CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has received formal notification from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services that its ACA health plans will be available on North Carolina’s health insurance Exchange when it opens.
“We’ve done everything we can to get our plans, systems and people ready for Open Enrollment,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “Our country is implementing an entirely new way of purchasing health insurance. We know there will be some surprises and challenges along the way, but we are ready to help our customers in every way we can.”
North Carolina consumers can visit bcbsnc.com/bluemap for:
- A series of informational videos designed for individuals buying their own insurance for the first time.
- A listing of community events where knowledgeable BCBSNC representatives will be available to answer questions and assist in enrollment.
- BCBSNC’s buy online tool, which can facilitate consumers’ interactions with the federal Exchange, when it opens.
BCBSNC customers can also call the toll-free number on the back of their insurance card or speak to their local BCBSNC agent for information and assistance.
BCBSNC plans to offer 26 plans on the Exchange, including plans at every metal level and catastrophic option(s) for those who qualify. Catastrophic plans have higher deductibles and will be available for consumers under age 30 and those who receive “hardship exemptions1”. Bronze plans cover 60 percent of health care expenses, silver plans 70 percent, gold 80 percent and platinum 90 percent.
By choosing to offer its products on the Exchange in all 100 counties, BCBSNC is ensuring that low- and middle-income consumers who depend on a subsidy to afford insurance will be able to access the subsidy and purchase coverage.
Consumers can purchase the same BCBSNC ACA health plans, and access subsidies, from the Exchange or directly from BCBSNC. BCBSNC’s buy online tool facilitates the transaction for those who qualify for a federal subsidy (consumers purchasing their own coverage with income levels between 100 percent and 400 percent of Federal Poverty Level2). The subsidy impact will be significant for some. For example, a person earning 100 percent of FPL could pay $19.15 per month for a Silver plan.
After the impact of subsidies, BCBSNC expects about two-thirds of our individual customers to see the amount they pay for coverage increase similar to previous years – or they may pay less. The remaining one-third of customers will see fairly substantial increases due to the requirements of the ACA.
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 Plans. 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. All other marks are the property of their respective owners.
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