School, homework, soccer practice, ballet, board meetings, meal planning, social events – the list goes on and on. The end of summer often means the beginning of a hectic fall, and now is the perfect time to ensure that healthy eating stays on top of your priority list.

A healthy lifestyle for the entire family can be easier than it seems – even for the busiest household. With a little planning, both parents and kids will find themselves prepared for those last-minute meals and snack attacks that may otherwise place them in front of the vending machine, or in the drive-thru line.  As parents are back to work, and kids are back to school, it is even more important than ever to be armed with functional foods that will keep you fueled and feeling satisfied.  Planning ahead for snacks and meals that are both nutritious and delicious is the key to success. Preparing nutritious snacks and meals on a tight schedule is all about being creative, so finding the right go-to foods the whole family will enjoy is important.   Here are a few tips that you may find useful during these hectic times, especially with the holidays just around the corner.

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Blue Options HSA links a high-deductible health plan to a health savings account (HSA), which can be used to pay for qualified medical expenses tax-free.  Monthly premiums are as much as 50% lower than traditional health plans. The HSA is portable and any unused balance rolls over at the end of the year.Lower premiums—save as much as 50% off Blue Advantage .  Choose your own doctor from the largest provider network in the state.  Preventive care services covered at 100%

(1) An HSA is automatically included with your health plan if you select Mellon as your fund administrator

(2)  Mellon HSA includes a convenient debit card at no charge

(3)  HSA contributions and withdrawals are tax-fre

(4)  Annual contribution limit for 2010 is $3,050 for individual plans and $6,150 for family plans

(5)  Out-of-pocket maximum protects you from high-dollar medical costs

(6)  Secure access to health plan information online

(7)  Optional maternity coverage available.

*The content of this post is provided by BCBSNC.

For more information about health insurance coverage in North Carolina, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and speak with one of our qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.

GET YOUR FREE RATE QUOTE TODAY – CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED

Applicants applying for Blue Advantage, Blue Advantage Saver and Blue Options HSA coverage will be considered using any or all of the following:

• Review of the application

• Telephone interview with applicant, parent if child under 18 years of age and/or legal guardian

• Medical history obtained from attending physician

• BCBSNC Medical Underwriting Guidelines

• BCBSNC claims history, if available

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Beginning in July 2010 – Consumers with health problems who have been uninsured for 6 months may be eligible to obtain coverage through a new high risk pool program. And a temporary reinsurance program will help employers who provide coverage to their retirees in maintaining this coverage.

Beginning in plan years on or after September 23, 2010 – Pre-existing condition exclusions are prohibited for children under 19, dependents up to age 26 will be able to obtain coverage through parents’ health plans, routine preventive care will be covered without cost-sharing, limits on lifetime coverage will be eliminated along with other changes.

Beginning in 2014, the new law requires that all individuals have coverage and insurers must offer coverage to anyone regardless of health status and cannot vary premiums based on health status.

In 2014 – Individuals and small businesses will be able to purchase coverage through state-based exchanges. Consumers will be able to purchase health insurance regardless of health status and premiums cannot vary because of health status. Individuals will be required to purchase health insurance or pay a penalty. Subsidies will be available on a sliding scale to help individuals or families with incomes up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level to purchase insurance through new state-based exchanges.

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Immediate Press Release: September 20, 2010

Information below is from the North Carolina Department of Insurance Press Release

Insurance Commissioner Goodwin and Blue Cross announce policyholder refunds and lower than requested rate adjustments.

RALEIGH — Insurance Commissioner Wayne Goodwin and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina President and CEO Brad Wilson today announced a decision on individual policyholder rates for BCBSNC customers and a unique, one time refund that will return $155.8 million to more than 215,000 individual BCBSNC customers as a result of the Affordable Care Act.  The refunds will be issued by the end of the year to policyholders who had Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA for Individuals policies in force as of March 23, 2010, the date the federal law was enacted. Refunds will be proportional to premiums paid and will be equivalent to more than 1.5 months of premiums. Customers may receive lower or higher amounts depending on their specific premium rates. For example, for an average policyholder’s monthly premium of about $380, the refund would be approximately $690.

“I’m pleased that the Department and Blue Cross were able to identify a way for $155.8 million to go back into consumers’ wallets,” said Commissioner Goodwin. “I’m also glad that we were able to negotiate a lower than requested rate adjustment that will save $14.5 million in future premiums for policyholders.”

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Many small business owners have questions about how the Health Care Reform will effect them….

“I own a small business and want to provide health insurance for my employees and their families. Are there subsidies or other assistance to help me afford to coverage?”

Many small businesses will be eligible for tax credits of up to 35 percent. Businesses that employ fewer than 25 employees, pay average annual wages of $50,000 and pay at least half the cost of single coverage for their employees may be eligible to receive a tax credit.

Employers with 10 or fewer employees that pay annual average wages of $25,000 or less per year may be eligible for up to a 35 percent tax credit in 2010.

In 2014, the tax credit for eligible small businesses will increase to 50 percent of premiums paid.

Full eligibility details will be provided by the Internal Revenue Service. You should review and discuss the full criteria with a tax professional to determine whether your business will qualify.

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The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation on Wednesday announced a $1.18 million grant to the N.C. Academy of Family Physicians for a mentoring program to help address the shortage of family physicians in the state.

With the grant, the academy will increase medical students’ exposure to innovative practice in family medicine and encourage more of the state’s medical students to pursue a career in family medicine. 

Health officials have worried that the newly passed health care reform bill will increase the number of patients in the state who are insured and can seek regular primary care. (more…)

Chapel Hill, NC – Today Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) filed a rate request with the North Carolina Department of Insurance for a base rate increase of 6.97 percent for Blue Advantage and 2.06 percent for Blue Options HSA. These requested base rate increases are the lowest since 2007. Blue Advantage and Blue Options HSA currently serve more than 300,000 customers under the age of 65.

Seventy percent of Blue Advantage/Blue Options HSA members would see rate changes less than 10 percent, including almost 28,000 customers who would see rate decreases.

“Most of our Blue Advantage and Blue Options HSA customers will see smaller rate increases for 2011,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “However, the only way to make premiums affordable over the long term is to get soaring medical costs under control.”

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Get back down to basics and enjoy fresh summer produce from your local North Carolina Farmers Market or local produce stands.   North Carolina offers a wide variety of locally grown fruits and veggies just in time for summer.  Local produce stands are popping up everywhere so find the one “growing” closest to your family.  Are you having a hard time trying to get your children to eat fresh fruits and veggies.  Have you heard the question, “You really want me to eat that?”  If so then try the tips below to get your family back down to basics and jumpstart healthy eating habits for your children.  The strategies are mom tested and kid approved.  Check with your pediatrician to find the vegetable and fruit recommendations for your child.  Vegetable and fruit requirements vary by age and other factors of your child, but generallly children need 2 to 4 servings per day.  There are so many health benefits to eating fruits and vegetables, not to mention the memories your family will make when trying new recipes. Summer is here and it is the perfect time to support your child in creating healthy eating habits.  Your child will thank you later. 

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With our fast paced lives, it is hard to find the time to enjoy the outdoors with your family. Have you ever thought about setting aside one evening each week as family time? We are all faced with finding a good balance between work and family.  Setting aside one night per week as “family time” is the beginning to a healthy lifestyle for your family. Experts recommend that children get at least 60 minutes of outdoor play each day.  Below are some activities for families of all ages to enjoy.
 

DISCOVER THE WILDERNESS: Take your family on a walk through your neighborhood or backyard and look at nature’s beauty. Try to keep a nature journal and post pictures of different creatures you encounter. (more…)

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina members get more than health insurance. The family of discount programs are available to members at no additional cost and compliments their existing health insurance plan. These programs help members save money and take charge of their health.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC)members receive discounts on chiropractic services 1-888-336-2583, hearing aids 1-877-979-8000, vision care, laser eye surgery 1-888-763-8123, vitamins 1-888-234-2413, weight management programs, products and services – and more! (more…)

March 1, 2010
BCBSNC 2009 Financial Results Show Stable Finances, Customer Base

Highlights:

• BCBSNC affected by economy but finances, membership stable

• Medical spending for customers increases

• Profit margin declines

Chapel Hill – In 2009 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) continued to see
stability in its customer base and financial performance, despite a difficult economy.
“During this down economy, when many insurers have lost customers, Blue Cross is holding its own.
We remain strong and viable and focused on meeting the health care needs of our customers every day,”
said President and CEO Brad Wilson.

BCBSNC had a net income ratio (profit margin) of 2.1 percent for 2009, equating to just 2.1 cents for
each dollar of revenue. That was down from 3.6 percent in 2008 and below the company’s target range
of 3.5 to 4.5 percent. The company’s profitability was affected by higher medical costs and slower
membership growth due to the state’s down economy. The company’s consolidated net income was
$107.3 million with total revenue at $5.2 billion. (more…)