Blue Local Insurance: North Carolina's Choice

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is the largest health insurance provider in the state, with more than 4 million North Carolinians insured by the company. Blue Cross NC offers a range of health insurance plans, including the cheapest Silver plan in the state, Blue Local Silver Preferred 3100. The company has a strong presence in North Carolina, with advertising, philanthropy, and political influence. The specific number of people in North Carolina with BCBS Blue Local insurance is not readily available, but with over 4 million insured by the company, it is likely that a significant number of people have this specific plan.

Blue Cross Blue Shield is the cheapest health insurance in North Carolina

Blue Cross Blue Shield: The Cheapest Health Insurance in North Carolina

Overview

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBSNC) is the cheapest health insurance in North Carolina, offering the most affordable health insurance plans across all tiers of coverage. Their Blue Local Silver Preferred 3100 plan is the cheapest Silver plan in the state, costing as little as $440 per month, a significant saving compared to the state average of $666 per month for a Silver plan.

History and Reach

BCBSNC has been committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable for its members since 1933. They serve all 50 states and nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.

Plan Options

BCBSNC offers a range of plan options to cater to different needs and budgets. Their plans are divided into tiers, with higher-tier plans offering more comprehensive coverage and lower out-of-pocket expenses. The Gold plans, for example, are ideal for individuals with high expected medical costs, such as surgery or maternity care, as they provide lower deductibles and copays. On the other hand, the Silver plans offer a balance between monthly costs and medical care expenses, making them suitable for most individuals with typical medical needs.

Additional Benefits

In addition to their affordable plans, BCBSNC provides members with access to resources, wellness programs, and telehealth services. They also have a strong commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, actively fighting health inequities and investing in diverse talent to build a stronger, healthier North Carolina.

Choosing the Right Plan

When choosing a health insurance plan, it's important to consider your income level and expected medical expenses. BCBSNC offers plans for individuals under and over 65, as well as large and small groups. By visiting their website or retail centers, individuals can receive personalized assistance in selecting the plan that best suits their needs and understanding the associated costs and benefits.

Blue Cross NC covers around 83% of the individual market and 80% of group health insurance

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is the largest health insurance provider in the state, with over 4 million members. It has been serving the community since 1933, and its reach extends to all 100 counties.

Blue Cross NC has a significant market share in the state, covering a large portion of the individual and group health insurance markets. As of March 2023, the company covers around 83% of the individual market and nearly 80% of the group health insurance market. This means that out of all the people in North Carolina who have individual or group health insurance, about 80-83% of them are covered by Blue Cross NC.

The company's dominance in the market is further highlighted by the fact that more than 2.3 million North Carolinians get their insurance directly from Blue Cross NC. In addition, about 2 million people are part of private-employer-sponsored plans that have hired Blue Cross NC to administer their benefits. This means that a significant portion of the state's population relies on Blue Cross NC for their health insurance needs, whether directly or indirectly.

Blue Cross NC's large market share can be attributed to its long history in the state and its commitment to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and easier to navigate for its members. The company's not-for-profit structure also plays a role, as it allows them to focus on serving members and investing in the community rather than maximising profits for shareholders.

However, Blue Cross NC's market dominance has also drawn some concerns and scrutiny. In early 2023, the company faced a high-profile contract loss, and it has been seeking changes to state regulations to allow it to operate more like its national for-profit competitors. This has sparked debates about the potential impact on consumers, with some arguing that the lack of transparency could bring uncertainty for the millions of North Carolinians insured by Blue Cross NC.

Blue Cross NC offers a range of health plans and networks for small businesses

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers a range of health plans and networks for small businesses. Their local group health insurance is tailored to companies with 50 or fewer full-time employees, with affordable no-commission plan options available directly through Blue Cross NC.

Blue Cross NC offers a variety of network, coverage, and benefit options to meet the needs of small businesses. The larger the network, the more doctors and pharmacies are available, and larger networks tend to have fewer limits when finding a doctor or prescription drugs. Blue Cross NC's largest provider and hospital network is available in all 100 counties and offers worldwide coverage.

Blue Cross NC's health plans for small businesses include Blue Options® 1-2-3℠, which features copayments for primary care, urgent care, and telehealth, and cost-sharing for other services. They also offer the Blue High Performance Network℠ (BlueHPN℠), a select network of doctors and hospitals that deliver high-quality care at a low cost, with significant savings compared to their industry-leading PPO.

Blue Cross NC also offers Health Savings Accounts (HSAs) through their unique relationship with HealthEquity®, allowing employers to offer their employees the choice of two health plans. Employers can set their contribution as a fixed dollar amount or percentage for the base plan, and employees can choose to buy-up to a richer benefit plan option if desired.

In addition to their health plans, Blue Cross NC provides helpful online tools, health and wellness programs, and ACA (Affordable Care Act) compliance. They are committed to making healthcare more accessible, affordable, and easier to navigate for all.

Blue Cross NC provides telehealth benefits, allowing members to access virtual doctor's appointments

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) is committed to making healthcare more accessible and affordable. One way they do this is by providing telehealth benefits, allowing members to access virtual doctors' appointments from the comfort of their homes.

Telehealth services have been available to all Blue Cross NC members during the COVID-19 pandemic, and many members also have this benefit under normal circumstances. Members can meet with a board-certified doctor or pediatrician through secure online video consultations on their mobile phone, tablet, or computer. This is especially useful for minor health issues and non-emergencies when members are unable to see their regular doctor.

The video consultations are available 24/7 without the need for an appointment. Doctors can diagnose symptoms and electronically send prescriptions to the pharmacy of the patient's choice. Telehealth visits save time and money, eliminating the need for costly and time-consuming visits to the ER or urgent care.

In 2023, Blue Cross NC expanded its list of covered telehealth services, now including services that make up more than 97% of the telehealth claims received in the last two years, particularly in the areas of behavioral health, primary care, and outpatient office visits. The updated policy applies to all Blue Cross NC fully insured and administrative services-only (ASO) plans, including the State Health Plan.

Blue Cross NC's telehealth benefits are a convenient and accessible way for members to receive the healthcare they need without having to leave their homes.

Blue Cross Blue Shield offers Silver, Bronze, and Catastrophic health insurance plans

Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS) is an association of 35 independent, locally operated Blue Cross and/or Blue Shield companies. BCBS companies provide health insurance across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, serving over 107 million members.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers a range of health insurance plans, including Silver, Bronze, and Catastrophic plans. These plans vary in terms of monthly premiums, out-of-pocket costs, and coverage.

Silver plans are a popular choice for individuals and families seeking a balance between monthly payments and cost of care. These plans typically cover 70% of medical expenses, with the policyholder paying the remaining 30%. Silver plans have lower out-of-pocket costs compared to Bronze plans and offer a range of health benefits, including coverage for hospital visits, prescriptions, and routine care. They are a good option for those with regular medical needs, such as annual doctor visits.

Bronze plans, on the other hand, offer lower monthly premiums but higher out-of-pocket expenses. These plans generally cover about 60% of healthcare costs, leaving the policyholder to pay the remaining 40%. Bronze plans are suitable for those who want basic protection against worst-case medical scenarios, such as serious illness or injury, while keeping their monthly premiums low.

Catastrophic plans are also available to certain individuals. These plans typically have the lowest monthly premiums but the highest costs when medical care is needed. Catastrophic plans are designed for individuals who want to protect themselves financially in the event of a major health crisis but are willing to pay for most routine care out of their own pocket.

Blue Cross NC provides resources to help members manage their plans effectively. The Blue Connect member portal allows members to easily access their plans, documents, and benefits, as well as find community events and insurance support. Additionally, Blue Cross NC offers telehealth services, providing virtual doctor appointments for over 20 years, ensuring convenient access to healthcare from the comfort of home.

Frequently asked questions