NC Insurers Propose Increases Under Affordable Care Act
North Carolina's largest health insurer says it wants to raise rates by an average of almost 19 percent next year on broadly subsidized policies sold to individuals.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina said Tuesday it's seeking the increase for 2017 for policies sold on the online insurance marketplace created by the Affordable Care Act.
Aetna is requesting an increase of about 24 percent for individual policies next year in North Carolina, whether sold on the marketplace or elsewhere.
Cigna is offering insurance under the ACA in the state for the first time. UnitedHealthcare has pulled out of the North Carolina market.
The state Insurance Department must approve the rates, which would go into effect Jan. 1.
NC Senate Budget Now To Work Its Way Through Chamber
The North Carolina Senate now is ready to consider its own budget proposal, with a goal to vote on it by the end of the week.
Senate Republicans scheduled an appropriations committee meeting Wednesday to talk about their adjustments to the second year of the current two-year budget.
GOP leaders are emphasizing teacher and state employee pay raises and college tuition limits and reductions in the $22.2 billion plan. They're also setting aside another $580 million in rainy day reserves to handle the next economic downturn, whenever that comes.
Legislature Gives Final OK To Coal Ash Bill
The North Carolina legislature has given final approval to a bill reviving a state commission tasked two years ago with managing the cleanup of more than 30 coal ash pits. Gov. Pat McCrory already has threatened to veto the bill because of a court ruling this year.
The Senate voted late Tuesday for compromise legislation retooling the Coal Ash Management Commission, charged with having a final say over how ash ponds held by Duke Energy are closed. The House backed the compromise earlier Tuesday.
McCrory, Cooper Speaking At North Carolina Small Business Event
The major-party candidates for North Carolina governor will talk with small-business owners about their ideas for helping them.
Republican Gov. Pat McCrory and Democratic Attorney General Roy Cooper are among the speakers scheduled for Small Business Day on Wednesday, which was organized by the state chapter of the National Federation of Independent Business.
Republican Lt. Gov. Dan Forest also will speak to the midday crowd of NFIB members meeting for lunch in Raleigh.
The NFIB has 7,500 dues-paying members in North Carolina.
NFL's Cam Newton Brings Nickelodeon Series To White House
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton has scored big for his new Nickelodeon series that launches Friday.
Newton brought 10-year-old Rosie Smolowitz to the White House to interview Michelle Obama for the cable TV series "All in with Cam Newton." The NFL star helps kids fulfill some of their dreams.
A White House spokeswoman says the first lady highlighted a program called "Every Kid in a Park." The program grants free access to national parks and forests, and public lands and waters to fourth-graders and their families.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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