CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is offering current small group customers a new option to keep their existing plan into 2014. Under the recently announced federal transitional program1, this option allows current small group customers the choice of maintaining their benefit plan that was in place as of Oct. 1, 2013.

“Small businesses are the backbone of North Carolina’s economy, and we understand the concern businesses have about the changes associated with the ACA and its effect on their employees,” said Brad Wilson, President and CEO of BCBSNC. “We continue to work with companies to provide them with the time to review plan options and help them make the best decision for their employees and organization.”

BCBSNC plans to file for rate approval with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI) next week. Premiums will reflect the price of care as well as quantity of services used by this pool of customers. New taxes and fees under the ACA – which also apply to these plans – also contribute.

For additional information, benefit administrators may contact their licensed insurance agent or BCBSNC representative.

 

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 3.74 million members, including approximately 1 million served on behalf of other Blue Plans2. For generations, 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 was recognized as one of the World’s Most Ethical Companies by Ethisphere Institute in 2012 and 2013. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Visit BCBSNC online at bcbsnc.com. 

 

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1 Cohen, Gary. Letter to Insurance Commissioners. http://www.cms.gov/CCIIO/Resources/Regulations-and-Guidance/Downloads/standard-notice-bulletin-11-21-2013.pdf (accessed Dec. 6, 2013)

2 Internal BCBSNC Estimates (June  2013)