NC Health Plans Online

The Effects of Health Care Reform on North Carolina Health Insurance Customers

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 19:08:00 +0000

If you live in North Carolina, health insurance and health care reform is just as big of a deal to you as it is to the rest of the world. We have a massive population of seniors in our area, many of whom are increasingly concerned about the rising costs of health care and whether or not they will be able to afford their North Carolina health plans. Now, we've all heard about health care reform, but it is an incredibly complex issue and many of us are confused by it. For instance, folks are concerned that health care reform would mean a complete government takeover of health care in which medical treatment would have to be rationed out; the end of Medicare; and the end of private insurance. These myths, generally speaking, are perpetuated by those who are profiting under the status quo and seeking to misguide people away from health care reform.

There are a number of special interest groups that are using the aforementioned scare tactics and myths to deter people from supporting health care reform. President Obama has guaranteed that a health care overhaul wouldn't force people like us to surrender the North Carolina health insurance plans we are satisfied with and wouldn't cut Medicare benefits. At the same time, Obama defended his call for a government-funded public health insurance option to compete against private insurers, indicating that Americans who liked their private plans could keep them, but they would have the option to sign up for the government plan. He said such an option would keep costs down, but wouldn't amount to a government health care takeover because private insurance companies wouldn't be able to compete with a government-funded plan. Obama gave the example of Fed-Ex, UPS and the Postal Service. He said that Fed-Ex and UPS are doing just fine, USPS is the one that's always having problems.

In an effort to combat what the Obama administration considers to be misinformation about the issue of health care reform, the White House has launched a Health Insurance Reform Reality Check Web site, which features Obama aides discussing aspects of health care reform. Those who back the health care overhaul believe that such a change is necessary to ensure that virtually all Americans have access to health insurance and that there will be long-term economic stability in our country. Because of stalwart opposition, however, congressional action on health care reform has slowed considerably.

The general basis for the opposition is that health care reform will inevitably lead to a government takeover of the entire health care system and prove too costly to sustain. As North Carolina health insurance customers, we can do our part by learning the facts and not contributing to false rumors that keep any kind of reform from progressing. Remember that despite what changes may take place in the health care system in the coming years, you can rest assured in knowing that your North Carolina health plans are safe and not going anywhere.

Paying for Health Care Reform with Medicare/Medicaid Savings

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Here in Asheville North Carolina, health insurance reform is a huge issue as our local population consists largely of retirees, many of whom are becoming increasingly concerned about the cost sustainability of their Medicare and their North Carolina health plans. As health care costs continue to rise, reform is something the Obama Administration earnestly hopes to include in the 2010 Fiscal Budget. President Obama has identified savings which could constitute a reserve fund for the proposed health care reform plan. Approximately half of the funding would come from proposals to generate revenue, while the rest would come from Medicare and Medicaid savings.

Based on White House projections, the Medicare savings proposals would reduce beneficiary premiums for physician and outpatient services by about $33 billion over the next decade. As a result of these proposals, beneficiaries would also see an improvement in the quality of their Medicare services. The reserve fund includes a host of Medicare/Medicaid savings proposals, some of which include:

- Improving the accuracy of Medicare and Medicaid payments. The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) would have to strengthen their integrity efforts in order to address flaws that have led to billions in overpayments and fraud each year.

- Reducing Medicare overpayments to private insurers would save taxpayers roughly $177 billion over 10 years, as well as reduce Part B premiums. This would be accomplished through the establishment of a competitive system in which payments are based on an average of plans' bids submitted to Medicare.

- Reducing hospital readmission rates and improving post-hospital care. The idea here is that a combination of incentive payments and penalties would lead to better care and fewer readmissions, which would save approximately $25 billion over 10 years.

- Expanding the Hospital Quality Improvement Program to improve quality of care for beneficiaries. This would be done by tying a portion of Medicare payments for acute in-patient hospital services to hospital performance on certain measures of quality. As a result of this effort, Medicare would save around $12 billion over 10 years.

- Cutting waste, abuse and fraud. When it comes to care, patients need quality, not quantity. Unnecessary treatments are not only expensive, but can also pose risks to patient health. To prevent physicians from ordering unnecessary treatment, the Administration proposes increasing scrutiny (through a pre-payment review process) in high-risk areas or for those physicians who order an excessive amount of high-risk services.

For residents of North Carolina, health insurance, Medicare and health care reform are no doubt important topics. As citizens directly affected by these potential changes in policy, it's important that you stay abreast of the facts, beware of misinformation surrounding health care reform, and show your support for legislation that speaks to your needs (which are probably not unlike those of many other Americans). If you are satisfied with your Asheville North Carolina health plans, rest assured in knowing that under Obama's plan, you would be able to keep your private insurance and continue seeing the doctors you trust.

BCBSNC Customers Save Millions and Stay on Medications with Free Generics Program

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:48:00 +0000

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is helping customers save money and stay on their medications with the generic copay waiver program. BCBSNC customers saved at least $15 million in out-of-pocket expenses since the program started January 1, 2009. The program will run until June 30.

The generic copay waiver program is in effect until the end of the year for eligible customers taking generics to treat chronic conditions such as hypertension, congestive heart failure, high cholesterol and diabetes.
“In this tough economy, the generic copay waiver program allows BCBSNC customers to control out-of-pocket costs by using generic drugs,” says Ron Smith, PharmD, BCBSNC vice president of employer health and corporate pharmacy. “The savings our customers see through the program reaffirms that the generic copay waiver program helps people to better manage their health and not be forced to choose between medication and paying their bills.”
The 2009 generic copay waiver program applies to nearly 1 million BCBSNC customers and eliminates customer copays for covered generic drugs. Eligible BCBSNC customers include:

· Blue Advantage customers (once they meet their annual prescription deductible, if applicable).
· Medicare Supplement customers who have prescription coverage on their policies (once they meet their annual prescription deductible, if applicable).
· Members of insured employer groups (if their employer group has pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC).
· Members of self-funded employer groups (if their employer group has pharmacy benefits through BCBSNC and has chosen to participate in the program).

Generic drugs are equivalent to corresponding brand name drugs in active ingredients, dosage, strength, safety and performance, but they cost a fraction of their brand name counterparts. Since prescription drug costs are a key driver of rising medical costs, the long-term increased use of generics also impacts future premiums for the benefit to BCBSNC customers.

With or without the copay waiver, generic medications cost less out-of-pocket than brand-name medications. Generic copay waiver programs increase those savings and highlight the benefits of generic medications.

BCBSNC Opens 100,000-Square-Foot ‘Green’ Building

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 19 Aug 2009 18:41:00 +0000

BCBSNC Opens 100,000-Square-Foot ‘Green’ Building
New Building (CSC2) will Reduce Energy, Water Consumption

•New building will use 65 percent less energy and half the water
•CSC2 is centerpiece of long-term effort to reduce environmental impact

Chapel Hill, N.C. –Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) opened its first environmentally friendly building named the CSC2. The new building will house about 550 current BCBSNC employees.

The five-story building, which includes a six-level parking deck to reduce land usage, will use 65 percent less energy and half the water per square foot compared with the company’s traditional office space.

CSC2 is a “smart building.” Motion sensors detect the presence of employees, turning on lights and HVAC systems. After a period of inactivity, lights and HVAC systems turn off, preventing unnecessary use of energy.

Low-flow plumbing fixtures will save more than 1 million gallons of water each year – enough to supply 10 families with water for a year. In addition, three 25,000-gallon cisterns, located under the parking deck, will catch rainwater. Together, they hold 75,000 gallons of water.

Drought-resistant trees and native plants featured in the courtyard reduce watering needs and provide a beautiful and relaxing outdoor space

“With this new building, we’re making environmental stewardship a central business practice,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Bob Greczyn. “We’re committed to setting a standard for others to follow.”

The building design promotes recycling and encourages employees to use carpools and fuel-efficient vehicles. The parking deck features covered bike racks and power for electric vehicles.

CSC2 is the centerpiece of a long-term effort to reduce the company’s environmental impact. BCBSNC has set corporate-wide goals to reduce its overall energy consumption by 25 percent and its water consumption by 20 percent by the end of 2010.

Current company-wide environmental initiatives include:
• Redesigning ventilation systems at all its major buildings to reduce water and electricity use
• Installing water-saving plumbing fixtures
• Using environmentally friendly cleaning products
• Placing prominent recycling centers in all buildings and on all floors
• Along with current aggressive paper and cardboard recycling, expanding efforts to collect plastic, glass, aluminum and other materials
BCBSNC is creating a sustainability project manual for all its building projects that includes requirements for use of recycled materials, rapidly renewable materials, proper disposal of construction debris and maximizing purchase of materials from regional sources.

When the company has several months worth of documented energy and water savings, as well as other demonstrated environmental protection measures, the facility will be ready to receive Gold certification under LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design).

How to lower your NC Health Plan costs

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 20 May 2009 13:32:00 +0000

Many North Carolina residents are seeking to lower their health insurance costs because of the economic times. Good health care coverage is an important investment in your future so smart shopping can save you time and money in insurance premiums. Here are a few suggestions for cutting costs on health insurance:

Ask a reputable NC health insurance agent to help

Getting expert help from an experienced insurance agent does not increase your health insurance premium costs and will usually save you valuable time and money. A reputable agent understands all the terms and benefit options that can decrease your monthly rates while offering medical care benefits to suit your needs. It is very important to seek advice on several health insurance policies and compare the benefits and costs involved. They can also give advice about existing medical conditions and whether you will qualify for reduced monthly premiums.

Invest in a Health Savings Account or HSA

The main benefit of HSA plans is the savings from having a higher deductible and no co-pays for doctors and drugs. These health plans are less expensive per month and the out-of-pocket expenses can be lower than the actual co-pay type plans if you require hospitalization or major medical treatment. Make sure to get a reputable insurance carrier that has a good track record and reputation for paying insurance claims.

Increase your deductible on your existing health plan

If you already have an insurance plan but can’t afford the monthly premiums, consider increasing the deductible to save money on monthly premiums. This can actually save hundreds of dollars a year if you are healthy and require few doctor visits and medications.

Consider a specialized insurance plan

These health plans are always cheaper because they usually cover only hospital and surgical expenses. Many cover a specified amount for each day in the hospital and certain surgical expenses for common surgeries. Accident plans cover certain accident related medical injuries. These plans are helpful in case of medical emergencies and provide coverage that can save you from financial crisis if you are involved in an accident.

Consider Major Medical Plans

For those in good health, check out the options with major medical insurance that covers only certain illnesses like heart disease, cancer, and other major health problems. These plans will be a lot less expensive than comprehensive health plans but still cover you in case of future illness and common health problems.

All of these options can be discussed with a reputable health insurance agent who knows the affordable approaches to getting quality health care coverage based on your specific needs. For North Carolina residents, contact Judi Goloff at 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

BCBSNC Encourages Awareness, Prevention on Swine Flu

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 29 Apr 2009 16:18:00 +0000

Chapel Hill, N.C. (April 29, 2009) - Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is monitoring swine influenza (swine flu) concerns and assures customers it has plans in place to meet customer needs in the event of a public health emergency.

In 2006, BCBSNC created a pandemic subcommittee and prepared detailed plans for responding to the varying levels of intensity of a pandemic.

“Our primary concern is helping our customers stay informed and healthy, and our preparations will ensure that in the event of a pandemic, we will be able to provide the customer service our members want and need,” said BCBSNC Chief Medical Officer Don Bradley, M.D. “A key part of our preparations include making sure our business remains financially solvent and that we are able to cover customers’ medical expenses over an extended period of time during a pandemic. BCBSNC’s financial reserves are there for just such an emergency.”

While no cases of swine flu have been confirmed in North Carolina residents are urged to take the same preventive measures they take during any flu season, including:

·Cover your nose and mouth when you cough or sneeze.

· Wash your hands often with soap and water, especially after you cough or sneeze. Alcohol- based hand cleaners are also effective.

·Avoid touching your eyes, nose or mouth since bacteria can live on surfaces you handle.

·Avoid close contact with sick people.

·If you become ill with flu symptoms, call your doctor for advice, and stay home from work, school or other public events.

· Try not to touch surfaces that may be contaminated.

· Get plenty of sleep.

· Manage your stress through exercise and plenty of rest.

· Drink plenty of fluids.

· Eat healthy, nutritious food.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, swine flu has not been shown to be transmitted to people through eating properly handled and prepared pork (pig meat) or other products derived from pigs. The virus is killed by cooking temperatures of 160°F/70°C, corresponding to the general guidance for the preparation of pork and other meat.

A variety of reliable resources are available to help answer questions about the Swine Flu:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
World Health Organization U.S. Department of Health and Human Services www.pandemicflu.gov
North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services

BCBSNC customers with the Health Line Blue benefit can talk to a nurse about possible symptoms. Customers should check their benefit book or online account to determine if they have this benefit and for the Health Line Blue telephone number.
“In previous emergencies, such as hurricanes and ice storms, BCBSNC demonstrated flexibility in order to assist our customers and our employees. We would bring that same kind of flexibility and customer focus to a pandemic,” said Bradley.

Swine flu is a respiratory disease of pigs caused by type A influenza that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza among pigs. It can be transmitted from pigs to humans through contact with live pigs, and cases of human-to-human spread of swine flu viruses have been documented.

About BCBSNC:

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

Buying Generic Drugs Safely Online

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 19:17:00 +0000

Many consumers are shopping online for generic drugs to fill their prescriptions economically. This guide will help you shop safely to avoid online fraud and save time in choosing a legitimate online source for your generic drugs. Also make sure to visit the Federal Drug Administration’s (FDA) website for warnings against buying certain drugs online.

Generic drugs tend to be cheaper and have the same dosage, intended use, effects, side effects, risks, safety, and pharmacological effect as name brand drugs.
Make sure to check your insurance policy to see if your insurance pays only for generics or covers more expensive name brand drugs. Also check with your doctor for the generic counterpart if they prescribe only name brand drugs. Also check online to find out if there's a generic version of a drug to save money.

Statistics show that almost half of all US prescriptions filled are generic drugs which saves consumers an estimated $8 to $10 billion a year because of the price differences.
Check first with your local pharmacy when comparison shopping for generic drugs. Many local stores now have competitive prices because of the online competition. They also may be faster and don’t charge for delivery.

The top points to consider when shopping online are the quality, reliability and service record of the online merchant. There is a lot of fraud online so beware to consider this before purchasing generic drugs on the internet. Make sure to check the following details of each online merchant: The physical address and contact information, whether they are a licensed pharmacy, their privacy policy for security, their website security certificate for secure online purchases, their prescription policy for filling and verifying prescriptions.

The legitimate online US pharmacies usually require a prescription from your doctor before you can purchase medications. That means you will have to fax a copy of the prescription and they will verify it before any online transactions. Beware of online merchants who have lax requirements for prescriptions. They could be selling fake medications that may hurt you.

According to current price comparisons, many of the large pharmacy chains now offer very competitive prices for generic drugs. This can save you time and money to just shop locally for your prescription drugs. For those who do purchase online, be careful and always double check the online merchant for your safety and health.

Get personal attention and expert advice concerning your NC medical insurance coverage plans. Contact NC insurance agent Judi Goloff with BCBSNC ® for experienced help with NC health plan options and rates. Call 800-438-5834 for reliable NC health insurance quotes.

NC health plans with affordable North Carolina Health Insurance options

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Fri, 24 Apr 2009 16:21:00 +0000

Are you looking for affordable NC health insurance options that offer quality medical care coverage? At NC Health Plans Online, we offer the best health insurance coverage for individuals and businesses in North Carolina.

Our choices of premiums and plan options can not be beat for the value of medical services and large network of doctors and providers available.

Call Judi Goloff at 800-436-5834 with any questions regarding the wide range of health plan options and affordable premiums for groups and individuals. She can walk you through the complex process of selecting the perfect NC health plan to suit your medical care needs. Judi has helped hundreds of North Carolina residents and continues to provide award winning service to her current customers.

Essential Oils for Healthier Living

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 20 Apr 2009 15:32:00 +0000

Oils to help relieve the Common Cold

Did you know that essential oils can kill viruses and bacteria? Certain molecules can also help prevent the common cold and flu and your body doesn’t develop a resistance like antibiotics.
The following immune system boosting oils can be used for various ailments and gives a healthy alternative to taking drugs and medications.

Oregano is a popular essential oil that can treat the cold and flu. It is an essential oil that heats up and tingles when applied to your shoulders, back and even feet. Be careful and dilute with butter or olive oil, do not use water. Apply on your body, but not your face.

Peppermint and Eucalyptus have been commonly used to relieve sinus congestion and open the lungs and respiratory system. They are cool and soothing essential oils and can be applied to the throat, chest, neck, and back.

Lemon can boost the immune system when taken with water orally. This essential oil is a healthy addition to your recommended daily 8 glasses of water.

Frankincense is a strong, but expensive immune-boosting oil, frankincense is a valuable and effective essential oil that really works on the common cold. Apply directly on the skin or take several drops orally for cold relief.

Cinnamon is great for improving the immune system and supports the digestive system and pancreas. Apply on the feet or inhale.

Pain Therapy with Essential Oils
Essential oils are also used for pain relief. They can reduce inflammation, provide local anesthesia, and cause a sensations of warming or cooling with certain application of hot or cool oils on the skin. Many massage therapists use certain essential oils such as lavender as well as clary sage, chamomile, helichrysum, sweet marjoram, and sandalwood to reduce muscle pain and swelling. Midwives have used essential oils for years to relieve labor contractions and birth pains.

Lavender is a very popular pain relief and relaxing essential oil. Commonly used to treat muscle spasm, sprain, strain, cramp, contracture and rheumatic pain, it acts a sedative and can also relieve headaches, nervous tension, and insomnia. Lavender can also be applied directly to the skin for swelling and regeneration.

Boost Your Immune System with Essential Oils

The powerful immune boosting properties of essential oils have been well documented and the uses are varied. Many use oils diffused into the air to act as an air purifier, naturally detoxifying pathogens in the air. In addition, many oils act to prevent infections. Eucalyptus, oregano, lemon, and cinnamon are commonly used for this purpose.

For a natural and effective way to help manage stress, boost mood, fight off infection, and deal with pain, try essential oils. Make sure to sure to research their uses and recommendations for certain conditions before applying to skin or taking orally.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your NC health insurance quotes. Call 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

BCBSNC adopts policies to improve hospital patient safety, reduce medical errors

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 16:27:00 +0000

Chapel Hill, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) today announces the adoption of a formalized policy to improve hospital patient safety and quality as well as reduce costly medical errors.

Under this policy, hospitals will not be reimbursed for adverse patient events identified by the National Quality Forum if the error was preventable by the hospital. Such events include procedures that are performed on the wrong side of the body, at the wrong site, or on the wrong person.

The policy on medical error billing was developed after consultation with the North Carolina Hospital Association (NCHA) and the North Carolina Quality Center and incorporates principles promoted by those organizations for hospitals. “These new guidelines will effectively move us forward to improve the quality and safety of medical services for patients throughout North Carolina,” said Don Bradley, M.D., Chief Medical Officer, BCBSNC.

BCBSNC, the State’s largest health insurer, provides a portion of the financial support for the North Carolina Quality Center, helping fund a number of patient safety initiatives. These initiatives include efforts among more than 100 North Carolina hospitals to implement quality improvement measures and improve patient safety. The Center is also working on an initiative for hospitals to confidentially report adverse patient events under the new federal Patient Safety Organization regulations. The Center will analyze these events to assist hospitals in developing best practices to improve systems of care and patient safety.

About BCBSNC:
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

Higher or lower deductibles in NC Health Insurance?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 15:19:00 +0000

Determining the better payment plans for NC health insurance depends on your financial needs. Which options are optimal for your economic situation can be answered with a little advice from your health insurance agent. There are payment options with a high deductible and lower monthly premiums, or lower deductibles and higher monthly premiums. What is better for your finances and health care needs?

To answer that question you need to figure out how much health care you or your family will need each month. For individuals and families that have a history of good health with few doctor visits then a lower monthly premium and higher deductible may be an economical option. On the other hand, if you are considering starting a family and planning for pregnancy, have children who are active in sports, or need monthly prescriptions for a family member, then a lower deductible with higher premiums may be the better option.

If your family will require frequent medical care and need prescription drugs for certain medical conditions then choosing the higher premium may help keep your monthly budget since your costs will be fixed. The difference in premium charges can also fluctuate according to how much coverage you choose in the beginning. Some pre-existing conditions cost more each month to cover. Also, check the policy carefully when choosing to get the best option available for regular prescription drug coverage.

If you visit the doctor frequently, you may find that the difference between the high deductible and low deductible comes out to be the same at the end of the year. With the lower premiums, you are paying the insurance company less per month with a higher “out of pocket” deductible to the health care provider. This option can mean savings if you rarely visit the doctor or seek medical care during the year.

Always check to see the emergency coverage limits to make sure you are covered if major medical care is needed. This is important with children who are in high injury sports or have a medical condition. Many insurance policies will cover certain medical conditions and sports injuries but require higher monthly premiums.

As stated before, the advantage of higher premiums is the ease of having a fixed monthly budget. Also with the higher premiums, many policies will cover additional services that may be available with the insurance carrier. Talk with a reputable insurance agent to guide you through this process of choosing premium payments that you can afford. With so many options, a trusted agent can save you money and help you budget for a health care plan that covers the necessary medical needs of you and your family.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your health insurance options. Call 800-438-5834 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

Need Help with NC Health Insurance Options?

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 30 Mar 2009 19:01:00 +0000

If you are shopping around for NC health insurance, you need to know the questions to ask when choosing the health care plan for yourself and your loved ones. There are so many options available that it is very important to know the ins and outs of each plan and consider the important points before choosing. Finding a reputable insurance agent to walk you through the process can save time and money in the long run. Here are some valuable tips to help with your insurance purchase.

Choosing your Doctors and Specialists for Medical Care

The first consideration in any health insurance plan is the doctors and specialists that are available with your coverage. If you have a regular doctor that you see, make sure they are in your network of coverage. Otherwise you may have to seek out other doctors that are part of the insurance network. Take the time to review their background and experience. For specialist treatment, check the policy to find out your options and coverage for certain treatments. Many policies will cover specialist medical treatment after a referral from a primary care physician. Check to see what treatments are covered and read the fine print on each policy.

Getting Coverage for Pre-existing Conditions and Emergency Care

For pre-existing medical conditions, check carefully to find out if it is covered in the insurance policy. There are many conditions that are covered or have limited coverage. Don’t get caught later without any coverage because you did not check the details prior to purchase. Ask your insurance agent who will be able to give you advice if you have a pre-existing condition. Check all details about emergency care and how much the health plan will cover if such a situation arises.
Other Health Insurance Tips to Consider

Here are some tips that many forget to consider. During this period of economic downturn, many are having a hard time just keeping up with regular monthly payments. For your piece of mind and continued health insurance coverage, check to see if there are grace periods for monthly premiums in case you fall behind on payments. Some policies give a certain grace period so the policy holder can continue coverage. Also check to see if your doctor has higher deductibles for certain treatments in order to keep your monthly premiums down.

Other considerations for those with limited budgets are the discounts offered in many health care plans. Ask an agent to check for the discounts that may apply to you and your family. There are many options that can help you save money in the long run so make sure to check them out. Choosing several different policies for coverage may not be a money saving option. It is better to get coverage with a reputable insurance company and use an experienced agent to help. They can help you get the discounts and policy options available to you.

Finally, always include any additional health care services that you need in your plan. Many forget to check on mental health care, hospice care, long term care and dental care. If these are services you need, then make sure to go over the options with an agent who can help you compare costs and discuss the best available health insurance for your individual needs.

Judi Goloff is an independent insurance agent with BCBSNC®. Call her for experienced advice about your health insurance options. Call 800-226-0092 or visit NC Health Plans Online, for Blue Cross NC rates and quotes.

BCBSNC Named to DiversityInc. 25 Noteworthy Companies

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Wed, 25 Mar 2009 16:57:00 +0000

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina was named to the DiversityInc 25 Noteworthy Companies. These are companies DiversityInc. believes are rising diversity-management leaders and are close to earning spots on The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity® list.

"Competitive companies such as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina have switched from trying to move the status quo to establishing a new one," said Luke Visconti, CEO of DiversityInc. "Smart companies see increasing diversity efforts in an economic downturn as a way of beating less-adept competition that will pull back."

Both the DiversityInc Top 50 list and the 25 Noteworthy Companies list were unveiled March 12 in New York City.

Methodology

The DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity list is a purely editorial process with no connection to business done with DiversityInc. It is determined entirely by a statistical analysis of responses to our 200-question survey. There is no fee to enter. DiversityInc Top 50 companies demonstrate consistent strength in four areas: CEO Commitment, Human Capital, Corporate and Organizational Communications, and Supplier Diversity. The list itself covers 19 industries, from consumer-facing companies to B-to-B's to industrial businesses. They range from small regional companies to global giants.

For more detailed information on the methodology, please visit www.DiversityInc.com/top50.

About DiversityInc.

Launched in 1997, DiversityInc. is the leading business publication connecting diversity and the bottom line, with 1 million unique monthly visitors. DiversityInc.com includes the largest diversity job board in the nation. DiversityInc also produces events and conducts benchmarking, custom research and consulting.

Key findings from The 2009 DiversityInc Top 50 Companies for Diversity:

In the United States, the DiversityInc Top 50 hire 41 percent Blacks, Latinos, Asians and American Indians, compared with the U.S. work force, which is 32 percent Black, Latino, Asian and American Indian (BLS)
25 percent of DiversityInc Top 50 companies' managers are Black, Latino, Asian and American Indian, compared with 17 percent nationwide (BLS)
DiversityInc Top 50 boards of directors are 23 percent Black, Latino, Asian and American Indian, compared with 13 percent nationally
DiversityInc Top 50 boards of directors are 24 percent female, compared with 15 percent nationally
One-third more DiversityInc Top 50 chief diversity officers now report to their CEOs than four years ago (28 percent vs. 18 percent)
88 percent of DiversityInc Top 50 CEOs personally sign off on executive compensation tied directly to diversity initiatives, compared with 72 percent in 2005
All of the DiversityInc Top 50 companies now have employee-resource groups for their LGBT employees, 70 percent have groups for employees with disabilities, and 40 percent have generational resource groups. DiversityInc benchmarking customers seek data on employee-resource groups more than any other subject
In 2005, less than 1 percent of DiversityInc Top 50 philanthropy went to multicultural groups; today, almost 25 percent does
There has been a 50 percent increase in companies including supplier diversity in their RFPs (requests for proposals) since 2004 (60 percent vs. 90 percent)

About BCBSNC

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in delivering innovative health care products, services and information to more than 3.7 million members, including approximately 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans. For 76 years, the company has served its customers by offering health insurance at a competitive price and has served the people of North Carolina through support of community organizations, programs and events that promote good health. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Access BCBSNC online at www.bcbsnc.com.

ePrescribe Bringing Increased Accuracy to North Carolina Physicians and Patients

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 16:51:00 +0000

BCBSNC doubles the number of providers using electronic prescribing
More than 87 percent of North Carolina pharmacies use ePrescribe

Chapel Hill, NC – More North Carolinians will benefit from increased prescription accuracy and safety because of the growing popularity of ePrescribe, a statewide electronic prescribing initiative of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina.

The latest ePrescribe results show the number of doctors using electronic prescriptions in the last quarter has now doubled to more than 2,000. In addition, more than 87 percent of North Carolina pharmacies now use electronic prescribing to meet customers’ prescriptions needs.

“Our results show steady growth and adoption of electronic prescribing for both North Carolina physicians and pharmacies,” said Dr. Ron Smith, BCBSNC vice president of Employer Health and Corporate Pharmacy. “This is good news for patients. ePrescribe puts patients’ medical and drug histories at physicians’ fingertips, so they can see at-a-glance any possible drug interactions. They also can see the patient’s health plan formulary and can discuss the cost implications of various drug choices while their patient is in the office.”

As patients take a more active role in managing their health care costs, understanding drug treatment options is becoming increasingly important. Electronic prescribing allows physicians and patients to explore and discuss medication choices and costs at the point of care, before the prescription is written. It also prompts consideration of generic drugs where appropriate, which can save consumers between $15 to $30 per prescription compared to the brand name equivalent.

BCBSNC is the first insurer in North Carolina to actively support the use of electronic prescribing. Since BCBSNC launched the pilot ePrescribe program in 2006, more than 7.8 million electronic prescriptions have been written.

BCBSNC began the ePrescribe program through a partnership with Community Care of North Carolina (CCNC) and North Carolina Medicaid to improve prescription accuracy and increase patient safety. BCBSNC will continue to promote electronic prescribing for all North Carolina providers and will continue to work with CCNC to encourage electronic prescribing.

In addition, BCBSNC is making an electronic prescribing solution available on the BCBSNC web site to help every licensed provider in its network start electronic prescribing. The web site requires no downloading and no new hardware. The BCBSNC web portal is safe, secure and accessible from any web-enabled computer, handheld device or cell phone.

Health Insurance and the Stimulus Package

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 18:46:00 +0000

The American Recovery and Reinvestment Act voted in on Friday 2/13/2009 has all of us watching to see how this will affect the healthcare and insurance industries.
There are many changes in the works for the nation. Helping Americans gain access to healthcare and preventing others from losing it is at the forefront of President
Obama's stimulus package. The Senate approved $21 billion to provide a 60% federal subsidy for up to nine months for the cost of continuing an employer’s health
care coverage after a layoff under COBRA program; $87 billion to help states with Medicaid; $19 billion to modernize health information technology systems; $10
billion for health research and construction of National Institutes of Health facilities.
All of this is exciting for BCBSNC, healthcare providers and the nation as a whole
See the full bill at : http://www.rules.house.gov/111/LegText/111_hr1_text.pdf - stimulus act

Quitting Smoking saves Money

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Mon, 16 Feb 2009 16:56:00 +0000

There are many advantages in quitting smoking. Your health, your wallet and the air you breathe will all benefit from the act. With the whole civilized world becoming “non-smoking” quitting is a reality many smokers face. Most restaurants and bars are completely smoke-free now. There is talk of banning smoking in public outdoor spaces and venues too. All the more reason to try and stop.
The notion of quitting smoking is good for many reasons. You will save money by not buying pack after pack and your health insurance rates can go down too. Don’t forget to contact your agent or HR person to revamp your policy. Some companies are even adopting incentive programs to help employees curb the habit. Money is always a motivating factor, you can read the full story here:
http://www.healthnews.com/medical-updates/money-talks-strong-motivation-quit-smoking-2616.html
Even our own president is taking the milestone to quit. He has been very vocal in his desire to be smoke-free and to encourage the rest of us also.
President Obama is leading a campaign to help Americans snuff out the habit. His website lists these and other options he would like to see included in his administration’s plan for healthcare issues.
Require insurance companies to cover pre-existing conditions so all Americans regardless of their health status or history can get comprehensive benefits at fair and stable premiums
Lower costs for businesses by covering a portion of the catastrophic health costs they pay in return for lower premiums for employees
Lower drug costs by allowing the importation of safe medicines from other developed countries, increasing the use of generic drugs in public programs and taking on drug companies that block cheaper generic medicines from the market
Require hospitals to collect and report health care cost and quality data
Establish a National Health Insurance Exchange with a range of private insurance options as well as a new public plan based on benefits available to members of Congress that will allow individuals and small businesses to buy affordable health coverage.
Reduce the costs of catastrophic illnesses for employers and their employees
Require coverage of preventive services, including cancer screenings
You can read the full plan at http://www.barackobama.com/issues/healthcare/There are many resources available on the web and though your healthcare provider to assist you in your goal to quit smoking. There are the tried and true techniques of supplementing with a lollipop, nicotine gum or snapping a rubber band on your wrist. To alternative measures like hypnotism, acupuncture, or prescription drugs. One of the most important steps is finding a support network. Friends, family, co-workers and counseling can provide encouragement and support.
Blue Cross/Blue Shield is committed to helping to keep you healthy.

Exercise away the winter blahs

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:37:00 +0000

With January in full swing and blustery February approching, many of us are feeling a bit blah. Cold winds and freezing rain are sure excuses to not move around much. Short days, combined with dark and dreary skies has a way a draining the desire to get out and exercise. Unfortunatly that is exactly the what we need to do. Getting the heart rate up and your blood flowing will put a new spin on the day. Improve your dispostion and combat those winter blahs. When the wind slows a little and the sun does peek out, try to get outside for at least 10 minutes, 2-3 times a week. These activities alone will boost your spirit and in under an hour a week. Whether you decide to be inside or out, it is important to modify your approach to exercise. Like layering up for the outside. You can shed layers as you warm and cool in your exercise. Dont forget to cool off after an indoor workout. Dry your hair well before heading back out into the cold air. Wear sunscreen (spf 15+) even on overcast days. Hats, scarves and gloves are a good idea for breezy weather. .Your activity need not cost a lot of money either. Getting your kids, elderly parents or neighbors invovled makes a great group outing. Enlisting others helps keep yourself on task too. Plus its fun to do stuff with friends and family. Be creative and have fun.Some ideas for indoor activities: bowling, swimming, roller/ice skating, walking in the mall, workout videos, cleaning the house, taking the stairs.Turn on the radio and dance. Outdoors does require more planning and clothes, but the activites are limitless. Ride a bike, take the dog for a walk in the park or downtown, take advantage of the wind and fly a kite. Got snow? Try the bunny slope or snow tubing, build a snowfort.
The health advantages to getting exercise, sunshine, and fresh air during the winter months are reason enough to be active. But if your feeling tired or a tad sluggish. Get up, get out and get moving!

Healthy Eating -Taking advantage of winter crop vegetables

noreply@blogger.com (NC Health Plans Online) — Fri, 13 Feb 2009 16:33:00 +0000

When it comes to getting your 5 servings of fruits and vegetables in the winter time, you need to think outside the box a little. When trying to eat healthy, fresh is key. There are many healthy fruits and veggies availble during the cold winter months. Everyone knows about broccoli and cauliflower, carrots, sweet potatoes, winter squash and of course leeks. We tend to forget about brussel sprouts, avocados, snow peas, rutabagas, turnips and parsnips. There are many fruits availble too; oranges, cranberries, kiwi, bananas and grapefruit. The variety is there, sometimes the recipes might not be so varied. Experimenting with stirfrys and cassaroles is a good place to start. Substituting rutabagas for example, in a squash dish can produce a yummy result. Roasted meats and vegetables is always a good wintery day choice, try substituting turnips and leeks for the potatoes and onions, keep the carrots. Dont forget about stews and soups too, I found an interesting soup recipe; "Wild Rice and Cranberry." Trying different smoothies combinations can be a fun treat to make with the kids. Fresh orange juice blended with strawberries and bananas is a favorite at our house. Using yogurt in place of ice cream makes them super creamy and healthy. Healthful winter eating doesnt need to be boring, frozen vegetables, broccoli and cabbage. There are many options available to todays shopper, just browse the produce section. Look for good deals on produce you wouldnt normally buy. Browse cookbooks to find ideas, ask your grandmother, cooking websites, etc.
Exercise, eating right and regular doctors visits are the most proactive approch you can have to maintain your health and wellness. We here at Blue Cross and Blue Shield are committed to providing you with the tools you need keep your family healthy.