Healthcare News & Blog

Individual/Family

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

North Carolina Obamacare Enrollees Could Get a $500 Rebate

About one million Obamacare enrollees — including many in North Carolina — are in line for a $500 rebate from a surplus in a little-known marketplace fee. Here's who qualifies and why.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

Turning 26 in NC? Here's How to Replace Your Health Coverage

Aging off a parent's plan at 26? Learn your NC health insurance options, how the Special Enrollment Period works, and how to find affordable coverage fast.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Plans Vs. Catastrophic Coverage in NC: What to Know

Comparing ACA Marketplace plans and catastrophic health insurance in NC? Learn which coverage fits younger, healthier residents and how costs really stack up.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

NC Medicaid vs Marketplace Plans: Which Fits Your Family?

Compare NC Medicaid and ACA Marketplace plans on eligibility, costs, and coverage to find the best health insurance NC option for your household in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

COBRA vs ACA Plans in NC: What Costs Less After Job Loss?

Lost job-based coverage in NC? Compare COBRA and ACA Marketplace plans on cost, benefits, and eligibility to find the right health coverage for your situation.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for NC's Self-Employed: What You Need to Know

Freelancers and small business owners in NC have real options: ACA Marketplace plans, HSAs, and tax credits that lower your costs. Here's how to choose.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Hospital Prices: What Families Need to Know in 2026

Hospital prices are reshaping health insurance in NC. Learn how state reforms, ACA plans, and Medicare protect North Carolina families from high hospital costs.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Health Insurance for NC College Students: Your Options

NC college students can choose from parent plans, student health plans, or ACA Marketplace coverage. Learn your options, costs, and key enrollment deadlines.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

How to Appeal a Denied Health Insurance Claim in NC

Denied health insurance claim in NC? Learn the step-by-step appeal process, key deadlines, and when to seek help — from internal appeals to external review.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

FSA vs HSA: What NC Residents Need to Know

Compare FSAs and HSAs for North Carolina health plans. Learn 2026 contribution limits, withdrawal rules, and which account saves you the most money.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Lost Medicaid in NC? Here's How to Get Covered Fast

Lost Medicaid coverage in North Carolina? Learn how to use your Special Enrollment Period, compare ACA Marketplace plans, and avoid a gap in health insurance.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Individual/Family, Affordable Care Act

HMO Vs. PPO Health Insurance in NC: Which Fits You?

Choosing between HMO and PPO health insurance in NC? Learn how each network works, when each makes sense, and how to verify your doctors are covered.
HealthPlans of NC

Couple looking at a phone together at the kitchen table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Special Enrollment: Get Coverage After Life Changes

Lost a job or had a major life event in NC? Learn how Special Enrollment Periods work, what qualifies, and how to get affordable health insurance fast.
HealthPlans of NC

Family of four looking at a laptop together at the kitchen table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Family Health Insurance: Compare Plans & Cut Costs

Learn how NC families can compare metal tiers, networks, deductibles, and copays to find affordable health coverage that fits their budget and needs in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Why NC Hospital Costs Vary — and How to Pay Less

A knee replacement costs $16K at one NC hospital and $40K at another. Learn why health insurance and hospital prices vary so much in North Carolina — and what to do about it.
HealthPlans of NC

Couple holding their newborn while looking at a laptop
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

How to Switch Health Plans Mid-Year in NC

Learn when and how NC residents can change health insurance plans outside of Open Enrollment, including qualifying life events and Special Enrollment Period rules.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

How to Appeal a Denied Health Insurance Claim in NC

Denied a health insurance claim in NC? Learn the step-by-step appeal process — internal reviews, external appeals, and free NC consumer resources to help you win.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Individual/Family, Medicare

Rural Healthcare Access & Network Adequacy in NC

Learn how to evaluate provider networks for health plans in rural North Carolina and find coverage that gives you real, nearby access to the care you need.
HealthPlans of NC

Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Turning 26 in NC? Your Health Insurance Options Explained

Aging off a parent's health plan at 26? Learn your coverage options in North Carolina, including ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and how to use your Special Enrollment Period.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman smiling while working on a laptop at home
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

Health Insurance Guide for NC's Newly Self-Employed

Just went self-employed in NC? Learn how to enroll in ACA Marketplace plans, claim tax credits, and choose HSA-eligible coverage as a freelancer or small business owner.
HealthPlans of NC

Parents and two teenagers going over paperwork at the kitchen table
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Family Health Insurance in NC: Plans, Dependents & Subsidies

NC parents: learn how family ACA plans work, how long kids can stay on your plan, subsidy eligibility, and coverage options for uninsured college students.
HealthPlans of NC

Couple reviewing a form and tablet in a clinic waiting room
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

NC Medicaid Expansion: Coverage Gains and Gaps That Remain

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in late 2023, gaining hundreds of thousands of enrollees. Learn what changed, who still falls through the cracks, and what a UNC study found.
HealthPlans of NC

Woman reading paperwork at a laptop in her kitchen
Health, Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family

Lost Your Job in NC? COBRA Vs. Marketplace Coverage

Lost employer health insurance in North Carolina? Learn how COBRA, ACA Marketplace plans, and Medicaid compare — plus key enrollment deadlines to protect your coverage.
HealthPlans of NC

Parents and two children working on paperwork at the kitchen table
Affordable Care Act, Individual/Family, Health

ACA Enrollment Drop in NC: What It Means for Your Coverage

ACA enrollment fell in NC as premiums rose. Learn why it happened, who's affected, and which health coverage options still make sense for NC families in 2026.
HealthPlans of NC

See plans and pricing today.