Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Inc. has released price ranges for its health-insurance products tied to the Affordable Care Act.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina announced pricing information for plans under the Affordable Care Act, the first North Carolina insurer to put out specific rates.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina will offer individual health plans through new on-line exchanges ranging from $185 for the lowest-cost plan for 25-year-olds to $947 for the top plan for a 60-year old.

North Carolinians will get an early peek Thursday into what health insurance plans purchased through a new online marketplace will cost when Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, the state's largest insurer, releases its premiums.

On-site amenities include health clinics, gyms and lactation facilities. Child care centers at each location boost employee morale and decrease absenteeism. Employees are offered tuition reimbursements, flexible schedules, support groups and wellness programs. Options such as part-time work, a compressed workweek, job-sharing and telecommuting can make balancing a career and a family easier for employees. - See more at: http://www.ncfamilyfriendly.com/2013-companies/blue-cross-blue-shield.html#sthash.4QvYsWAH.dpuf

Fortunately for North Carolinians, the federal government and private organizations are filling the void left when the state abdicated its role in the Affordable Care Act.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of N.C. plans to open seven retail outlets, including one in Greensboro, as part of expanding its efforts to educate North Carolinians about the federal Affordable Care Act.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) is taking it to the streets in a full-force effort called Ready, Set, Go! to help consumers understand health care reform.

“By supporting the SAFEchild Advocacy Center, we’re investing in North Carolina’s most important resource, our children,” said Kathy Higgins, BCBSNC vice president of corporate affairs. “The fantastic team at the Advocacy Center goes above and beyond to create a healing environment, and each staff member plays an important role in the health of our kids and our community.”

The state’s largest health insurance company is expanding its retail footprint.