This is the season to celebrate Moms and all they’ve done for us over the years.  Personally, a vast majority of my memories of my mother are of her standing in the kitchen preparing a delicious meal or a decadent dessert.  I’ve often heard the statistic that the busiest day in the restaurant business is Mother’s Day and that makes sense.  We want to relieve our Moms of the burden of making yet another meal.  As for me, I like the idea of giving Mom a break, especially now that I have children of my own and understand the hard work that goes into being a Mom.

This year, however, try doing what Mom does for you.  Instead of taking her out for supper, perhaps prepare a meal in the home for her to enjoy.  Pour her a glass of wine or make her a cup of coffee and let her sit down while you don the apron and oven mits for a change.  Despite how much work it is to keep a household running, most Moms truly love their homes and enjoy having peaceful moments in their own space.  Find a recipe, do the shopping, set the table, prepare the meal and clean up afterwards!  I can almost guarantee Mom will not only feel special, she will have a wonderful Mother’s Day memory.

If the task of preparing an entire meal feels a bit too daunting, try this.  Take Mom out to dinner, but have a delicious dessert prepared for her when you arrive home.  Nothing is quite as nice as homemade and Mom understands how much work goes into making homemade ANYTHING.  Trust me when I tell you, a homemade dessert will make her day.

Because my own Mom loves coconut, I found this recipe from allrecipes.com for delicious, decadent Old Fashioned Coconut Cream Pie.  It’s not difficult to make, but it will take some time to chill in the refrigerator so plan ahead.  Using sweetened flaked coconut, half and half, sugar, vanilla and whipped topping, there is really nothing particularly healthy about this recipe, but we think that’s okay.  Mother’s Day is one of the days splurging is definitely allowed.  The pie will take about 20 minutes to prepare, another 30 minutes to bake, but about 4 hours in the refrigerator.  Our suggestion is to get your pie chilling either before you cook your Mom a meal or while you take her out to eat so it will be ready for dessert.

This year, let Mom know how much you appreciate all she’s done to make your life a little sweeter by giving her something sweet of her own to enjoy.  And to all you Moms out there, Happy Mother’s Day from Jerry Ballard and Associates and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. 

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.

With all of the changes in the health insurance industry under the Affordable Care Act and an overall increase in the cost of health insurance for consumers, you may be wondering exactly what your monthly premium pays for and where all of that money goes.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is happy to answer that question.  As most people already know, your health insurance premium is part of a large pool of money collected by the insurance company, which is then distributed in the form of health care claims to those in need of medical care.  A portion of that pool of money pays for health care and a portion goes toward operating the insurance company itself and creating a profit.  The question most people have is how much of that money actually goes toward claims and how much is simply profit for the company.

Recently, BCBSNC announced that they spend almost 86 cents of every premium dollar to pay for customers’ health care needs, including visits to the doctor’s office, surgeries, diagnostic tests, prescriptions, contact lenses, etc.  In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC paid $5 billion dollars in claims in 2013 alone, making that $5 billion dollars worth of coverage directly benefiting BCBSNC customers.  In addition, there is non-medical spending that still directly affects BCBSNC members in a positive way.  Non-medical expenditures include things like customer service and technology improvements, which provide customers with the most up-to-date, user friendly website and an exceptional customer service experience.

Even further, under the Affordable Care Act there now exists what is called the Medical Loss Ratio Requirement.  This requirement prevents insurance companies from engaging in excessive spending on administration, salaries and other business costs.  Insurance companies are now required to use 80 cents of every premium dollar collected from individual and small group customers to pay customer claims and support quality of care.  Even before the law, however, BCBSNC exceeded that standard, and in 2012 they paid $260 million dollars more toward health care expenses than was required under the law.  This requirement also means that insurance companies cannot increase rates simply as a way to increase profits, but must maintain a minimum percentage of dollars spent on health care or refund that money to customers.

Let’s face it, the cost of health insurance is on the rise and it can be a strain on any income.  Understanding where your insurance premium goes is an important part of understanding your health insurance plan and what makes it valuable.  Although it may be tough to pay out a few hundred dollars a month, when the need for medical care arises, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is there to make sure you and your family are covered.

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.

Managing your health can be tricky, but there are some things you can do to make a big difference in the cost of your overall health care.  Although this list is not exhaustive, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers some great tips on how you can help keep the cost of health care to a minimum.  Whether you are enrolled in one of many popular plans, including Blue Advantage, Blue Value or Blue Select, the following management tips can help you maximize your plan’s coverage and minimize your plan’s cost.

1.  See your primary care physician first:  Typically, primary care doctors offer a variety of important services and usually cost less than more expensive specialists.  Your primary care physician is also more acquainted with your health history and is better equipped to help guide you should you be in need of more specialized care.

2.  Stay in network:  Choosing an in-network provider is of utmost importance as it will help reduce your out-of-pocket expense.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a convenient Find a Doctor tool that will allow you to research whether your particular doctor is a part of the BCBSNC network.

3.  Determine if you have an emergency:  For situations that are non-life-threatening, urgent care facilities will often save you both time and money.  If you do have an emergency, you should always call 911 or visit the closest emergency room, but for less serious illnesses and injuries an urgent care doctor may be your best choice.

4.  Read your benefit book:  Although not the most exciting book you may read this year, it could be among the most important.  Understanding how your plan’s benefits work will help you avoid unexpected costs and reading your booklet or contacting a benefit specialist can save you big bucks.

5.  Talk to a nurse first:  As a BCBSNC member, you can call Health Line Blue 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to speak with a specially trained nurse and ask questions before you visit your health care provider.  Discussing your symptoms with a nurse or even your own physician first can help you determine if an appointment to your doctor’s office is necessary or not.

6.  Ask questions:  Very often, the billing department at your provider’s office can tell you the exact cost of a procedure or service before you have it.  This can help you avoid unexpected fees.

7.  Practice preventive care:  With every Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan, preventive care maintenance is covered at 100% so take advantage of those benefits.  Regular check-ups and immunizations go a long way in helping you to stay healthy.

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.

A recent and interesting study has proven that early detection of diabetes and the number of insured Americans have a direct link and that link is access to affordable health care.  Dr. Vivian Fonseca, a professor of medicine and endocrinology at Tulane University in New Orleans says the following:  “We’ve known for a long, long time that a lot of people with Type II diabetes go unrecognized for many years because they don’t get screened.”  According to Fonseca, this is particularly frustrating because many of those who do not get screened don’t do so because they don’t have health insurance.

The Chief Medical Officer for the American Diabetes Association, Dr. Robert Ratner, says that early diagnosis and treatment are particularly crucial with diabetes.  If the disease is left untreated, it can lead to blindness, heart attack, kidney failure and other complications that can require the amputation of the foot or leg.  According to Dr. Ratner, “early and aggressive therapy of diabetes has a major impact on long-term complications and on quality of life.”

Interestingly enough, North Carolina is a part of what medical professionals call the “diabetes belt,” a region stretching from Louisiana to North Carolina.  North Carolina is also among the top ten states having the greatest amount of uninsured residents, meaning many of those residents are likely not being properly screened for early detection of diabetes.

Many Americans show tell-tale signs of diabetes, such as exhaustion and constant thirst.  Despite the signs, however, many of those who do not have health coverage simply choose to cope with the symptoms for fear of running up huge medical expenses.  Early intervention, however, can not only reduce health risks associated with diabetes, but also reduce long-term costs, which account for a large percentage of overall health spending.

Although there is a cost to having health insurance, ultimately there is a greater cost to being uninsured.  Diabetes is only one of many treatable diseases that can be managed, controlled and even cured through early detection and proper treatment.  If you are one of the many residents of North Carolina who still need to obtain health insurance, don’t wait.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is committed to providing quality health coverage that works with your family’s budget.  Whether you enroll in Blue Advantage, Blue Value or Blue Local, having a health insurance plan that covers your costs when you need it is well worth the investment.

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.

With the rising cost of health insurance, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands the importance of offering customers payment options.  In the past BCBSNC has allowed members to make initial payments and one-time monthly payments online using a major credit card, such as MasterCard and Visa.  They have also allowed customers to pay their monthly premium using automatic bank draft through either a checking or savings account and Blue Cross Blue Shield NC will still allow members to use any of these convenient payment options.  In addition, however, BCBSNC has added a recurring credit card payment option online for individual members who purchase a health or dental plan either on or off the Marketplace.  What this means is that you now have the ability to set your premium payments up on automatic draft right from your credit card.

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.

Despite the current Administration’s push to make health insurance a top priority, according to a recent Gallup Poll study, North Carolina ranks among the states that still have the greatest population of uninsured residents. In fact, NC had an uninsured rate of 16.1 percent in 2014, ranking it among the top five states in the nation with the greatest amount of residents who still have no health insurance.  Although many residents in 2014 did take advantage of the Affordable Care Act, purchasing subsidized health plans through the federal Marketplace, a large portion of the population did not.

Changes in the law regarding health insurance as well as changes in state programs such as Medicaid have created quite a stir in the last few months and left many North Carolina residents scratching their heads wondering what to do.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to helping residents of NC obtain quality, cost efficient health coverage both on and off the federal Marketplace.  In fact, every Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan is ACA (Affordable Care Act) approved and offers the 10 essential benefits required under the law.  In addition, BCBSNC has a wide variety of health plans available on the Exchange for members who qualify for a federal subsidy.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has an uncontested presence in the state, providing accessible networks in all 100 counties in NC.  Furthermore, unlike other insurance companies offering subsidized plans on the Marketplace, BCBSNC plans are not HMO’s, meaning you will still have coverage even if you happen to go out of network.

With or without the law and the tax penalties associated with being uninsured under the Affordable Care Act, living without health insurance is never a good idea.  Life happens and even the healthiest and most cautious among us can’t control the unexpected.  BCBSNC wants to make sure the residents of North Carolina are covered for routine preventive care and also in case of medical emergency.  Experience the benefits of being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member and help make North Carolina among the nation’s leaders in insured residents.

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 use of specialty medications has increased significantly over the last few years.  In order to ensure that these specialty medications continue to be affordable to its members, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC contracted with a network of pharmacies dedicated to offering lower pricing on specialty drugs.  By implementing a specialty pharmacy network, BCBSNC is working to see that the cost of prescription drugs remain affordable.

Specialty medications are those medications that are used for chronic diseases such as Multiple Sclerosis and Rheumatoid Arthritis.  What qualifies a specific medication or therapy to be classified as a specialty drug is not clearly defined, but there are some parameters.  The following factors help determine if a pharmaceutical is considered a specialty medication:  the medication requires special handling; the medication has limited distribution and can only be filled at certain pharmacies; the medication treats a rare disease; the medication requires ongoing clinical assessment and monitoring of side effects.  See a list of some specialty medications.

Because these drugs are in the “specialty” category, they are typically high-cost medications, ranging anywhere from $6000 to $350,000 per patient, per year.  Most of these drugs are made to be injected and many of them require special handling and shipping.  Still, these drugs are of utmost importance to the patients in need of them, and that is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina established the specialty pharmacy network.  With this network, there may be a limited number of pharmacies dispensing these medications and some pharmacies may choose not to participate in the specialty drug network.  If you require one of these specialty drugs, you will need to transfer your prescription to a participating local pharmacy or mail order pharmacy.

By limiting the network, the cost of the specialty medications remain more affordable; however, if you fill your specialty medications at a retail pharmacy, you must use one of the pharmacies participating in this network in order for your prescriptions to be covered.  All specialty pharmacies within this network offer next day delivery with a valid prescription or prescription transfer and refills can take place after 75% of the prescription is used, except in the instance of controlled substances.    Members can contact their specialty pharmacy directly to set up a new prescription and that process usually takes between 2 and 4 business days.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to making sure you have the prescription drug coverage you need at a cost you can afford.  To determine whether any of the medications you are currently taking are considered “specialty drugs,” visit the Find a Drug link or get a quote for 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.

What makes a certain doctor, hospital or medical facility better than another?  More importantly, how can you make the best choice concerning where or to whom you entrust your family’s medical care?  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help you answer those questions.  With Blue Distinction, you no longer have to worry about whether or not you have made the best decision regarding your healthcare needs.

Blue Distinction is a special designation awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to certain medical facilities that have demonstrated expertise in delivering quality health care.  According to BCBSNC, the Blue Distinction designation is based on “rigorous, evidence-based selection criteria established in collaboration with expert physicians and medical organizations.”  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has chosen to award this distinction in order to raise the quality of healthcare delivered throughout North Carolina and to aid consumers in finding the specialty care they need at facilities which have proven to deliver better outcomes and overall greater patient satisfaction.  In other words, with Blue Distinction the research has already been done for you and you can have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are getting the best care at the best facilities N.C. has to offer.

But how can you know which doctors and facilities have received the Blue Distinction designation?  It’s easy.  As a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member, you have access to a database full of important information regarding physicians, surgeons, hospitals and other healthcare providers.  As part of Blue Connect, members are able to research doctors, dentists and acute care facilities.  You can read reviews by other BCBSNC members and see whether or not a particular physician or medical institution has been awarded the Blue Distinction designation.  BCBSNC members can simply log into Blue Connect using your subscriber ID number and have a wealth of thoroughly researched information right at your fingertips.  If you are not a BCBSNC member yet, you can still research doctors and hospitals.  All you need to do is generate a quote and use the “Find a Doctor” link to get started.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is not only committed to providing quality health insurance, but also to ensuring its members have all the information they need to make the best choice possible.  Choosing a doctor or hospital is never a simple decision, but Blue Distinction makes it easier than ever.  Discover the benefits of being a BCBSNC 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.

Do you currently have enough savings to cover an unexpected health emergency?  If not, you may want to start setting aside money in 2015.  With the cost of health care on the rise, it is important to know you and your family are covered in case of a medical emergency.  One route you may want to consider is obtaining a Health Savings Account Eligible health plan.  If you purchase an HSA-compatible high-deductible health insurance plan, you can pair it with a health savings account and start saving for the unexpected.  Funds placed in the HSA account may be used for qualified medical expenses and there is no minimum contribution amount.  You are also able to claim a tax deduction for any and all contributions you make throughout the year.  In this way, your money grows on a tax-free basis.

In 2015, HSA holders can save up to $3350 for individuals and $6650 for families.  Holders 55 years of age and older can save an extra $1000, increasing savings for individuals to $4350 and $7650 for families.  All of this money is 100% tax free so this is a great way to increase wealth and create a small tax shelter.  For more information on HSA limits for 2015, click here.

Also, in 2015, a high-deductible health insurance plan is one with a deductible of at least $1,300 for self-only coverage and $2,600 for family coverage.  See eligible Blue Cross Blue Shield HSA compatible plans.

Once you have a clear idea of your healthcare needs and your financial situation, you can determine your plan options and compare benefits.  If 2015 brings life changes that make a different kind of insurance plan something to consider, consider a BCBNC HSA compatible high-deductible health plan and start saving the smart way!

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.

As most Americans know, under the Affordable Care Act you are now required by law to carry qualifying health coverage or pay a tax penalty.  This penalty is sometimes referred to as the “individual shared responsibility payment,” or the “individual mandate.”  In some cases, however, you may qualify for what is called a “health coverage exemption.”

First and foremost, if you are covered by any plan that meets the ACA guidelines of minimum essential coverage , you will not have to pay a tax penalty.  Take a moment and learn what qualifies as minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act Law.  Being properly insured is the safest way to avoid any penalties.

If you did not have ACA approved coverage for all or part of 2014, however, you may still qualify for an exemption from the tax penalty.

Below are some examples of potential exemptions that might apply to you:

• You are uninsured for only 1 or 2 consecutive months of the year.
• The lowest-priced coverage available to you through either an individual or job-based plan would cost more than 8% of your household income.
• You do not file a tax return based on the fact that your income is below the level that requires filing.
• You are a member of a federally recognized tribe.
• You are a member of a recognized health care sharing ministry.
• You are a member of a recognized religious sect with religious objections to insurance, including Social Security and Medicare
• You are incarcerated
• You are not lawfully present in the United States
• You are a United States citizen living abroad
• You qualify for a hardship exemption

You can learn how to apply for any of the above exemptions and find the forms you need by visiting the federal Marketplace.

Once again, the easiest and smartest way to ensure you do not incur a tax penalty is to obtain an ACA approved 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.

All information contained herein is subject to change, from time to time, if the Federal Government or Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina implement any new updates and/or changes that can impact information provided in this blog.

The Health Insurance Marketplace has announced that despite the fact Open Enrollment ended at midnight, February 15th, you may still be able to obtain health insurance for 2015.  The Insurance Marketplace is granting this extension for anyone who missed the deadline due to either technical issues or unusual call volume that made it impossible for you to complete your application by the deadline.  A Special Enrollment Period has been set for February 16-February 22 by the federal government for all those who may have had trouble on the government website or experienced an extensive Call Center wait on February 13, 14 or 15.

This Special Enrollment Period may apply to you:

1.  if you tried to enroll in health coverage by the deadline, but did not complete the enrollment process because of unusual wait times at the Call Center or…

2.  if you tried to enroll, but were unable to complete enrollment due to a technical issue, such as being unable to submit your application because verification sources were down.

If either of these apply to you, you may still be able to get coverage.  To finish your enrollment, you must attest to the truth of one of the above statements with the federal Marketplace and this opportunity will only be available until February 22. 2015.  In order to determine if you eligible for this Special Enrollment Period, you should contact the Marketplace directly.  If you do determine you are still eligible to enroll, we would be happy to help you pick your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan and guide you through the steps to complete the enrollment process.

Please note that this Special Enrollment Period is intended to help consumers enroll for 2015 health insurance for the first time.  It is not applicable for customers who are already enrolled in a plan through the Marketplace and simply want to switch to a different plan now.  Changes to your health insurance policy are now subject to the rules of Special Enrollment including Qualifying Life Events.

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.

Perhaps you are among the many Americans who received a federal subsidy to help reduce the cost of your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance in 2014.  If so, there are some things you may need to know.  Although as insurance agents we don’t have all the answers, we can offer some helpful information as you enter into tax season.  For more specific details about how your subsidy will affect your personal taxes for 2014, we recommend speaking with your tax adviser or the federal Marketplace.

What we can tell those of you who received a federal subsidy for health insurance is that the Obama administration stated earlier this month that it will begin sending out tax reporting forms that you will need in order to fill out your 2014 tax return.  These forms are specifically for individuals who got tax credits under the Affordable Care Act.  This form is important, so make sure you are looking for it in the mail and take it with you when you file taxes.  The form is called 1095-A and according to the administration, the form comes filled out with all the pertinent information from the federal healthcare Marketplace.   The form lists the members of each household that received a subsidy and how much the government paid each month toward the health insurance premium.

Secretary Sylvia M. Burwell said in a statement, “In the coming weeks, HHS will work with other agencies, tax preparers and community organizations to arm… consumers with the information they need to know as they prepare to file their taxes.”

As most people getting a federal subsidy already know, the amount of tax credit you receive is based on a formula that takes into account your income and the number of people you claim on your tax form.  According to the IRS, those individuals who received too much of a subsidy will see a reduction in their tax refund and those who received less of a subsidy than they were entitled to will receive a refund.

Some important things to keep in mind:

• If you normally file Form 1040EZ, you can no longer do that if you received subsidized health care.  You will have to file a longer form
• If you were only in the healthcare Marketplace exchange for a few month, vice the whole year, you will still need your 1095-A to account for any subsidy you received.
• You could get more than one 1095-A, which could happen for various reasons.  You will need to keep all of them for filing taxes.
• Contact the healthcare Marketplace if you think there is a mistake on your 1095-A.

If you did not receive a subsidy for 2014, but are interested in seeing whether or not you may qualify for a premium tax credit toward your BCBSNC health plan for 2015, you may generate a quote and enter income information to help estimate your potential subsidy.

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.