Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is excited to announce filing for a 2020 rate decrease with the North Carolina Department of Insurance.  This is a big step in Blue Cross of NC’s movement toward making healthcare more affordable to North Carolinian’s.

Blue Cross NC Rate Decrease for 2020

For the second year in a row, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has filed to decrease rates for coverage starting in the new year. This rate decrease is an overall average of 5.2 percent for Affordable Care Act plans offered to individuals and families in year 2020. There is also an average 3.3 percent decrease for those plans offered to small businesses with one to 50 employees. These rate decreases show a total reduction of $238 million to health care costs in 2020.

“We want to be a national model for health care transformation, where insurers and providers are jointly responsibly for delivering better, simpler, more affordable care,” said Patrick Conway, President and CEO of Blue Cross NC. “The hard work is not done, and we must continue building on these successes if we are going to truly make health care affordable for everyone in North Carolina. What these rate reductions show is that the move to value is working – when the focus is on quality and accountability, costs go down and the customer wins.”

Does this mean your premium will decrease?

Health Insurance premiums will always vary based on your location, age, and federal tax credit/subsidy applied to your premium. It is important to know that the overall rate decrease is an average for all counties in North Carolina. Therefore, not every Blue Cross NC member in North Carolina will experience the same amount in rate changes for 2020.

As of now, the Federal Tax Credits or Subsidies will still be available in 2020 to enrollees with a household income between 100 and 400 percent of the Federal Poverty Level. Nearly 90 percent of existing Blue Cross NC enrollees are subsidy eligible. To determine if you may be subsidy eligible, CLICK HERE to generate a quote online and discover how subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of your monthly Health Insurance premium.

When is the 2020 Open Enrollment Period?

The Open Enrollment Period will begin on November 1^st, 2019 and ends December 15^th, 2019. This is the time of year where anyone can enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plan without needing a Qualifying Life Event. We know the importance of understanding your health coverage and understand that the Health Insurance market can be confusing. If you are an existing member or considering enrolling in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plan during the Open Enrollment Period, we are happy to help you through the process. Rate quotes for 2020 plans as well as renewal information for existing members will be available in October.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

When shopping the health insurance market, you will discover many terms used to describe health insurance plans. As you read about options with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, one of the most important terms to understand is that used to describe the network. The “Network” refers to the group of doctors and medical facilities which accept your plan. Knowing and understanding your network helps predict what to expect when utilizing your health plan throughout the year. As you learn about network options through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, you will be able to better determine what plan is best for you and your family. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina names each plan after the associated network.

Blue Advantage and Blue Select

Blue Advantage and Blue Select are the names used to describe the largest network of doctors and hospitals available under Blue Cross NC plans. The Blue Advantage network is the broadest network, with over 95% of doctors and hospitals in North Carolina. Like Blue Advantage plans, Blue Select plans are also a broad network plan. However, the Blue Select network is broken down into two tiers. Blue Select policy holders will find that a bit more management is required when determining a facilities tier. For example, one may have different copayments for specialist visits depending on if they visit a Tier 1 or Tier 2 provider.

Blue Value

The Blue Value network option is a more limited network than Blue Advantage or Blue Select. However, enrolling in a Blue Value plan can help you save money. Where these plans lack in flexibility to see a broad network of doctors and facilities, you will find that Blue Value options offer lower monthly premiums. If your zip code falls  within the Triangle region of North Carolina, you will find the Blue Value plans are with UNC Health Alliance. Doing your research and checking to see if your doctor is in-network is necessary when enrolling in a Blue Value plan. If you are planning on visiting a specific doctor, specialist, or medical facility, it is a good idea to call the provider to confirm the network.

Blue Local

Blue Local with Atrium Health is the most limited of the four BCBSNC networks. This network with Atrium Health (also known as Carolinas HealthCare System) is available to Charlotte-area residents, including Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Gaston, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Rowan, Stanley, and Union County. Like the Blue Value network, enrolling in a Blue Local plan will be a less expensive plan option, but have a more restrictive network. If you were to visit a doctor or facility outside of Atrium Health, then you would pay out-of-network rates.

Understanding these four network options will give you a great advantage when navigating available health insurance plans. A little research could potentially translate to savings on monthly premiums and the cost of care. CLICK HERE to generate a custom quote and discover what BCBSNC network options are available to you.

When it comes to choosing a Health Insurance Plan, it is great to have options. However, having options in the Health Insurance market can quickly become overwhelming. Two types of health plans that shoppers often find themselves choosing between are HMO and PPO Plans. One of our most commonly asked questions from Health Plan shoppers is: “What is the difference between a HMO vs PPO plan?” There are many terms that are used to describe these types of health plans, and understanding them is key when determining which plan is right for you.

Health Maintenance Organization (HMOs)

The term HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization. HMOs are regarded as a managed health care system, which provide prepaid medical services with little out of pocket expense. With an HMO plan, the subscriber will be required to see a Primary Care Physician (PCP) that is in network with their HMO plan. These plans have networks of medical providers, and subscribers must seek treatment from these providers. There are no out of network benefits under an HMO plan. Some HMO plans may also require your Primary Care Physician give you a referral in order to see a specialist. Because these types of plans have more restrictive networks, subscribers will generally have lower premiums and low deductibles under these plans.

Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs)

The term PPO stands for Preferred Provider Organization. These plans are an arrangement under which a group of independent doctors and hospitals become preferred providers in an area. PPO plans offer more flexibility and choices when it comes to choosing your doctor or hospital. Like HMOs, PPOs also have a network of providers. However, there are fewer restrictions on seeing providers who are not in network. Under a PPO plan, you will also usually have the benefit of seeing a specialist without a referral from your Primary Care Physician. Because PPO plans are more flexible, premiums tend to be higher, and it is common to have a deductible.

Point of Service (POSs)

Point of Service Plans (POS) are a hybrid plan that combine features of PPO and HMO plans. These plans are designed so the member can choose (at the point of service) which part of the plan they would like to utilize. If the subscriber stays in network with this plan, they will have HMO benefits. If the member sees an out of network provider, they will be responsible for the out of network rates. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers a variety of Point of Service health plans. CLICK HERE to generate a custom quote and discover your plan options.

What do these plans have in common?

HMO’s, PPO’s and POS plans all have provider networks. A network refers to the list of doctors, hospitals, labs, and other providers that are contracted with the health plan. The difference in these plans network options is the size of the network, and whether or not the plan offers out of network benefits. Each of these types of plans also offer coverage for emergency services both in and out of network.

At NC Health Plans, we understand that making decisions within the Health Insurance market can be confusing. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers a variety of health plans for both under 65 and Medicare shoppers. Give us a call to speak with one of our professional agents and discover what health plan will work best for you or your family.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

For many years, Medicare Supplement Plan F has been the most popular Medicare Supplement plan. However, many Medicare beneficiaries are now choosing Plan G. Plan G has increasingly become the more popular Supplement plan as Plan F will no longer be offered in 2020 due to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015.  In many scenarios, Plan G can offer significant yearly savings with very rich benefits.

What is the difference between Plan F and Plan G?

Medicare Supplement Plan G is nearly identical to Plan F except for one difference-the Part B deductible. The Part B deductible in 2019 is $185. The Plan G does not provide coverage for this deductible which means the member would be responsible for paying the Part B deductible ($185 in 2019) out of pocket when incurring Medical expenses for things like doctor’s office visits.  Once the Part B deductible is met, the Plan G pays exactly the same benefits as the Plan F.

Will I save money with Plan G?

Lower premiums are a primary reason why many Medicare beneficiaries are choosing Plan G. In recent years, the monthly premiums for Plan G have been significantly less than Plan F premiums. Plan G has also incurred lower rate increases in recent years.

What does Medicare Plan G pay for?

Medicare supplement Plan G will pay for your hospital deductible as well as other copays and coinsurance under Medicare.

What does Medicare Plan G not pay for?

Medicare Supplement Plan G does not pay for the Part B Deductible.  It also does not include any prescription drug coverage like most other Medicare Supplement plans.  Most Medicare Supplement beneficiaries also enroll in standalone Part D prescription plans for drug coverage.

Is plan G the most popular Medicare supplement?

In recent years, the Blue Cross NC Plan G has become the most popular Medicare Supplement.  Due to Plan F being discontinued for new enrollees in 2020, most insurance companies have strategically made the Plan G a more competitively priced and more attractive plan.

Why should I choose plan G?

Once Plan F is discontinued in 2020, Plan G is going to offer you the greatest benefits under any of the Medicare Supplement plans. Plan G is the most popular Medicare plan because of its wide range of coverage and minimal out of pocket exposure, while offering lower monthly premiums when compared to Plan F.

If you are turning 65 or considering switching your Medicare Supplement plan this year, give us a call and speak with one of our professional Medicare specialists. We are happy to discuss how Medicare Plan G will benefit you, and assist you through the application process. CLICK HERE to request a personal Medicare Supplement quote and discover your Medicare Supplement plan options.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

At NC Health Plans, we strive to assist our customers with their Health Insurance needs throughout every phase of life. One of our top priorities is aiding those in the Medicare, over 65 market and helping this group of North Carolinians understand their options within Medicare. We are very proud to announce that our agency manager, Kennon Wainwright, has now ranked two years straight within the top Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Medicare Advisors. In 2018, Kennon ranked Number 2 in the state of North Carolina for top performance in assisting Medicare Supplement customers.  He also ranked Number 4 in the state for Medicare Advantage. He is now a member of the Exclusive Century Club, due to his top sales and services to Medicare Beneficiaries. Kennon is honored to serve so many North Carolinians as they make these important Medicare decisions. He quickly recognizes this opportunity would not be possible without the support of the NC Health Plans team and the strength of Blue Cross Blue Shield NC products and brand.

If you have not previously helped a parent or spouse with Medicare, then this topic can often be very foreign. We recognize the importance of understanding your transition into Medicare, and meeting your health care needs. We also understand that with so much information to read online, navigating the Medicare market can be overwhelming. Speaking directly with one of our professionals, like Kennon, can make this confusing topic easier to understand. It is important to learn how each part of Medicare will affect you, and discover which plans will meet your needs as you make this transition.

If you are turning 65 or transitioning to Medicare, we would be happy to help you through this process. Give us a call to discuss your BCBSNC Medicare plan options. To get started on this process, CLICK HERE to generate a custom Blue Cross NC Medicare quote.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

At NC Health Plans, we want wish you a very Happy New Year. We hope that 2019 brings you health and happiness! As the New Year begins, we would like to proudly announce that we have been designated to the Health Insurance Marketplace Elite Plus Circle of Champions for enrolling 500+ North Carolinians in coverage beginning January 2019. This is the highest achievement attainable for helping customers enroll in affordable health insurance through the Marketplace and we look forward to assisting more North Carolinians as we move into the Special Enrollment Period for 2019.

The health insurance Marketplace, or healthcare.gov is where individuals and families can apply for government subsidies to assist with the cost of health insurance. Subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of health insurance for those who qualify based on their yearly income. Now that we are outside of Open Enrollment for 2019, Special Enrollment Period has begun. You can still apply for Qualified Health Insurance if you have a qualifying life event. The most common Qualifying Life Events include losing coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving. Generate a quote to discover if you may be eligible for a subsidy during Special Enrollment Period.

Navigating the Health Insurance market can be confusing, and we are happy to assist you with every step of the way. We take pride in helping fellow North Carolinians apply for affordable health care through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Thank you for a great year, and we hope to continue serving many of you in 2019.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

NC Health Plans is proud to announce that we have been included in the Health Insurance Marketplace Elite Circle of Champions. This means that we have been designated the top achievement award for helping North Carolina residents enroll in Marketplace coverage through Healthcare.gov. Now that Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period for 2019 has arrived, we are ready to assist more North Carolinians in applying for affordable Qualified Health Care!

Healthcare.gov, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace, is the avenue that individuals go through to apply for government subsidies to be applied towards their Health Insurance premiums. Subsidies are designed to lower the cost of health insurance for low and middle income individuals or families. These government applications can often be overwhelming and confusing, and we are happy to help you through this process. Our website provides consolidated Health Insurance applications, and we can help you apply for your subsidy right over the phone. CLICK HERE to generate a quote and discover if you are eligible for a subsidy.

We are proud to be recognized as a top leader and guide in helping individuals apply for affordable Health Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and we look forward to helping North Carolinians in the upcoming 2019 Open Enrollment Period, which starts November 1^st and ends December 15, 2018.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

As Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period approaches on November 1st, it is important to be aware of any changes to your current plan. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has announced that they will no longer be offering the Blue Local with Duke Health and WakeMed plan starting January 1^st, 2019. If you are currently enrolled in this plan, you will be mapped to either Blue Value with UNC Health Alliance or Blue Advantage depending on where you live. At NC Health Plans, we understand a change in your plan can be overwhelming and frustrating. However, we are here to help you navigate these changes for the upcoming year. If you are living in the Raleigh/Durham or Henderson regions and are currently on the Blue Local with Duke Health and WakeMed health plan, read below to learn more about your plan changes for 2019.

Raleigh/Durham Region

If you live in the Raleigh and Durham region, your new plan will automatically change to Blue Value with UNC Health Alliance in 2019. The most significant difference between your current plan and 2019 health plans will be the provider network. Duke Health and WakeMed are not in network with Blue Value with UNC Health Alliance. Therefore, if you visit a Duke or WakeMed doctor starting January 1^st, you will pay out-of-network rates. However, UNC Health Alliance is partnered with top-rate physicians, practices and hospitals across 700 locations.

Henderson Region

Individuals living in Granville and Vance counties who are currently on Blue Local with Duke Health and WakeMed will be mapped to the Blue Advantage plan for 2019. The BCBSNC Blue Advantage Plan has the widest network of doctors and specialists. This includes Duke Health and WakeMed. With this new plan, you will have more in-network options to choose from.

What’s next?

Open Enrollment for Health Insurance will begin on November 1^st and last through December 15, 2018. This is the time of year where you are able to make any changes to your current health insurance plan. If you would like to learn more about your BCBSNC Health Plan options, CLICK HERE to generate your custom health insurance quote. We would be happy to discuss your quote with you.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

Mark your calendars! The Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period for 2019 is rapidly approaching and at NC Health Plans, we are gearing up to assist individuals and families in applying for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Health Coverage for 2019. November 1^st to December 15^th marks a very important time period for health insurance known as the annual Open Enrollment Period. We know that navigating the insurance market can be overwhelming, and we are here to help! As we approach Open Enrollment, it is important to be aware of important dates and information about your 2019 health coverage. Read below to learn more about Open Enrollment Period for 2019.

When is Open Enrollment for 2019?

The NC Health Insurance annual Open Enrollment Period begins on Thursday, November 1^st and lasts through Saturday, December 15^th. This time period does not apply to non ACA-compliant plans, or ancillary plans such as dental or vision.

When Will Your Coverage Start?

If you enroll in a BCBSNC Health Insurance plan during Open Enrollment, your coverage start date will be January 1^st, 2019. This will also be your initial premium due date.

Applying is Easy!

The annual Open Enrollment Period for Health Insurance is the easiest time of year to enroll in an Affordable Care Act-Compliant plan, also known as “Obamacare”. ACA-compliant plans are required to cover the same set of essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act laws. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the broad majority of these plans across the entire state.

During this time period, anyone shopping for individual or family Health Insurance plans can enroll in ACA-Compliant Health Insurance without having a Qualifying Life Event. In other words, individuals do not need a special reason to apply for health coverage during Open Enrollment. To get started on your application, generate a BCBSNC Health Insurance quote!

Is it Affordable?
One of the amenities of the Affordable Care Act is federal tax credits, also known as subsidies. Subsidies are designed to lower the cost of health insurance for low and middle income individuals or families. Subsidies are primarily based on your household income per the number of people on your tax return. To determine if you are eligible for subsidy to help reduce your premium, you can generate a quote and estimate your subsidy.

For those who are not subsidy eligible, Short Term health insurance could potentially be a more affordable option. While these plans are not ACA-compliant, Short Term plans are now offered for up to 360 days of coverage while also offering an additional rider, Health Protector Guard, that will also enhance your benefits. For more information about these plans, generate your Short Term Insurance Quote.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

NC Health Plans would like to wish you a happy, safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.  Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Since Americans have many definitions of work based on many different experiences, a day set aside to honor their work reflects those differences. Marching in a parade, going swimming, visiting friends, having a cookout, Americans honor the essence of Labor Day simply, by taking the day off.

For more information on North Carolina health 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.

Navigating the insurance market as a first-time buyer can be overwhelming. Customers often call us lost and confused after they have attempted to understand the process of applying for health insurance, especially if it is their first attempt doing so. At NC Health Plans/Jerry Ballard & Associates Inc., we know that this process can seem daunting and stressful, but we are here to help! Our professional agents are not only helpful guides to choosing your best plan, but are also here to assist you with the entire application process. Lastly, they can provide you with important information regarding the details of your coverage. Here are five reasons why you should talk with an agent when applying for NC health insurance:

Find Out When You Can Apply:  An agent will be able to determine the time frame in which you are able to apply for insurance. These times frames include Open Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period. During the Special Enrollment Period, you must have had a Qualifying Life Event occur within the last 60 days to enroll in an ACA-compliant plan. Talking with our agents can verify that you meet the requirements to enroll during special enrollment.

Determine Your Eligibility for Savings: Federal tax credits, also known as subsidies, are an amenity of the Affordable Care Act that are designed to lower the cost of health coverage. Talking with an agent can help determine if you are subsidy-eligible and meet the requirements set by the federal government. GENERATE YOUR QUOTE to determine if you are eligible for a subsidy, that could significantly reduce your monthly premium!

Get Help when Applying Online: Applying for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace can be tricky. Having an agent help you submit your application can avoid confusion during this process and ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly. Our agents can help you submit your application right over the phone, it could take as little as 15-20 minutes!

Gain Knowledge About Your Coverage: Not only can agents provide insight about your plan’s benefits, they can also help you understand the details of your coverage. With so many options, such as Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans it can be confusing to determine which BCBSNC plan is best for you. It is also very important to know if your healthcare provider is “in-network.” Since it can be more costly to seek “out-of-network” coverage, knowing which doctors and hospitals accept your plan is one of the best ways you can manage your healthcare costs.

Ensure You Get Coverage When Needed: While applying for health insurance, customers may find that they have a lapse in coverage before they are able to enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plan. It is important to avoid any gaps when you may go without coverage! Speaking with an agent can ensure that you are enrolled in the correct effective date so you won’t go without the protection and quality coverage that you need to maintain your health. We can’t wait to hear from you!

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

North Carolinians already know that we live in a wonderful and special place. It is not often that you can make a trip from the most beautiful mountain tops to the crystal clear waters of our coast in just a day. With North Carolina having so much to offer, it is not surprising that our population is growing, and more and more people are choosing North Carolina to call home.

Because the health Insurance industry is regulated partially at the state level, living in North Carolina can directly affect the health insurance that is available to you, and how and when you can apply. Whether you have deep roots or have just become a resident of “The Old North State”, these are some things that all North Carolinians should know about North Carolina Health Insurance:

What Types of Coverage are available to me in NC?
Residents of North Carolina have two major types of individual/family insurance available to them, Affordable Care Act (ACA) compliant, also referred to as “Obamacare”, and other alternatives like Short Term coverage. ACA-compliant plans are required to cover the same set of essential health benefits under the Affordable Care Act laws. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the broad majority of these plans across the entire state. Short Term plans are not ACA compliant, but allow individuals and families to enroll outside of Open Enrollment Periods without a Qualifying Event. These plans do not cover pre-existing conditions, but are often more affordable than ACA compliant plans.

When Can I Apply?
The Open Enrollment Period is a yearly period when individuals and families can enroll in health insurance. Open enrollment for 2018 will begin on November 1st and last until December 15th. Open Enrollment is a very important time period because all individuals are eligible to enroll. If you miss Open Enrollment, you must qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. To qualify for Special Enrollment, you have to experience a Qualifying Life Event. Qualifiers such as getting married, having a baby or losing coverage provided by an employer could make you eligible to enroll during Special Enrollment, as long as you enroll within 60 days of the life altering event.

Is it Affordable?
One of the amenities of the Affordable Care Act is federal tax credits, also known as subsidies. Subsidies are designed to lower the cost of health insurance for low and middle income individuals or families. If you are eligible for a subsidy, it could greatly reduce the cost of your monthly premium. Generate a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance quote to find out more about whether you are eligible for a subsidy.

At NC Health Plans/Jerry Ballard & Associates Inc., we love living in North Carolina and take pride in serving North Carolinians statewide. Our website allows you to generate quotes, shop for plans, and apply online at your convenience. If we can assist you in selecting a health insurance plan, please call us at 888-765-5400. We are North Carolinians serving North Carolinians!

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.