A new online database from Blue Cross and Blue Shield allows Loehr to demonstrate to his patients that he is a financial bargain.

On the insurance side, payers have made in-network pricing available to members for years. As a member (with a login and password) you could see the actual price of most procedures using any web browser. But that was exclusive to members ‒ not the general public. Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is among the first (if not the first ‒ certainly as a major) to offer these closely guarded, negotiated rates to the general public.

“We’re working to take the mystery out of health care by providing cost information about more than 1,200 procedures,” said BCBSNC President and CEO Brad Wilson. “This information will help consumers get more bang for their health care buck.”

Expansion supports the company’s mission to improve the health and well-being of its customers and communities across North Carolina.

“The enrollment period is only three months long, so it’s key for North Carolinians to know the deadlines for coverage, understand their personal health care needs and research the plan that is best for them and their family,” said Gary Bolt, BCBSNC vice president of individual and small group sales. “These resources are available to customers so they can ask questions that are specific to their situation to make an informed decision.”

Roughly 74 percent of veterans in North Carolina seek care from private sector health care providers or facilities. Program offers free training for North Carolina health care professionals who may care for veterans. BCBSNC rewards community-based ...

Health insurers are unleashing a blizzard of ads, letters, live events and other efforts to reach consumers, as the industry ramps up for the reopening of the health law’s marketplaces on Nov. 15.

“There are three distinct categories in the individual health insurance market, and each is affected differently,” said Patrick Getzen, BCBSNC vice president and chief actuary. “Rates are based on the population of each group and the medical services they use. There needs to be a mix of customers within each category to balance risk and expected costs.”

“Health care continues to evolve, and our collaboration with Carolinas HealthCare System is an example of how we can all work together across the health care industry to focus on providing quality and value,” said Susan Weaver M.D., chief medical officer of BCBSNC. “Our goal at BCBSNC is to continue to create innovative relationships with providers that shift the focus of care to high quality outcomes at a more affordable cost while enhancing the experience for our customers.”

“Exceeding the requirements assures Blue Cross customers of the value they receive from their insurance plan knowing that a vast majority of their premium dollar is spent on health care services,” said BCBSNC President and CEO, Brad Wilson.