Healthcare News & Blog

This employer guide to the CHOICE Arrangement (formerly ICHRA) explains how employers can reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and expenses, offering cost savings, budget control, flexibility, and tax benefits over traditional group plans.

Navigating emergency room, urgent care, or primary care decisions during health crises involves balancing medical urgency, costs, and access. Learn when to seek immediate care and when to wait, with practical frameworks for making informed healthcare choices.

High Point, NC, offers comprehensive healthcare, including emergency and cancer services at High Point Medical Center, as well as specialized clinics such as eye care, dialysis, heart, and diabetes centers, along with mental health support for all residents.

Resistance training boosts brain health, enhancing cognitive function, strengthening neural connections, and slowing brain shrinkage in older adults. Accessible at home or with a trainer, it pairs well with nutrition coaching. Blue Cross NC supports wellness through fitness programs, health coaching, and resources, empowering members to improve body and mind.

Nestled in the Blue Ridge Mountains, Asheville is known for its arts scene, outdoor recreation and regional hospitals. Here’s an overview of life and health care in Asheville, and how to find health coverage that fits.

Short-term health insurance provides flexible, affordable coverage for up to 36 months, making it ideal for life transitions. It includes hospitalization, emergency care, and doctor visits, with customizable plans to fit your needs, ensuring peace of mind without long-term commitments.

Wilmington, NC, a coastal gem, offers robust healthcare through NHRMC, military facilities, and senior care, enhanced by Blue Cross NC’s affordable plans. Its historic charm and vibrant economy attract all.

Fayetteville, NC, a vibrant city with a rich military and historical legacy, offers comprehensive healthcare through Cape Fear Valley Medical Center, Womack Army Medical Center, and specialized clinics. With robust senior care, primary care, and community programs, it ensures accessible, quality healthcare for all residents.

Durham, NC, the City of Medicine, boasts top facilities like Duke University Hospital and UNC Medical Center for advanced cardiology, oncology, and pediatric care. Medicare supports specialized clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers affordable plans with preventive services, drug cost caps, and extras like dental and fitness benefits.

Greensboro, North Carolina, boasts comprehensive healthcare with hospitals like Moses H. Cone Memorial, primary care clinics such as Eagle Physicians and Guilford Medical Associates, specialized centers for cancer, heart, and orthopedics, mental health services, and senior facilities including Friends Homes at Guilford. Medicare support features tailored clinics and retirement communities. Blue Cross NC offers extensive coverage, preventive care, member perks, nationwide access, and cost savings.

Raleigh, the capital of North Carolina, provides a comprehensive healthcare system with leading hospitals such as Duke Raleigh and WakeMed, diverse clinics, specialized centers for cancer, orthopedics, and neurology, mental health services, and facilities for seniors. Medicare beneficiaries benefit from dedicated care and communities. Blue Cross NC enhances this with extensive coverage, preventive services, member benefits, and cost savings.

A fiduciary health insurance agent prioritizes your best interests, offering transparent, tailored advice on ACA, Medicare, or group plans. Legally bound to disclose conflicts and recommend optimal coverage, they ensure cost-effective, comprehensive solutions, distinguishing them from agents who may push suitable but not ideal plans.

Turning 65 is a pivotal moment for healthcare planning, as it marks eligibility for Medicare, including Part B, which covers outpatient medical services like doctor visits, preventive care, and diagnostic tests. Deciding whether to enroll in Part B, especially with group health coverage through a large or small employer, requires careful consideration. Missing enrollment deadlines can result in penalties, and for high-income earners, premium surcharges further complicate the decision-making process. This article outlines a safe strategy for approaching Medicare Part B at 65, addressing penalties for not enrolling, the wisdom of enrolling despite group coverage, and key factors for high-income earners to consider.
Understanding Medicare Part B
Medicare Part B is a cornerstone of healthcare for individuals 65 and older, covering services such as outpatient care, laboratory tests, physical therapy, and durable medical equipment. In 2026, the standard Part B premium is $202.90 per month, with an annual deductible of $283. Part B covers 80% of approved services, leaving you responsible for the remaining 20% unless you have supplemental coverage like Medigap or a Medicare Advantage plan. For high-income earners, the Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) can significantly increase premiums, with surcharges starting for individuals with a modified adjusted gross income (MAGI) above $103,000 (or $206,000 for married couples) based on tax returns from two years prior.

In September 2026, CMS and the SBA renamed the ICHRA the CHOICE Arrangement. The rules haven't changed, so you'll still see both names used.
CHOICE Arrangements—formerly called Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs)—are transforming how employers provide health benefits, offering a flexible, scalable alternative to traditional group health insurance. Introduced as ICHRAs in 2020 under regulations from the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, CHOICE Arrangements allow businesses of all sizes to reimburse employees for individual health insurance premiums and qualified medical expenses.
What is a CHOICE Arrangement?

QSEHRAs are surging in popularity among small employers with fewer than 50 employees. These tax-advantaged plans reimburse workers for individual health insurance and medical expenses, offering cost predictability, employee flexibility, and simplified administration.

As technology reshapes industries, many wonder how artificial intelligence (AI) will impact the enrollment process for health insurance. At Health Plans of NC, we understand the concerns some agents and clients have about AI-driven tools potentially replacing the personalized service our team provides. However, we believe the future is bright for both our clients and our dedicated agents in North Carolina. Here’s why human expertise remains irreplaceable, even as AI enhances the enrollment process.
AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement
AI is making waves in the health insurance industry, streamlining tasks such as answering basic questions, comparing plan options, and processing applications. For example, chatbots can quickly explain deductibles, and algorithms can suggest plans based on a client’s budget and health needs. These tools are efficient, available 24/7, and appealing to tech-savvy consumers who value speed.

This article highlights the key features of the Blue Cross NC customer service directory, including how members can find doctors, pay premiums, print ID cards, and access support for Medicare, dental, behavioral health, and more. It also explains the convenience of using the member portal for managing health coverage online.

This article explores the extensive provider access available through Blue Cross NC in Charlotte, North Carolina. It highlights the robust network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals available to members enrolled in ACA, Medicare HMO, and PPO plans. The article also explains how to find in-network providers, the benefits of telehealth, and tools like the member portal that help members manage their care. Whether you're new to the area or comparing plan options, Blue Cross NC offers comprehensive healthcare coverage for individuals and families across Charlotte.

IRS announces 2026 HSA limits: $4,400 for self-only (+$100) and $8,750 for family (+$200). Minimum deductibles rise to $1,700 (self) and $3,400 (family), with out-of-pocket caps at $8,500 and $17,000. North Carolinians, maximize tax-free savings with Health Plans of NC. Contact us for HSA guidance!

Turning 65 is a pivotal moment, especially if you work for a small company with fewer than 20 employees. Unlike larger firms, small employers face fewer federal mandates under laws like the Affordable Care Act (ACA) or Age Discrimination in Employment Act (ADEA). This means no guaranteed health insurance or job protections based on age, leaving you to navigate coverage and career decisions carefully. Whether you’re staying on the job or eyeing retirement, here’s what you need to know to secure your health and finances, including critical details if you skip Medicare Part B.
Build Your Health Coverage with Medicare

Blue365 is a free health and wellness discount program available to Blue Cross NC members with active health plan coverage (e.g., commercial plans, Medicare Advantage, or Federal Employee Program plans). It’s not insurance but an added perk designed to help members save money on products and services that promote a healthy lifestyle, many of which aren’t typically covered by standard health plans.
- Categories of Deals:
- Exclusive Discounts: Members can access savings from national and local retailers on health-related items and services.

General Coverage for Hearing Testing:
Hearing testing coverage with Blue Cross NC  depends on the specific plan you’re enrolled in.
  -  Routine Hearing Exams: 

Blue Cross NC members can now enjoy the convenience of home delivery for prescriptions through Amazon Pharmacy, simplifying medication management while maintaining trusted benefits.

Blue Cross NC offers Teladoc telehealth services to individuals under 65 years old who are ACA members, providing 24/7 access to virtual care for acute conditions, mental health, dermatology, nutrition, and primary care through Primary360. Many plans include $0 telehealth visits.