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ABOUT JERRY BALLARD & ASSOCIATES

DSC03208Jerry Ballard, Founder of Jerry Ballard & Associates, Inc. and NC Health Plans, LLC.  “First and foremost, our main focus is to identify the true needs of our clients and fill those needs with the best North Carolina health insurance (BCBSNC®) products on the market and the best customer service in the industry.”  Jerry resides in Morehead City with his wife, Cathy and their golden retriever, Alli.

In August, 2014 Jerry was inducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina into their Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed upon any employee, agent or broker.  Jerry has been the #1 top producing independent insurance Agent in North Carolina for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in individual sales for 11 consecutive years, he has also been awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina® membership in its President’s Club as a top agent every year since its inception, and is a Charter Member of that exclusive group.  Our Agency was recently recognized and received a Certificate of Recognition from HealthCare.Gov in appreciation of our ongoing contribution and success during the 2018 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period. This recognition places the Agency in the Circle of Champions and is based on our hard work and high enrollment production. This has increased access to health care for many and made a lasting positive impact for all of our customers throughout the State of North Carolina.

Jerry began his career in the health insurance industry in 1974. Throughout the years, he has written health insurance in North Carolina through many different carriers. After many years of doing business with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina he determined they provided the best coverage, service and value over other carriers, which is why he elected to become an Exclusive Agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC (BCBSNC).  In February of 2000, Jerry shifted his business model to an Online Internet Based Company.  He realized the standard business model of a 9-5 platform quickly diminished as the need for a more fluctuating schedule became apparent.  He worked hard to create a user friendly website that was easy to understand and navigate. His goal was to make the website “a close second” to meeting clients in person. Our agency couples outstanding individual customer service with the technological sophistication that allows customers the best of both worlds – quick and accurate information via our website at www.nchealthplans.com and ready access via our toll free number 888-765-5400 to a knowledgeable and experienced Agent.  In spite of his 40 years in the health insurance business and his many professional accomplishments and industry awards, Jerry is a modest man who never loses sight of what is really important – taking care of his clients.

Cathy Ballard, Co-Founder.  Cathy has been with the Agency for 20 years, initially focusing on customer service before adding individual sales to her duties.  She is well trained in all products offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, including Gold, Silver and Bronze plans currently being offered both on and off the Marketplace.  She is licensed with CMS to sell products through the Marketplace and can assist with any questions concerning Subsidies and Qualifications for Premium Tax Credits.  Cathy has worn many hats throughout her career with the Agency and she continues to be a valuable consultant to the current management.  She resides on the Coast of North Carolina and in her spare time Cathy enjoys reading, traveling and all aspects of her and Jerry’s boating lifestyle.

Kennon Wainwright, President and Agency Manager.  Kennon joined our agency as an Authorized Blue Cross Blue Shield Agent  in October of 2012 and currently overseas the operations of the Agency.  Kennon grew up on the coast in beautiful Morehead City, North Carolina.  He attended Virginia Episcopal for High School before entering The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He graduated from UNC-CH with a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace, War and Defense.

Kennon has brought years of diverse insurance experience to aid our clients.  Not only is he licensed in Health and Medicare, where he now specializes, but he also holds licenses in the Life, Property & Casualty fields.  His outstanding communication skills, combined with expert product knowledge and great work ethic, assure our clients a pleasant and productive relationship.  Kennon is excited to assist North Carolina residents with their health insurance needs.  He is also licensed through CMS selling products through the Marketplace and can assist you with any questions concerning Subsidies and Qualifications.  Kennon is confident that he can find a plan that best suits your needs and situation.  Kennon is a tremendous asset to the agency and brings knowledge about the BCBSNC products to best serve you and your insurance needs.

At Jerry Ballard & Associates we strive for excellence and like to recognize outstanding performance by our Agents.  We would like to announce some of these achievements in our Medicare, over 65 Market through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), for high standards and production.  Kennon, finished Number 1 in our region for top production in Medicare Supplement coverage and Number 2 overall in the State of North Carolina.  He also placed Number 2 in our Region on Medicare Advantage sales and Number 3 overall in the State of North Carolina.  We offer all North Carolina Medicare products through our Carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.

Kennon resides in Morehead City, N. C. with his wife, Katherine  and their three daughters.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time on the water, cheering for the Tar Heels and hunting.

engagementKristen Baily, Senior Insurance Advisor and Customer Service Manager.  Kristen joined Jerry Ballard & Associates in July of 2014 and is currently our Senior Insurance Advisor and Manager of Customer Service.  She is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a concentration in Human Resource Management. Kristen joined our team with over 7 years of sales and customer service experience in the home building and real estate industry.

A native of Eastern North Carolina, Kristen enjoys living on the coast and boating with her family and friends in her spare time. She resides in Morehead City with her husband and two daughters.

Kristen is thrilled to implement her experience in customer service and sales in the insurance world and she is looking forward to providing residents of North Carolina with the knowledge and guidance needed to select the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC products that meet your health insurance needs and assist you in navigating through the Marketplace to determine subsidy eligibility.

Savannah Bailey, Insurance Advisor for Health and Medicare.  Savannah joined our team in May of 2018.  Savannah graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a BS degree in elementary education and a concentration in the Arts.  She is licensed in Health and Medicare where she currently focuses.

A native of Eastern North Carolina, she was born and raised in Carteret County and absolutely loves it, and as she says, her roots are deep.  She attended St. Egberts Catholic school and graduated from West Carteret High School.  In the summer she loves spending time with family and friends boating and going to the beach.  She also enjoys painting as a hobby in her spare time.

Savannah brings excitement and enthusiasm to assist all of our Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina clients with their customer service needs.  She is patient, empathetic, and passionately communicative.  Her ability to place herself in the shoes of the customer and advocate for them when necessary makes her a pleasure to work with and a true asset to our team.

Emily McLaurin, Customer Service and Support Representative.  Emily joined our team in August of 2019. She is currently licensed and appointed with Blue Cross NC in the Health Insurance Market. In the time she has been with Jerry Ballard & Associates/NC Health Plans Agency, we have gained respect and admiration for her loyalty and desire to help our clients with their customer service needs.

Emily previously worked in the banking industry and graduated from East Carolina University in Greenville, NC with a BS Degree in Clothing and Textiles, with a minor concentration in Business. She resides in beautiful Carteret County, North Carolina with her husband and son and also has two grown daughters and a son-in-law. Emily loves living along the Coast in Eastern North Carolina and spending time with her family.

Emily’s exceptionally positive attitude and bright spirit will enhance the experience for all of our Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina clients. She is delighted to help guide our existing and new clients through navigating the health insurance marketplace.  Her wonderful spirit is refreshing to all, but her compassion for the elderly makes it a delight when our seniors call in to go over their Medicare Supplement needs. At Jerry Ballard & Associates, we strive to provide the best customer service for all North Carolinians and Emily is excited to use her customer service background to help meet the needs of all of our clients.

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 or our local number 252-726-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

 
Individual & Family Plans
Medicare Plans
Dental & Vision Plans
Short-term Plans