consecutive months during 2015, you will incur a tax penalty on your next year’s tax return, unless you qualify for an exemption. It is also a good idea to take a look at the list of exemptions and who might qualify.
Finally, keep in mind that being insured is about so much more than incurring a tax penalty. It’s about having the coverage you need in case of a medical emergency and also about maintaining your physical and mental health through preventive care maintenance. Further, having to pay a tax penalty is like throwing your hard earned money out the window because you get nothing in return. On the other hand, although paying a monthly premium for health insurance may seem like a financial frustration, in the end it is money well spent. Your most precious commodity is your health and making an investment toward it is always a smart decision.
If you are still uninsured and do not foresee having a QLE in the next few months, you may still qualify for Short Term Coverage. Although not ideal in most circumstances and though it will not offer you the same level of benefits as an individual health plan, Short Term Coverage can be an effective way to fill in the gap between now and this year’s Open Enrollment which begins in November. Short term coverage has some limitations and will not save you from the tax penalty in that it does not meet the Affordable Care Act’s 10 essential requirements, but it is still better than having no coverage in case of a medical emergency.
The bottom line is you do have options. Although you may not be able to secure your first choice in health plans outside of Open Enrollment, you can be insured in the interim. Also, this is a great time to begin doing research about the Affordable Care Act, what subsidy might be available to you and how that subsidy might affect your federal income tax. Use this time to research the various health plans available to you and also what kind of network works best for you and your family. Open Enrollment begins again in November, which believe it or not, is only 5 months away. Even if you cannot obtain coverage during Special Enrollment, this is a great time to arm yourself with all the information and knowledge you will need to make the very best choice possible come Open Enrollment.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is committed to helping the residents of North Carolina secure and maintain the health coverage you need. 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.
The terms “in -network” and “out-of-network” are terms you may have heard in relation to health insurance, but understanding the implications of these terms is of utmost importance as you select, enroll and manage your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan. In fact, understanding your network and how it works can have a big impact on the cost of your health care and a little research can save you a lot of money.
The first thing to understand is that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is not an HMO, meaning you are not required to stay within your network in order to have coverage. This is good news in that it allows you more freedom and flexibility, as well as covering you in case you have an out-of-network provider you either prefer to use or must use for your medical needs. The benefit of both in-network and out-of-network coverage is not something every health insurance company offers, which is one of the reasons BCBSNC is a recognized leader among health insurance providers and the only company with a presence in all 100 counties within the state of North Carolina.
That being said, it is still in your best financial interest to stay in-network. In fact, the difference between “in-network” coverage and “out-of-network” coverage can sometimes be the difference between a small co-payment and having an office visit that is subject to your medical deductible. That is why understanding your network is so important.
Basically, BCBSNC has four different networks available: Blue Advantage, Blue Select, Blue Value and Blue Local. The broadest of these networks is the Blue Advantage and over 95% of doctors and hospitals in the state are a part of the Advantage network. If you can afford it, this is always the network we would recommend as it offers you the most amount of choices when it comes to in-network providers. Blue Select is a tiered network and though also a broad network, it will require a little more management in that some of the providers are Tier 1 providers and some are Tier 2 providers and there is a difference in the cost of these two tiers. If you choose to go with a Blue Select plan, just keep in mind that you will need to research the tiers and providers therein prior to selecting a doctor or hospital.
Blue Value is a more limited network than either Blue Advantage or Blue Select. In fact, the Blue Value network is not even offered in some areas simply because there are not enough participating providers to warrant that option. However, in some instances and if your doctors and hospitals are a part of this network, choosing a Blue Value plan can be a smart way to save money as the monthly premiums are lower. Keep in mind, however, that this is where doing your research becomes necessary. If you have a particular doctor or specialist you must see, you may want to call his or her office and verify that they are a part of the Blue Value network and accept that plan. Less expensive can be good, but only if you are satisfied with your choice of providers and have ample doctors and hospitals to choose from in your area. You can always use the BCBSNC Find a Doctor tool to research providers.
Finally, Blue Local is the most limited of the four BCBSNC networks. This is a new network with Carolinas HealthCare System and is only available in nine counties in North Carolina. Again, this network will be less expensive, but also more exclusive. If you do not intend to stay within the Carolinas HealthCare System, this is not the network for you as you will wind up paying out-of-network prices.
The main thing to remember is that a small amount of research can save you big bucks in the long run. Taking a few minutes to call your doctors to determine which plans they accept and which networks they are a part of can make a drastic difference in your overall out of pocket healthcare expenses. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is committed to providing a broad range of coverage at a variety of price points, allowing you to determine which networks and which plans work best for both your family and your finances.
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 NC knows the importance of staying healthy and with every change in season, new health issues arise. Spring is in full bloom and on the bright side, the air is warming, trees are budding and the grass is turning green again. Flu season has passed and the lethargy we can sometimes feel during the long winter months is lifting. On the down side, temperatures are inconsistent, there is pollen in the air and people are sniffing and sneezing more than any other time of year. The question is: Are you suffering from seasonal allergies or do you have a common cold? Believe it or not, the answer is not as simple as you might think and even doctors sometimes find it difficult to tell the difference.
Simply put, a cold is caused by hundreds of different viruses. When any one of these viruses gets into your body, your immune system attacks it in an attempt to protect you. Some of the effects of your immune system’s response are the classic symptoms of a cold. For instance, congestion, coughing and sneezing are your body’s attempts to get rid of the invading virus. Also, the germs that cause colds are contagious, meaning they are transferred from one person to another through sneezing, coughing or shaking hands. At most, however, in a couple of weeks your immune system should fight off the virus and your cold symptoms should cease.
Allergies, on the other hand, are caused by an overactive immune system because your body is mistaking harmless substances, such as pollen or dust, for germs. Once the mistake has been made, your immune system will begin attacking the pollen or dust as if it were a more harmful virus. Your body then releases chemicals such as histamine, which in turn causes swollen nasal passages, runny nose, coughing, sneezing and watery eyes. Unlike the viruses that cause colds, allergies are not contagious, though there could exist some genetic predisposition to developing them.
Although similar in symptoms, there are some basic differences between seasonal allergies and the common cold which may help you determine from which you are suffering. Knowing the difference is important, especially when it comes to contagion and treatment. Keep in mind these basic differences:
Duration: A cold will last 3-14 days, whereas an allergy could last for days or months, as long as you are exposed to the allergen (pollen, dust, etc.).
Time of year: A cold most often occurs in the winter months, but is possible any time of year. Allergies can happen any time of year, but are most common during changes of season.
Onset of symptoms: With a cold, symptoms take a few days to appear following infection with the virus. Allergy symptoms can begin immediately after exposure to the allergen.
REVIEW THE FOLLOWING CHART FOR COMMON SYMPTOMS:
Symptom Cold Allergy
Cough: Often Sometimes
Aches: Sometimes Never
Fatigue: Sometimes Sometimes
Fever: Rarely Never
Itchy or watery eyes: Rarely Often
Sore throat: Often Sometimes
Runny or stuffy nose: Often Often
As is clear from the above list of symptoms, although there are differences between a cold and allergies, there are also some similarities. One of the most important differences is the fact that one is contagious and one is not. If you have a symptom that is not typical of an allergy, it is likely you have a cold and you may want to consult your physician, stay home from work or school and take medications aimed at relieving cold symptoms. For seasonal allergies, there are a number of medications that offer relief, as well as some more natural home remedies. Unfortunately, for those who suffer from allergies, full relief from symptoms may take as long as it takes the season to change. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC wishes you a happy, healthy spring and if seasonal allergies are taking their toll, take heart! Summer is just around the corner!
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.
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