Many adults today feel as if they are navigating life alone. People feel disconnected from each other and uncertain about the institutions that should help them in their daily lives. Health care can, and should, provide clarity and comfort, yet it often adds to the strain. It is confusing, expensive, and difficult to navigate. A recent poll found that nearly a third of adults skipped or postponed care in the past year. When the system that should support people instead pushes them away, minor issues can escalate into serious problems and overall costs rise for everyone.
These challenges affect physical and mental health and place pressure on household finances. They are especially intense in North Carolina, which is one of the most expensive states for care and where nearly every county faces shortages of health care professionals.
North Carolinians need to know that someone is in their corner, ready to listen and work on their behalf to make high quality care more affordable and more accessible. What does true partnership look like? What does it mean to advocate for communities in a meaningful way?
Innovation
Several years ago, Blue Cross NC recognized that the fee-for-service model was driving costs upward and slowing progress. We became one of the leaders guiding North Carolina toward value-based care. Instead of paying simply for the number of services provided, we build payment incentives around results. This model—which depends on close partnership with providers–encourages prevention, coordination, and data informed care that reduces chronic conditions, avoidable hospitalizations, and unnecessary emergency room visits. The shift has produced major quality gains and close to $1 billion dollars in shared savings.
Our innovations don’t just transform how care is paid for. They also improve how care is delivered:
- For several years, we’ve also been a leading force promoting food is medicine programs for improving health. Blue Cross NC collaborated with UNC Health to publish a first-of-its-kind clinical study evaluating the health impacts and strategies for delivering healthy food to those experiencing food insecurity. We’ve also just launched a new Health Through Food statewide initiative to reduce chronic conditions and fight the rising costs of care across North Carolina through fresh and healthy food.
- We offer tools that help members understand costs and manage their health care spending, including our Cost Estimator tool and our collaboration with Sempre Health, which improves medication adherence and lowers long term costs.
- Our More Than a Script program reimburses independent pharmacists who take an active role in managing chronic diseases, like hypertension and diabetes.
- We are committed to improving our systems to make it easier for members to access the right care at the right time.
- We’ve been pioneers in the use of predictive analytics to enhance our care management team’s ability to engage at-risk members and get them started on focused, strategic support programs that minimize or eliminate health risks early, before they lead to a crisis situation.
These examples just scratch the surface of our commitment to improving quality and affordability for people across North Carolina.
Local Connection and Collaboration
True partnership requires deep and sustained local engagement. Our work on Health Through Food and other initiatives is possible because of strong relationships with community organizations throughout the state.
Blue Cross NC has been part of North Carolina’s fabric for nearly a century. Our presence reaches far beyond our headquarters in Durham.
- Most of our employees live in the communities they serve.
- Our County Engagement team directly supports all 100 counties.
- Our Beyond Blue Neighborhood Centers provide local support and space for community activity.
- Our Extra Miles Tour took our leadership team to every county to meet with educators, providers, and local leaders and to understand community-level needs and opportunities.
We’ve forged long-lasting partnerships with universities, community colleges, and local organizations to help expand access to care in rural areas and help us support members during critical moments. Onsite care navigators in high volume hospitals have assisted more than 7,000 members since September 2024 and generated an estimated $32 million in savings through better guidance and improved recovery and discharge planning.
We also stand with North Carolinians during times of crisis, including the devastation caused by Hurricane Helene. For us, partnership with communities is not an optional strategy. It is the only path to long-lasting solutions.
Flexibility to Provide Tailored Solutions
History alone does not make a true community partner. Flexibility and responsiveness matter. Blue Cross NC listens, learns, and adjusts as needs evolve.
Our relationship with the NC Chamber recently produced Carolina HealthWorks, which gives small businesses access to the rate advantages typically reserved for large employer groups. We have formed similar collaborations with the North Carolina Retail Merchants Association, the NC Home Builders Association, and the NC Bar Association.
We also work with community health organizations to address urgent public health challenges. Examples include installing Narcan distribution kiosks in high need areas and partnering with Ripe for Revival to bring nutritious food, health screenings, and education directly to residents.
Our Commitment to North Carolina Runs Deep
Our name reflects more than a brand or a location. It represents our purpose. We stand with our members and the communities we serve. We advocate for their needs. We demonstrate this commitment not just in the products we sell or through the services we provide to our customers. This commitment is visible in the thousands of volunteer hours our employees contribute each year and in our three statewide initiatives focused on youth mental health, food is medicine, and rural access to care.
It is also visible in the work of the independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Foundation, which has invested in our communities through grants, partnerships, and initiatives.
There is more work to do, yet every step forward strengthens our state and enhances our ability to deliver better and more affordable care for our communities.
We aren’t just here in North Carolina…. Blue Cross NC is here for North Carolina.
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