GREENSBORO, N.C. — When it comes to health care in North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has the largest reach.
The company has offered individual and family plans in all 100 counties since before the Affordable Care Act was a thing in 2014. This year, the average rate for an individual plan is 4% lower.
Open enrollment is going on right now for all ACA plans. You need to register by Dec. 15, 2023, if you want health coverage starting on Jan. 1, 2024.
Even if you are happy with the plan you have right now, you need to check it for next year.
“The plans have had some adaptations, there are not sweeping changes, but you want to make sure you still have the physicians covered and that nothing has changed on the network,” said Cedilett Murillo, BCBSNC's Regional Operations Manager.
You know when you go to the doctor's office, the first thing they want to see is your insurance card. Then you sign on this little pad, but you can't see what you're signing.
Usually, the desk person tells you it's so they can file your insurance. It's so they can send the results to you.
But in all the fine print, you also may be saying yes to costs you think are already covered.
“You want to make sure your insurance works with what they are asking you to do. Checking on who is going to provide you with the service. If it's a hospital stay-- is it outpatient, how is it covered? Is the physician and any other individuals who will be treating you, are they also covered under your plan? Because it's not just your primary but every individual attending to you,” said Murillo.
And when you get a bill, don't pay it right away. You always want to wait until you get your Explanation of Benefits from your insurance provider, that way you know how much is covered.