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DEVELOPING GOOD HOMEWORK AND STUDY HABITS

Monday, September 12th, 2011

Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.

— Schedule ample time for homework.
— Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
— Supervise computer and internet use.
— Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.

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Short Term Medical – Affordable Temporary Health Insurance

Tuesday, September 6th, 2011

bigstock-The-word-Health-surrounded-by--43388209During life transitions, you can’t afford to go without health insurance coverage.  Unexpected illnesses and accidents happen every day and the resulting medical bills can be disastrous.   Let a Short Term Medical plan offered by NC Health Plans provide you and your loved ones with the peace of mind you need at a price you can afford.

Apply today and be covered as early as tomorrow!  Get coverage for the exact number of days needed and save 20% by making one up-front payment or pay as you go

Keep your own doctor and get 24-hour access to doctors by telephone.  Ensure your satisfaction with our 10-day money back guarantee.

Even a short period without health insurance is not worth the risk. Get your FREE, no-obligation quote today!  Please do not cancel any existing medical insurance coverage until you have received written acceptance for coverage from Assurant Health.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

Eating Healthy During the School Day

Wednesday, August 31st, 2011

Most schools regularly send schedules of cafeteria menus home. With this advance information, you can plan on packing lunch on the days when the main course is one your child prefers not to eat.  Try to get your child’s school to stock healthy choices such as fresh fruit, low-fat dairy products, water and 100 percent fruit juice in the vending machines.  Each 12-ounce soft drink contains approximately 10 teaspoons of sugar and 150 calories. Drinking just one can of soda a day increases a child’s risk of obesity by 60%. Restrict your child’s soft drink consumption.

The information in this article : Back to School Tips is from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site ( http://www.aap.org ).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers discounts in premium to individuals in excellent health.   Practice fitness and good nutrition at an early age and reduce the risk of health problems, regardless of age.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

New Product for 2011 with lower premiums

Friday, August 26th, 2011

North Carolina consumers looking for a lower-cost health plan now have new options to consider from the state’s leading health insurer (Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina)   Blue Advantage Saver offers consumers low premiums and the peace of mind of knowing they are covered in the event of a catastrophic health event.

Blue Advantage Saver is a bridge between the rich benefits of the traditional PPO plan, Blue Advantage, and the customer accountability of Blue Options HSA.

While all three Blue Advantage Saver plans protect the customers from unexpected medical expenses, the customer’s share of the cost varies by each plan.   As an example, consider the customer’s out-of-pocket amount for non-preventive visits to a health care provider, which are covered under all three plan designs.  All preventive care visits are covered at 100%.

Blue Advantage Saver 1 – Customers can make unlimited non-preventive visits to a primary care physician, each with a $25 copayment.

Blue Advantage Saver 2– Customers can make up to four non-preventive visits per year to a primary care physician, each with a $25 copayment.  All additional visits would be subject to your deductible and coinsurance.

Blue Advantage Saver 3 – No limit on non-preventive visits, but each visit is subject to your deductible and coinsurance.

Emergency room visits, urgent care visits and visits to any specialist are subject to deductible and coinsurance on all Blue Advantage Saver plans.  Blue Advantage Saver plans 2 and 3 offer $10 generic drugs, but do not offer any coverage for brand name drugs.  Blue Advantage Saver 1 offers coverage for brand-name drugs, subject to deductible and copayments or coinsurance.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

Preparing for the 1st Day of School

Wednesday, August 24th, 2011

MAKING THE FIRST DAY EASIER
Remind your child that she is not the only student who is a bit uneasy about the first day of school. Teachers know that students are anxious and will make an extra effort to make sure everyone feels as comfortable as possible.
Point out the positive aspects of starting school: It will be fun. She’ll see old friends and meet new ones. Refresh her positive memories about previous years, when she may have returned home after the first day with high spirits because she had a good time.  Find another child in the neighborhood with whom your youngster can walk to school or ride with on the bus.  If you feel it is appropriate, drive your child (or walk with her) to school and pick her up on the first day.

The information in this article : Back to School Tips is from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site ( http://www.aap.org ).

Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers child only health insurance policies.  As you prepare for the 1st Day of School, don’t forget about insurance especially if sports are a part of your child’s school experience.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

BCBSNC Product Spotlight: Blue Advantage

Monday, August 22nd, 2011

Our classic health insurance plan

  • Features low copayments for doctor visits and prescription drugs
  • A wide range of deductibles for medical and prescription drugs
  • You get the most comprehensive coverage we offer
  • You pay more in monthly premiums, but you pay less when going to the doctor
  • Preventive care is covered at 100%

The information in this article is from bcbsnc.com, product benefits.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

Relax, Sit Back, and Kayak

Friday, August 19th, 2011

As if we needed another reason to get out onto the water, the fact remains that whether you are looking for it or not, kayaking is a form of exercise, not to mention the beautiful settings that surround you.  Kayaking gives us a balanced approach to our cardiovascular system and our upper body strength.

These health benefits are often a side effect of simply doing what you love most.  During kayaking the low impact movements may improve joint health in some people.  The extra calories burned through kayaking may also lead to natural weight loss, which in turn can help aching joints.  Kayaking also is a great way to relax and reduce stress.  It is a great sport to help with physical and emotional healing.

Kayaking is a great way to promote a healthy lifestyle for your family too!  Kids of all ages love can enjoy kayaking.  Safety is the main goal when involving children in this sport.  Life preservers are a non-negotiable.  Children should ride with an adult several times before venturing on their own and must be supervised by an adult at all times.  Keep in mind when children are learning to kayak it is best to start in calm shallow water until they get the hang of the movement.   Half an hour to an hour is just right for all first trips regardless of age. You may also want to make certain that children are familiar with the water, experienced in swimming, physical strength, and coordination level.  So enjoy kayaking !  Get your family on the water and begin a healthy life!

For more information on 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 to 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.

BCBSNC High Deductible Health Plan (HSA & Blue Saver) Customers to see Zero Percent Base Rate Increase

Friday, August 12th, 2011

In a press release today issued by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina,  a rate request was filed with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) for a rate increase of ZERO PERCENT for Blue Options HSA and Blue Saver. The requested rate increase for Blue Advantage is 6.35 percent.  According to the press release  Blue Advantage and Blue Options HSA currently serve more than 347,000 customers under the age of 65. 

The ZERO PERCENT base rate increase for the Blue Options HSA and Blue Saver products underscores that when customers have a greater financial stake in the decisions they make, they become more savvy health care consumers. The growth they are seeing in these products shows that consumers are comfortable taking a more active role in managing their health care expenses. (more…)

PADDLE BOARD YOUR WAY TO GOOD HEALTH

Saturday, July 30th, 2011

You may have seen the sport out on the beach.  While many people find paddle boarding fun, many also see the health benefits with this popular sport.   If you are an avid water lover, and ready for a good challenge, then stand up paddle boarding might be the perfect combination for your summer activity.  Also, more activity promotes good health so having fun with your summer activities can improve overall health and fitness. 

According to exercise experts, this sport is a full body workout.  Paddle boarding strengthens your core, improves balance, and best of all burns calories.   When you paddle you rotate using your abs.  You may also develop muscles on the core areas (hips, trunk and buttocks). You can contact most local surf shops to find paddle board lessons which are being taught up and down the East Coast.   Our agency owner worked closely with AB Surf Shop on Atlantic Beach to purchase an awesome board for a Christmas gift and we were very happy with our purchase.

Paddle boarding does take a little practice.  The hands-on experience is challenging.  Although regular practice will guarantee success, most people usually are able to stand within 10 minutes.  Paddle boarding is an active sport for any athletic ability and any size person. 

Paddle boarding is a fast growing water sport.  Remember it is important to stay active and healthy.  Not only do you get health benefits from your healthy lifestyle, but you can save money when purchasing private health insurance and get discounts in your premium due to excellent health. 

For more information on 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 to 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.

BCBSNC to Cover Sleeve Gastrectomies Procedure

Monday, July 25th, 2011

 Beginning July 1, 2011, BCBSNC will cover the sleeve gastrectomy procedure for qualified members who meet the criteria outlined in our medical policy titled “Surgery for Morbid Obesity.” You can search the medical policy on bcbsnc.com. What is a sleeve gastrectomy? A sleeve gastrectomy is an alternative approach to a standard gastrectomy that can be performed on its own or in combination with other procedures. In this procedure, a portion of the stomach is removed, leaving a stomach remnant shaped like a tube or sleeve.

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Blue Options HSA Online Changes Effective July 18th

Tuesday, July 12th, 2011

Beginning July 18, 2011, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is making changes to the way that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) members view and access information about their Health Savings Account (HSA) online.

If plan participants are enrolled in a Blue Options HSASM account and their fund administrator is ACS/BNY Mellon, subscribers in that plan will notice the following changes:

Beginning July 18th, subscribers who log into BCBSNC’s Member Services (www.mybcbsnc.com) will notice that the “My HSA Account” link is being replaced with a “Manage My HSA” link. This link will direct subscribers to www.hsamember.com, a site hosted by ACS/BNY Mellon, the HSA fund administrator.

Subscribers who are accessing www.hsamember.com for the first time will need to complete the e-registration process with ACS/BNY Mellon. Then, to access their HSA account information at any time, they simply log into their new hsamember.com account. (This account and log-in process is separate from their BCBSNC Member Services account.)

With www.hsamember.com, BCBSNC members will have more of their HSA information at their fingertips than ever before, and the site is easy and convenient to use.

“My HSA Account” pages will no longer be available on bcbsnc.com. Members will be able to access similar information, and more, from the www.hsamember.com website and from www.bcbsnc.com.

This information was published by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina on July 5, 2011.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

Preventive Care Benefits – 100% Covered by BCBSNC

Tuesday, February 22nd, 2011

GREAT COVERAGE STARTS HERE:  For most all non-grandfathered plans offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina now offer 100% coverage for all preventive services….no more co-payments or deductibles.  Some of these benefits include adult annual exams, urinalysis, blood test, screen test, immunizations, well-baby care, well- child care, mammograms, colonoscopies, polyp removal and obesity evaluation and management.

Also being offered are our new lower costs plans by BCBSNC ,  Saver 1, 2 & 3 plans offering high deductibles as well as limited office visit co-payments, limited prescription coverage and plans offering no co-payments with deductibles as high as $10,000.00 and $20,000.00.    Of course, Blue Options HSA and Blue Advantage plans are among the most popular plans being sold today.  Now you have the ability to select from a broad array of plans that will work best with your budget.

For more information on 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 professional 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.

 
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