Blue Cross NC Reorganization Billed Signed into Law

The Reorganization and Economic Development Act was signed into law by North Carolina Governor Roy Cooper on June 10, 2023. This allows Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) to undergo a significant restructuring by establishing a parent nonprofit holding corporation (NPHC) that is not regulated as an insurance company. The NPHC will become the sole owner and parent company of Blue Cross NC, which will provide greater autonomy for its business operations.

So, how exactly does this legislation change Blue Cross NC? Let’s explore the key implications:

1. Investment Earnings

Currently, Blue Cross NC holds a substantial $5 billion investment securities portfolio, acting as an “internal endowment.” With the reorganization, up to 25 percent of this endowment can be transferred to the NPHC and its subsidiaries. However, this transfer may lead to a loss in investment earnings for Blue Cross NC.

2. Asset Transfers

The reorganization not only allows for transfers of assets within the company but also permits investments in ventures unrelated to direct benefits. This means Blue Cross NC can acquire hospitals and companies that may not directly benefit the residents of North Carolina. While diversifying investments can have advantages, allocating resources to unrelated ventures can potentially increase costs.

3. Impact on Premium Rebates and Reserves

North Carolina law requires insurance companies to maintain a minimum of three months and a maximum of six months of operating reserves. If reserves exceed the six-month limit, a premium rebate to policyholders is triggered. However, under the new structure resulting from the reorganization, Blue Cross NC now has the ability to transfer funds to the NPHC, ensuring its reserves do not exceed the maximum limit of six months.

What does all this mean for policyholders?

The reorganization of Blue Cross NC introduces several potential implications for premiums. To compensate for the loss in investment earnings and potential increase in costs, the insurance company may be compelled to raise health insurance premiums. This, in turn, could impact policyholders by making health insurance less affordable for individuals and families. Additionally, policyholders may not receive premium rebates, as funds can be shifted internally to keep reserves below the rebate-triggering threshold. These considerations highlight the complexities and trade-offs associated with the reorganization. It is critical to carefully monitor its potential effects on policyholders and the broader healthcare landscape in North Carolina.

Written by Kaleb Johnson

Kaleb is the Marketing Strategist for Pierce Group Benefits, responsible for developing and analyzing content to optimize the company’s marketing initiatives across multiple platforms. Kaleb joined the team in May 2023, bringing with him insurance experience, as well as a degree in marketing and an MBA.

Tips for New Employees in a Hybrid Work Schedule

Transitioning to a hybrid work schedule can be an exciting yet challenging experience for new employees. Balancing in-office and remote work requires adapting to a new work environment and establishing effective routines. In this article, we will provide five tips tailored specifically for new employees who are navigating the world of hybrid schedules. These tips can help you embrace flexibility while ensuring productivity and a smooth transition into your new role.

1. Establish a Productive Home Workspace

Working from home requires a well-equipped and organized workspace. Set up a designated area in your home that is conducive to productivity. Ensure you have the necessary technology, a comfortable chair, and a clutter-free environment. By creating a dedicated workspace, you can minimize distractions and maintain focus during remote workdays.

2. Communicate Proactively with Your Team

Effective communication is even more important when working on a hybrid schedule. Proactively engage with your team members and keep them informed about your availability, progress, and any potential challenges you may face. Leverage communication tools such as email, video conferences, and instant messaging to stay connected. By maintaining open lines of communication, you can build trust, collaborate effectively, and foster strong relationships with your colleagues.

3. Maintain a Consistent Schedule

One of the keys to success in a hybrid work schedule is maintaining a consistent routine. Try to stick to the same schedule you would follow in the office, including waking up at the same time. Consistency helps create a sense of structure and familiarity, enabling you to transition seamlessly between remote and inoffice work.

4. Take Advantage of In-Person Time at the Office

In a hybrid work environment, the days you spend in the office offer valuable opportunities to engage in meaningful conversations and seek guidance from colleagues. These in-person interactions promote open communication and focused discussions that lead to innovative ideas and effective problemsolving. By actively participating in meetings during office days, you strengthen connections, enhance collaboration, and leverage the collective intelligence and creativity of your team, fostering a stronger sense of unity. Embrace the power of face-to-face interactions to build professional relationships, drive impactful outcomes, and propel your projects forward in a hybrid work setting.

5. Embrace a Flexible Mindset

Flexibility is a defining feature of hybrid work schedules. Embrace this flexibility by cultivating a mindset that welcomes adjustments and adapts to shifting work environments. Stay open to changes, prioritize tasks effectively, and demonstrate your ability to adapt seamlessly. By embracing flexibility, you can effectively navigate the challenges of a hybrid work arrangement and showcase your adaptability as a valuable team member.

Conclusion

Transitioning to a hybrid work schedule as a new employee can present unique challenges, but with the right approach, it can also offer exciting opportunities for growth and flexibility. By following these five tips, you can successfully navigate the hybrid work environment and thrive in your new role. Remember, adaptability and effective communication are key to finding the right balance and maximizing your potential as a new employee in a hybrid work setting.

Written by Kaleb Johnson

Kaleb is the Marketing Strategist for Pierce Group Benefits, responsible for developing and analyzing content to optimize the company’s marketing initiatives across multiple platforms. Kaleb joined the team in May 2023, bringing with him insurance experience, as well as a degree in marketing and an MBA.

Summer Recipes

Summer Dinner Ideas to Enjoy All Season Long

Indulge in the flavors of summer with these delicious warm-weather recipes!

Southwestern Pasta Salad

Prep/Total Time: 2 Hours

Serves: 10

Ingredients:

(For the pasta salad)

• 1 lb. dry pasta, such as elbow, bow tie, or rotini

• 1 15-oz. can corn kernels

• 1 15-oz. can black beans

• 1 c. shredded cheddar

• 1 c. halved cherry tomatoes

• 2 avocados, diced

• 1/3 c. chopped cilantro

Directions:

1. In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and cool, 5 minutes.

2. Meanwhile, make dressing: Whisk all ingredients together. Stir corn, black beans, cheese, tomatoes, avocados and cilantro in with pasta. Toss with dressing. Cover tightly and refrigerate 1 hour before serving.

Big Mac Tacos (Smash Burger Tacos)

Prep/Total Time: 25 minutes

Serves: 2

Ingredients:

(For the Big Mac sauce)

• 3 tbsp. mayonnaise

• 3 tbsp. ketchup

• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

• ½ tsp. hot sauce

• 2 tsp. Worcestershire sauce

• 1 tsp. mustard

(For the Tacos/Serving)

• 1 iceberg lettuce leaf finely sliced

• 2 tbsp. finely chopped dill pickles

• 1/2 lb. ground beef (10% fat)

• Salt and pepper to taste

• 4 small flour tortillas

• Vegetable oil for cooking

• 8 slices of cheese

Directions:

(For the dressing)

• 1 c. Greek yogurt

• 1/3 c. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 tbsp. honey

• 1 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 limes, juiced

• 1/2 jalapeño, chopped

• 1 1/2 tbsp. taco seasoning

• Salt to taste

1. Use a small whisk to mix together all the Big Mac Sauce ingredients in a bowl. Reserve.

2. Prep your lettuce and pickles for serving.

3. Mix the ground beef with salt and pepper.

4. Press a thin layer of beef onto the tortillas. Have them all ready before you begin cooking.

5. Preheat a hot skillet or griddle over high heat. It should be smoking.

6. Add a bit of oil to the pan and place one tortilla with the beef side down. Flatten/smash it using a flat surface Leave it there for 1-2 minutes and then flip.

7. Place two cheese slices on top of the beef and place a lid on for 30 seconds to help the cheese melt.

8. Remove it from the pan and repeat with all the tacos. To keep them warm, you can keep them in the oven at 240°F on a cooling rack so that they don’t go soggy.

9. Serve with the lettuce, Big Mac Sauce and pickles.

Summer Recipes

Instant Pot Hawaiian Pulled Chicken Sandwiches

Prep/Total Time: 1.5 Hours

Serves: 6

Ingredients:

(For the chicken)

• 1 1/2 pounds skinless, boneless chicken thighs

• 1 tsp. chili powder

• 2 tbsp. extra-virgin olive oil

• 1 small red onion, chopped

• 2 cloves garlic, minced

• 1/3 c. pineapple preserves

• 2 tbsp. + 2 tsp. yellow mustard

• Pinch of cayenne pepper

• 1 tsp. apple cider vinegar

• 6 hamburger buns, lightly toasted

Directions:

(For the slaw)

• 14-oz. bag shredded coleslaw mix

• 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced

• 2/3 c. unsweetened coconut flakes, toasted

• 1 scallion, thinly sliced

• 1/4 c. chopped fresh cilantro

• 1/3 c. mayonnaise

• 2 tbsp. apple cider vinegar

1. Season the chicken with the chili powder, salt, and black pepper. Set an Instant Pot to saute at high heat and add oil. Working in batches, add the chicken and cook about 3 minutes; transfer to a plate. Add the red onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is tender, about 5 minutes. Cancel the saute setting.

2. Return the chicken to the pot. Whisk the pineapple preserves, 2 tbsp. mustard, cayenne and 1 cup water in a small bowl; pour over the chicken and stir to combine. Put on the lid and set the cooker to high pressure for 6 minutes. Release steam and transfer the chicken to a plate and shred the meat into large chunks with 2 forks.

3. Set the cooker to saute at high heat. Bring the cooking sauce to a simmer and cook until reduced by about half. Return the chicken and continue to cook, stirring occasionally, until almost all the sauce is absorbed. Stir in the remaining 2 tsp. mustard and the vinegar; season with salt and black pepper.

4. Meanwhile, make the slaw: Toss the coleslaw mix and bell pepper with salt and pepper to taste. Let stand 5 minutes. Add the coconut, scallion, cilantro, mayonnaise and vinegar and toss to coat.

5. Divide the chicken among the buns and top with some of the slaw to serve.

Chocolate-Covered Strawberry Yogurt Clusters

Prep/Total Time: 1 Hour

Ingredients:

• 2 c. strawberries, chopped

• 1 c. vanilla Greek yogurt

• 1 c. chocolate chips

• 1 tsp. coconut oil

Directions:

1. Add strawberries and yogurt to a bowl. Toss until the strawberries are fully coated in the yogurt. Scoop 2-3 tablespoons of the strawberry mixture into clusters and place them onto a parchment paper lined baking sheet. Freeze for 40 minutes.

2. In a separate small bowl, add your chocolate chips and coconut oil and melt in two or three 30-second increments in the microwave until smooth.

3. Remove the tray from the freezer and dip each cluster into the chocolate. Add a sprinkle of sea salt if desired, then eat and enjoy!

Written by Cassie McLamb

Cassie McLamb is the Marketing Assistant for Pierce Group Benefits. She assists with a wide variety of Marketing tasks including website and asset management and enrollment request fulfillment. Cassie joined the team in August of 2022 after recently completing her degree in Marketing and Communication Studies.

Know Your Benefits

Express Scripts

Express Scripts Inc. is committed to offering safe, easy and cost-effective ways to provide the medication you need. ESI’s Smart90 program allows members to receive a 90-day supply at a Smart90 retailer or through Express Scripts home delivery.

Delivering a better, simpler pharmacy experience:

Get medications delivered right to your door in 5-7 days.

Supported home delivery medications:

• Contraceptives

• Tobacco cessation

Enjoy free standard shipping and automatic refills.

• Folic acid supplements

• Bowel preparation

Talk to specially trained pharmacists, 24/7.

• Breast cancer primary prevention

• And more

You may also be able to get these medications for as little as $0 at your local retail pharmacy. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist about lower cost alternatives covered by your plan. Your plan may require you to try a generic medication before a brand-name medication can be filled. Please refer to your benefit materials for coverage details and the plan website for current information. The list of qualifying medications will be reviewed periodically and is subject to change. Express Scripts has pharmacists and service representatives available 24/7 to help answer your health and insurance questions.

Review your Benefits Guide to learn all about your pharmacy options.

INTERNATIONAL CAT & DOG

International Dog & Cat Days

INTERNATIONAL CAT & DOG

T ucker & Guinness - Meghan Ezzell, R oxi - J oshua Hutchinson, Bean - T ammy H alsey, Savannah and Ginger - Karina Branch, P enny - Michelle Chay k a, O llie & Benny - J anice W agstaff, Bella - Annie Snyde r , Allie - Jeffrey Lipack, Banks - Kayla S tam, P epper & Cletus Lee J ones - T yler Blac k well, Cash - Cassie McLamb, Cheddar & Gouda - Laura Shelton, Sammie - Anna S tam, Tito - Kaleb J ohnson, O llie & Bailey - Emily Sege r , Magellan, R ue, J unipe r , & Ivy - Michelle Gunte r , T oby -W an Kenobi - Madeline F ansle r , S tella - Brittany T urne r , Leeloo - Bethany Y arbrough, H a r vey & Ella - Monica Nixon, Fiona, Belle, B unny, & Grace - C ori R ozentals, Alfred, Lola, Gwen S ta c y, & Ma r y J ane - Deja H olley, Da k ota & Brody - C a thy Maxfield, Blue & Milo - Ma r y Helen Fennell-Morgan

Employee Spotlight

Congratulations and THANK YOU for your commitment, determination, and contributions. Get to know our PGB All-Stars below!

JILL PESTUN SENIOR BENEFIT ANALYST

Jill Pestun, a senior benefit analyst II in the benefits analysis department, has been in the insurance industry since 1987. She began her career in Maryland at Coventry Healthcare before accepting a position with a national general agent where she worked for 20 years. In 2017, Jill relocated to North Carolina and joined PGB the following year. She appreciates the dynamic and supportive team at PGB, where each day brings new challenges and growth opportunities. Jill holds life and health licenses in North Carolina, Virginia, South Carolina, and Washington, DC. She also possesses the NAHU Certification for Self-Funding. Outside of work, Jill stays busy with home renovations alongside her husband, visiting her stepsons and grandchildren in Virginia and Maryland, attending concerts, and supporting the Baltimore Ravens during football season. Her ideal day off involves friends, shopping, and relaxing by the pool or beach.

Jill is an excellent team player and collaborator who actively contributes to the team’s success with her knowledge, positive attitude, and willingness to assist, making us fortunate to have her as part of the team.

- Brittany Turner, Benefit Analyst Manager

Donna St. Claire, a benefits counselor in the enrollment experience department, entered the insurance industry in 2011 where she worked for a company that provided supplemental benefits to the credit union market in Upstate South Carolina. Later, she transitioned to Medicare Insurance and worked with Colonial Life. Donna is deeply engaged by the multifaceted nature of her work as a benefits counselor and finds inspiration in the positive impact she and her fellow PGB benefit counselors have on individuals. Throughout her life, Donna has received multiple recognitions, but her most notable achievement is completing approximately 400 miles of the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage trail in Spain. Currently residing in Johnson City, Tennessee, Donna takes pleasure in easy access to remarkable hiking and kayaking spots. Her perfect day off involves hiking with her two dogs, Sammy and Chauncey, at Carvers Gap and enjoying performances by local bands at Appalachian hostels.

Donna’s exceptional performance as a 1099 benefits counselor led to her promotion to a W2 employee at PGB, where her extensive industry knowledge and unwavering passion make her an invaluable asset.

- Janna Smith, Director of Enrollment Experience

Employee Spotlight

Michelle Chayka, an executive assistant in the business development department, has been working in the insurance industry since March 2018 when she joined PGB. One aspect of her job that she particularly enjoys is the ever-changing nature of her tasks and the challenges that come with her role. Each day brings something new and different, which she finds stimulating and fulfilling. Michelle also cherishes the strong bond she shares with her team and co-workers, considering them to be like one big family. Michelle holds an associate degree in applied science/business administration, which has equipped her with analytical and financial skills to make valuable contributions in her role. Outside of work, she finds solace in spending time outdoors, taking leisurely walks with her dog. On her ideal day off, Michelle prefers quality time with her husband, enjoying a relaxing dinner where they can unwind and enjoy each other’s company.

Michelle is the heartbeat of the business development department and there is no way the team could experience the success we have had this year without Michelle and all her hard work!

- Gray Spivey, Business Development Manager

New Employee Welcome

Please join us in extending a very warm welcome to our newest team members — congratulations and welcome, we look forward to working with and getting to know you all!