Following is a statement from BCBSNC on Agent Commission Change 

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to the financial sustainability of our company for the long-term benefit of our customers. As market conditions change, we are required to change our business model to adapt. We announced today, to our independent, appointed agents, that we will not pay commissions for individual under-65 policies with start dates of April 1 through December 1, 2016. Our competitors have already made this change in North Carolina; we are adjusting to ensure that all insurance products are offered similarly so decisions are based on needs and coverage options.

Consumers will be able to buy BCBSNC Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans if they have one of the established qualifying life events granting them a special enrollment period.