Research and compare

Q: Am I eligible for Blue Advantage?

A: To be eligible for Blue Advantage, you must be a North Carolina resident, under 65 years old, and not covered by other health insurance including Medicare.¹

Q: Am I eligible for Blue Options HSA?

A: To be eligible for Blue Options HSA, you must:

• Be a North Carolina resident
• Qualify medically
• Not be covered by another health insurance policy (except dental, vision, long-term care, accident/disability, hospital insurance or a disease-specific plan)
• Not be enolled in Medicare.

Please note that children under age 18 are ineligible for a health savings account.

Q: What does it mean to be a resident of North Carolina?

A: You are considered to be a resident of North Carolina if you reside in North Carolina at least six months or more out of the year and you have a North Carolina permanent address. You must possess at least one of the following as proof: NC voter registration, NC driver license, or current NC tax return.

Q: Can I submit an application electronically?

A: Yes. Simply select free rate quote then click the apply button. Once you apply, you will need to create an online account; provide a name, address and Social Security number for all applicants; answer medical questions for all applicants; provide prior insurance coverage information; and electronically sign your application. Your application will be reviewed automatically. Within minutes, you will receive a final rate or an update on the status of your application.

Q: Can I apply for health insurance coverage if I do not have a social security number?

A: You must have a social security number in order to apply for health insurance coverage. If you do not have one or do not wish to disclose it, please contact us.

Q: How do I sign my electronic application?

A: You will be asked to provide "an electronic signature" that will serve as your written signature. All applicants, spouses and dependents age 18 and older must provide an electronic signature. Your electronic signature consists of your USERID and password. For your spouse and dependents, you must provide city of birth.

Q: Will I need to provide any additional information after submitting my application?

A: We will contact you if we need any additional information. Depending on many factors, we may ask for a simple health screening to be conducted by a licensed examiner. In some cases, we may ask you to participate in a phone interview or supply medical records from your doctor.

Q: Can I change answers on my application after I've submitted it?

A: You CANNOT modify your application once it is submitted. Please use the preview reports to view responses PRIOR to submission.

Q: How many days will it take for BCBSNC to process my application?

A: In many cases, you will receive a rate in minutes, otherwise it generally takes about 30 days to process your application, though processing time can vary.

Q: How will I know when my final rates are available?

A: If you are using spam-blocking software, please allow e-mail from myapplication@bcbsnc.com. Consult technical support for your software if you need assistance.

Q: Can I save an application and finish it later?

A: You can save the application and finish it at a later time by clicking the "Save and Exit" link at the bottom of the page. Applications that have not been submitted will be deleted six (6) months after they were created.

Q: How can I pay for my coverage?

A: You must pay for your first month's premium and choose a payment method for ongoing payment in order to enroll on the plan you select.

As a Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA member, you can have your monthly health insurance premiums automatically deducted from your bank account. Once enrolled, your deduction will appear on your monthly bank statement. We don't charge members for this convenient service, but some banks may charge a fee for automatic bank drafts. Check with your bank for terms and details.

You can also elect to pay your first months' premium with a credit card.

Q: What does "Handicapped Child" mean?

A: A handicapped child is a dependent child who is either mentally retarded or physically handicapped and incapable of self-support. Regardless of age, a handicapped child may continue to be covered under the health benefit plan if the condition exists and coverage is in effect when the child reaches the age of 19. The handicap must be medically certified by the child's doctor and may be verified periodically by BCBSNC.

Q: How long is my "free-look" period?

A: For Blue Advantage, Blue Options HSA and Dental Blue for Individuals, you have a 10-day "free-look" period. For Blue Medicare Supplement, you have a 30-day "free-look" period. The "free-look" period begins after you have received your welcome kit.

Q: What happens if I visit a doctor during my 10-day free trial period and cancel my coverage within the 10 days?

A: The claim will not be paid. You will be responsible for the total charge of the bill(s).

Q: How often do premiums change? When will I be notified of the changes?

A: You won't be singled out for a premium change, although your premiums may be adjusted as you age, add or remove eligible dependents, or if you move. You will be notified 31 days in advance of any change. Currently our rates are adjusted on January 1st each year.

Q: How do I renew my coverage?

A: Your coverage is automatically renewed when you continue to pay premiums, as they are due. BCBSNC must renew your policy unless we discontinue all policies like yours.