With Dental Blue, members do not pay a deductible for check-ups or diagnostic and preventive services.  Check-ups and cleanings are covered twice per benefit period. Plus, members can visit any licensed dentist they choose. There are no “in-network” restrictions.  Members pay a $75 annual deductible for both basic services like routine fillings and extractions, and major services including crowns, bridges and dentures.  

Applicants can choose Dental Blue coverage for themselves, their children or the entire family. There are three convenient payment options: monthly bank draft, semiannual payment or annual payment. (more…)

Red wine, in moderation, has been found to contain powerful substances that benefit the heart, the nervous system, and even your teeth, and it may even offer some cancer protection. It has been said that red wine is good for a man’s health in a number of ways, according to many studies.  But the alcohol in red wine has little to do with it, red wine happens to contain powerful antioxidants, substances that protect your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.  The health benefits from wine are the same for men and women, but men can drink more given their generally larger body mass — one or two 4-ounce glasses of wine per day — while women should consume only one glass.  You still need to practice moderation when you drink, research suggest  having more than this amount has been tied to heart disease, liver damage, and other health problems.  Red Wine is rich in Antioxidants which will keep free radicals from attacking the body’s cells and contributing to destructive processes inside the body. (more…)

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…)

Summer officially begins on June 21st which to North Carolinians will mean the start of fresh local seafood.  Seafood can be part of good nutrition.  There are various health benefits to seafood.  Incorporating good nutrition into your eating habits can start at a young age. 

Nutritionally speaking fish is a great catch for children.  Research shows that Omega 3’s in certain fish have brain boosting developmental power. Seafood is also high in protein and loaded with vitamins and minerals.  

There are so many benefits in adding seafood into your family’s nutrition.  A basic understanding of cooking techniques, nutrients, and healthy fats that exist in seafood can be the start of a family conversation.  Involve your children in the decision making process by allowing them to choose the type of seafood they find appetizing.  You can even plan a family trip to the beach, lake, or local bodies of water so that the children can experience the joy of catching their own food.  If you aren’t quite ready to become a fisherman yourself, bring your children to the local seafood market.  A visit to the local seafood market can be fun and educational.   

So from the bodies of water to your table, dive in and see what catch of the day can start your family toward healthy nutrition.  Seafood is not only delicious but it is good for you as well and is the start to developing a healthy lifestyle. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) always promotes a healthy lifestyle.  You could reduce your monthly rate as much as 15%  if you qualify for this discount.  This rating tier is referred to as “Preferred Plus” – if you do not smoke, you do not have any pre-existing health conditions, lead a healthy lifestyle, if you are not taking any medications and if your height and weight ratio is within Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s preferred guidelines, you may qualify for this discount. 

It does not cost anything to apply for our Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA plans to determine if you qualify for this discount.  After you apply, your application is submitted to underwriting for final approval.  Once approved, you view your final rates, you have the ability to change to any plan available and enroll in your policy.  If you determine you do not want to proceed with acquiring the coverage, you have the option of deleting your application.  You are not under any obligation to purchase the plan once you have received final rates and approval.  Also, compare our Blue Advantage plans to our Blue Options HSA for even more costs savings. (more…)

More and more studies are showing how important vitamin D is to women’s health and  women aren’t getting enough of this essential vitamin.  Studies show you can increase levels through both your diet and supplements.  To get enough vitamin D from the sun, you need to spend about 5 to 15 minutes in the sun, just three times each week, without sunscreen. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer, so make sure you limit your exposure. Also, you can expose your arms and legs, but you should always protect your face with sunscreen. If you don’t feel safe in the sun, turn to your diet and a vitamin D supplement to get the vitamin D you need Vitamin D promotes the body’s absorption of calcium, a mineral that helps keep bones and teeth strong. Vitamin D also regulates the body’s calcium levels in the blood, as well as levels of the mineral phosphorus, which helps promote healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can be serious, causing bones to deteriorate and weaken. In adults, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to the bone condition osteoporosis and, in children, it can cause rickets — soft and weak bones.  Look for discounts on your vitamins when you purchase your health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. (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…)

What rates are you currently quoting?

We are currently quoting rate increases for our HSA product averaging slightly over 3 percent and employer group rate increases that are averaging in the mid teens (effective for the first quarter of 2010). Our rates are approved by the North Carolina Department of Insurance. The rates of specific employer groups can vary because of a number of factors that affect the potential medical costs of those groups. The factors include the health circumstances of employees, age and gender of the workforce, benefit levels chosen and the medical costs of the counties in which the employees live.

What about individual rates?

We are currently quoting individual premium increases averaging 12.24 percent (for the first quarter of 2010). Our average rate increase for the HSA product is slightly over 3 percent. Our rates are approved by the N.C. Department of Insurance. Rates for individuals can vary because of a number of factors that affect the potential medical costs of those groups. The factors include the age and gender of the workforce, benefit levels chosen and the medical costs of the counties in which the employees live.

(more…)

Why are medical costs up?

BCBSNC is seeing recent increases in medical costs for several reasons.  We waived copays on generic drugs from January through June 2009 in an effort to encourage our customers to use generics where appropriate to reduce medical costs. Other factors include: H1N1 and the seasonal flu, as well as impacts from COBRA and the aging of groups (where layoffs are newer employees.) (Note: This finding is similar to recent announcements by our competitors.) The use of generic prescriptions went up nearly 2 percentage points from December 2008 to December 2009 to 68 percent.

We believe the copay waiver is an investment in improving health by making it possible for people to keep taking their medicine even in a down economy if costs are lower. The 2009 generic copay waiver program applied to nearly 1 million BCBSNC customers and eliminated customer copays for covered generic drugs.

(more…)

Employees 4,617-Customers 3.7 million (including nearly 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans) -Customer calls annually 4.4 million -Customer claims (volume in 2009) nearly 47.2 million – Customer claims paid in 2009 over $11.3 billion (insured and self funded Consolidated net income $107.3 million

Key Points about Financial Results:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a stable company that provides a valuable service to more than 3.7 million customers. We know North Carolinians depend on us.

• BCBSNC had a net income ratio of 2.1 percent for 2009. This profit of 2.1 cents for each dollar of revenue 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 many factors including the investment made in improving the health of our customers by waiving generic drug copayments for the first 6 months of 2009, higher medical costs due to more medical visits, prescription drugs and use of medical care due to H1N1 and seasonal flu (for example) and slower membership growth.

(more…)

From J. Bradley Wilson, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:  Mark Twain wrote, “Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest.” It might astonish many people that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina stands ready to implement what is likely to be the first of several waves of health care reform. 

For the past 14 months, insurance companies have been poster children for what’s wrong with health care. In the face of relentless attacks by politicians, abetted by the news media, health insurers have not done a good job of explaining the value of health insurance.  (more…)