Between media outlets and elected officials in Washington, there is no shortage of discussion and published content about the future of health insurance in North Carolina and across the country.  However, we still have very little concrete direction about what consumers, insurance companies and the healthcare industry can expect moving forward.  In the beginning of 2017, we provided our thoughts on the health insurance market in North Carolina moving forward.  Now, in May, we have some information about known changes, but uncertainty still exists.

The most recent and significant changes will impact all health insurance shoppers during the coming years Open Enrollment Period.  On April 13^th, the Center of Medicare and Medicaid Services introduced final “Market Stabilization” rules for the Individual health insurance market.  From these changes, the Open Enrollment Period is now set to begin on November 1^st and end of December 15^th for an effective date of January 1^st.  This will be the shortest Open Enrollment Period thus far and is the first time only one effective date option is available.  The previous Open Enrollment lasted until January 31^st and offered effective dates of both February 1^st and March 1^st.  This means shoppers will need to make sure they have completed the enrollment process during these new Open Enrollment dates, otherwise, Special Enrollment Period requirements will apply.

Other notable changes impact Special Enrollment Periods and the requirement for documentation to prove Qualifying Life Events in order to enroll in health insurance plans outside the Open Enrollment Period.  This has been a request of insurance companies for several years now and simply requires customers to verify with supporting documentation that a Qualifying Life Event has occurred.

Other major changes are expected, but timelines and impacts of possible changes are very difficult to calculate now.  As we receive further guidance, we will continue to update the consumer community and empower you with the knowledge needed to navigate this constantly changing health insurance market.

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.

The cost of health insurance and healthcare is growing and has been for a long time; but what can be done?  First, let’s understand that the health insurance industry is very complicated and unlikely to be accurately summarized in a short article.  The topic can be broken down into so many segments, each of which deserves its own time and attention.  Few segments are as important as the concept of affordability.  Without affordability, health insurance begins to lose its value and is capable of serving less people.

The concept of affordability is no simple matter.  Analyzing Medical Loss Ratios and actuarial values is a task performed by some of the best and brightest the insurance companies have to offer.  There’s no question these professionals have earned a seat at the table when discussing the cost of health insurance.

When looking beyond the highly publicized drivers of health insurance costs, there are a few much more simple concepts that can have significant impact on the affordability of health insurance in North Carolina and the entire country.  These are ways consumers can help in the fight to lower healthcare spending and health insurance premiums.

1. Eat Healthy and Exercise Regularly: There is no shortage of available information about healthy diets and exercise. Positive Health Wellness is a great resource for ideas that can help us live healthier lifestyles and feel better as a result.  Large insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina have been open about concerns regarding the health status of so many insured members.  This has initiated the insurance company to become more active in paving the way for their member to live healthier lifestyles.
2. Take advantage of preventive care doctor visits: Most health insurance plans have coverage for services like routine physicals and screenings.  Typically, these visits are covered at 100%.  Utilizing these covered services may help identify potential illnesses before they become more severe.
3. Use the Emergency Room for Emergencies: BCBSNC has found that a very large percentage of emergency room visits are for non-emergency situation that could have been handled in a Primary Care Doctors Office or an Urgent Care facility.  Emergency Rooms are often one of the most expensive places to seek care.  Emergency Rooms serve an important purpose and are recommended for certain situations.  However, it’s important to make sure this is the best place to be seen based on the circumstances.

Understanding that we all have some control of the cost of health insurance can change the conversation.  The recommendations listed don’t provide an immediate fix to the on-going problems but they can certainly contribute to a solution.

“Obamacare” is a popular term used to describe the Affordable Care Act.  As insurance advisors, one question customers frequently ask is “Do you offer anything other than Obamacare?”  Understanding this question is most important before answering it.

First, Affordable Care Act compliant plans are not only health insurance plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace or “Exchange.”  They are also health plans offered “Off Exchange” or directly through insurance companies, as long as they meet all requirements under the Affordable Care Act.  In North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the vast majority of the ACA compliant health plans both on and off the Exchange.  Blue Cross offers plans in all 100 counties and in 2017 was the only company offering “On Exchange” plans in 94 of the 100 North Carolina counties.  When considering alternatives to ACA compliant plans, the most common is Short Term, also known as Temporary Health Insurance.

Temporary health insurance plans are not compliant with the ACA regulations which allows customers to enroll outside the Open Enrollment Period without the requirement of a Qualifying Life Event.  In the past, these plans were created and structured to bridge gaps in coverage.  However, recently their attraction has grown and individuals and families have begun enrolling in Short Term plans for extended policy periods as an alternative to the ACA compliant options.  The ACA compliant plans lack the flexible plan structure and low premiums that are attractive aspects of Short Term health insurance.  Short Term plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions which is a requirement under Obamacare.  Additionally, you must answer health questions on a Short Term application in order to be eligible to enroll.  For these reasons, the plans are usually significantly less expensive than ACA compliant plans.  These factors and others drive the premium prices down and often surprise shoppers when making a price comparison.

Furthermore, the Short Term health insurance regulations are expected to change on April 1, 2017.  The policy periods will be limited to 3 months.  For applicants that enroll prior to April 1, the policy period can last until Dec. 31, 2017 with certain carriers like United HealthOne.

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.

In early 2017, the North Carolina health insurance landscape is again expecting change.  The past several years have created an individual health insurance market unlike anything North Carolinian’s have seen before.  The full implementation of the Affordable Care Act “Obamacare” in 2014 led insurance companies to make changes to the way they offered, sold, and priced insurance plans.  Individuals and families were forced to adapt to the changes in the plans offered and how they enrolled in these new plans.  Additionally, the Federal Government was in a central, governing position which impacted both the companies and the customers that purchased these plans.  Over the course of a few years, North Carolinian’s weathered the storm.  These changes have impacted our rates for the plans, doctor and hospital networks, the available insurance companies in our state and many other components of the North Carolina insurance market. (more…)

If you are transitioning into Medicare either because you are turning 65 or have become newly eligible due to a
disability, you will likely want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help. Because traditional Medicare, Parts A & B, do not cover some medical expenses, it’s important to understand what other options are available to you to help supplement your Medicare and offset your out of pocket health care costs.

Even before you are eligible for Medicare, you can begin reviewing your options.  Explore Medicare Supplements and begin deciding what plans work best for you.  Consult with a licensed Medicare Agent to discuss available plans and begin thinking about what kind of plan best fits your budget and your lifestyle.  Keep in mind that Medicare Supplements through Blue Cross Blue Shield are accepted by all Medicare providers.  Remember that the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement is during your initial enrollment period.

Medicare Supplements are designed to fill the gaps that exist in a traditional Medicare plan and can give you the peace of mind of knowing you will have the coverage you need when you need it most.  Supplements can help pay your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and can significantly reduce your out of pocket expenses.

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.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and practicing preventive health maintenance includes paying attention to oral health.  Having a dental plan that covers your preventive care dental visits and also provides coverage for other basic and major dental services is a smart way to protect your health and the health of your family.  Unlike medical plans which are subject to an Annual Open Enrollment period, you can enroll in a Dental Blue insurance plan at any time during the year.

Now that you’ve gotten your health insurance in place for 2017, consider enrolling a dental insurance plan.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers dental coverage for individuals under 65 as well as Senior plans.  Seeing your dentist on a regular basis does more for your health than give you a pretty smile.  In fact, regular dental check-ups can tell your dentist a lot about your overall health and whether or not you may be developing certain health conditions.

According to the Academy of General Dentistry, there is a relationship between gum disease and certain health conditions such as heart disease and stroke.  Research suggests that oral health very often mirrors the condition of your body’s overall health and many other diseases like leukemia and diabetes actually show symptoms in the mouth, such as swollen gums, ulcers, and dry mouth.  Seeing your dentist on a regular basis allows your dentist to monitor changes and developments that could alert them to more serious health issues.

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.

We are now in the final weeks of Open Enrollment 2017 and if you still have not enrolled your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan, now is the time to get covered!  Keep in mind, however, that you must submit an application by January 31st to have coverage beginning March 1st.  If you miss the deadline, you may not be able to enroll in health insurance until the next Open Enrollment.

Under the law of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), you are required to maintain qualified health insurance or possibly incur a tax penalty.  This is known as the individual mandate.  For 2017, the tax penalty is $695 per person or 2.5% of your income, whichever is higher.  In addition, if you do not have health insurance, you will be responsible for the costs of all health care you use over the course of the year.

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC offers qualified health plans in all 100 counties in North Carolina and plans are available both on and off the Marketplace.  Based on your income and the number of people in your household, you may qualify for a premium tax credit (federal subsidy) to help reduce the cost of your plan.  In addition, you could qualify for reduced copayments and deductibles.  For people under the age of 30, Catastrophic plans are available and these plans typically have a lower monthly premium.

At NC Health plans, we are committed to helping our customers choose and enroll the BCBSNC health plan that best suits your needs at a price that fits your budget.  We can help you determine subsidy eligibility, discuss plan options and walk you through the enrollment process.  We can help you submit your application online or directly over the phone in a few short minutes.

Don’t let 2017 come and go without securing the health coverage you need. 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.

The 2017 Open Enrollment period for health insurance is still in effect and if you missed enrolling your plan for January 1st, there is still time!  You have 2 days left to submit an application and have your 2017 BCBSNC health insurance plan effective February 1st.  Whether you are enrolling your plan on the Marketplace and applying for a federal subsidy or off the Marketplace with no subsidy, NC Health Plans is here to help.  We offer a secure, simple application process that can be completed online or over the phone in a few short minutes.

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC is a trusted name in NC health insurance and the only insurance company offering 2017 qualified ACA-approved health plans in all 100 counties in North Carolina.  If you were enrolled in a United Healthcare or Aetna plan last year that ended on December 31st, you still have time to choose the Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plan that best suits your needs and your budget.

Keep in mind that the application deadline is fast-approaching.  In order for your new health plan to be effective February 1st, you must submit your application by midnight January 15th.  If you miss the January 15th application deadline, your plan cannot be effective until March 1st (some exceptions apply).  Don’t miss this important deadline.  Enroll your 2017 health today!

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.

As 2016 comes to a close, NC Health Plans would like to wish you and your family a very Happy Holiday season!  This year has once again brought about many changes in the health insurance market and 2017 will likely bring more.  Through it all, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has remained steadfast in its commitment to providing quality health insurance plans to the residents of North Carolina and has continued to make strides in improving customer service and helping NC residents navigate the Affordable Care Act and the federal Marketplace.

If you missed your opportunity to enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan for January 1st, there is still time!  Open Enrollment will not officially end until January 31st and you can still enroll in health insurance that will begin February 1st.

At NC Health Plans, we are happy to assist you in choosing your plan, determining your subsidy eligibility, applying for a federal subsidy and enrolling for coverage.  It is our pleasure to provide the most up-to-date, user-friendly enrollment application process either online or over the phone.  You can be enrolled in a BCBSNC 2017 health insurance plan in a few short minutes.

This holiday season, don’t let health insurance overwhelm you.  NC Health Plans is here to help! 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.

Open Enrollment is not over, so if you missed the December 15th deadline, you can still enroll your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan.  BCBSNC has Qualified Health Plans available in all 100 counties of North Carolina and there is still plenty of time to enroll.  At NC Health Plans we are committed to making the enrollment process as easy as possible.  If you are not eligible for a federal subsidy, you can enroll your plan off the Marketplace in a short, simple, 10 minute application.  Or, if you would like to apply for a federal subsidy and enroll your plan through the Marketplace, we can help you do that application over the phone in a matter of minutes.  In fact, generating a quote, determining subsidy eligibility and submitting your Marketplace application has never been simpler!

Keep in mind, Open Enrollment will officially end on January 31st, 2017 and if you want your new health plan to begin February 1st, you must complete your application by January 15th.  Also, remember under the law of the Affordable Care Act, you are required to carry health insurance and if you do not enroll in a Qualified Health Plan by the end of Open Enrollment, you will likely not be able to do so until next year.  You will possibly also face a federal tax penalty.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a name you can trust when it comes to your health insurance needs.  Offering health plans to North Carolina residents for over 80 years, BCBSNC has remained steadfast in a rapidly changing health insurance market.  Don’t let another year go by without obtaining a Qualified Health Insurance plan.  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.

The Annual Open Enrollment period for NC Health Insurance is in full swing, but keep in mind if you want your new 2017 health insurance plan to be effective January 1st, you must submit your application by midnight, December 15th!  That means you have one more week to apply in order to secure coverage that begins January 1st.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is offering Affordable Care Act plans both on and off the federal Marketplace in all 100 counties of North Carolina and the application process has never been easier.

You can get a quote, apply for a federal subsidy and enroll a 2017 BCBNSC health insurance plan in a matter of minutes by visiting our website at www.nchealthplans.com or by calling 888-765-5400.  You can do your application online or over the phone with one of our authorized representatives and have the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your family are covered.

Don’t miss this important deadline!  Apply and enroll your 2017 coverage by midnight, December 15th.  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.

The Annual Open Enrollment Period for Medicare is coming to an end on December 7th.  If you need to enroll a Medicare Supplement plan or would like to make changes to your current plan, there’s still time!  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers Medicare Supplement plans with added benefits such as Silver & Fit, and also provides Medicare recipients with many choices for Medicare supplemental coverage.

At NC Health Plans we strive to make the Enrollment Period as simple and stress-free as possible and offer a variety of Medicare Supplement plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  Your application can be submitted right from the comfort of your home and our licensed NC health insurance agents are available to help you make changes to your existing plan, compare plans or enroll a new plan.

Don’t miss the Medicare Open Enrollment period!  Call 888-765-5400 or visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com.  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.