Healthcare News & Blog

Two active Cyclospora outbreaks — including a Taco Bell cluster in 9 states — put NC residents on alert. Learn symptoms, safe foods, and how your health plan covers care.

NC's new Health Care Affordability Commission held its first meeting July 21, 2026. Learn what it could mean for your health insurance costs and coverage options.

Divorced in NC? Learn your COBRA rights, ACA marketplace enrollment windows, and coverage alternatives to stay protected after losing a spouse's health plan.

Retiring in NC before 65? Compare ACA Marketplace plans, COBRA, spousal coverage, and Medicare options to find the right health coverage for your situation.

Learn how Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum ACA Marketplace plans work in NC — and which tier fits your budget, health needs, and subsidy eligibility.

Federal Medicaid work requirements take effect in 2027. Here's how NC farmworkers and seasonal workers can protect their health coverage under the new rules.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is taking over state employee health plans again. Here's what this means for NC workers, families, and your coverage options in 2026.

Fill the gaps in Original Medicare with a plan that fits your budget.

CHOICE Arrangements explained to employers: what employee friction is and how to manage it.

SilverSneakers offers gyms, community classes and online fitness programs for older adults, and it’s included with many Medicare plans. Here’s what it offers and how to get started.

CHOICE Arrangement reimbursements are 100% tax-deductible and exempt from payroll taxes — making them more tax-efficient than a traditional group plan or a cash stipend. This article breaks down five ways North Carolina employers can reduce their tax liability while offering better, more flexible health benefits to their employees.

Restaurants, multi-state employers, construction companies, and startups thrive with a CHOICE Arrangement. Older, stable workforces may not. Here's how to tell the difference.

Seven proven strategies to close the coverage gap between CHOICE Arrangements and group health plans — from over-funding to dependent subsidies and supplemental benefits.

More employers are replacing traditional group health plans with CHOICE Arrangements (formerly called Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements, or ICHRAs). If your employer is making this switch, here's what you need to know about how it works, what changes for you, and how to choose the right health plan.

CHOICE Arrangements and Medicare work together seamlessly, offering significant advantages for employers with Medicare-eligible workers. This guide explains what expenses qualify for reimbursement, how to structure contributions, and the tax benefits for both employers and employees.

Beyond Original Medicare Parts A and B, you have several options to get additional coverage. More than half of Medicare beneficiaries are now enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, while millions more use Medigap or standalone Part D plans. Understanding your options can help you find the right coverage for your health needs and budget.

Thanks to the Affordable Care Act, maternity coverage is now a required benefit on all individual and small group health plans. Pregnancy can no longer be treated as a pre-existing condition, and many preventive services are covered at no additional cost. Here's what you need to know about maternity coverage in North Carolina.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, a Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) can simplify your healthcare while providing valuable extra benefits at little to no cost. Nearly 6 million Americans are enrolled in D-SNPs, and North Carolina residents have multiple plan options. Here's everything you need to know about eligibility, benefits, and enrollment.

Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans offer an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare, bundling hospital, medical, and usually prescription drug coverage. Most plans include extra benefits like dental, vision, and hearing—plus an out-of-pocket maximum to protect you from high costs.

Planning a vacation? Travel insurance can protect you from financial losses due to medical emergencies, trip cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Here's what you need to know before you go.

Freelancing offers freedom and flexibility, but it also means finding your own health insurance. This guide covers all your coverage options and what self-employed workers need to know for 2025-2026.

The Circle of Champions is a CMS recognition program honoring insurance agents and brokers who demonstrate expertise in helping consumers find and enroll in ACA Marketplace coverage. With record-high enrollment and important subsidy changes ahead for 2026, working with a recognized agent is more valuable than ever.

Vision insurance helps offset the costs of eye exams, glasses, and contact lenses. Here's what you need to know about vision coverage options in North Carolina—including what the ACA and Medicare do and don't cover.

As the gig economy grows, more North Carolinians are working as Selfemployed—and finding health coverage on their own. Here's what you need to know about your options, costs, and how to get covered.