Scout is a year and a half old chocolate Lab who belongs to our agency owner, Kennon Wainwright. Scout loves to hang out in the office, visit each employee for belly rubs and treats and takes long naps. Below are some of his favorite things:

Favorite Toy – Tennis ball

Favorite Food – Iams dog food and El’s Shrimp Burgers in Morehead City

Best Buddies – His two human sisters, Harper and Virginia

Favorite Health Insurance Agency – NC Health Plans/Jerry Ballard & Associates, of course!

Favorite Pastime – Riding on the boat with his family on the Crystal Coast

Duke Research has an article here that shows just how healthy it is to own a pet.

Major changes have been implemented to lower health insurance costs for people purchasing their coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.  Under the American Rescue Plan of 2021, many Americans will become newly eligible for federal government subsidies applied toward monthly Insurance premiums.  This will trigger plans to be much less expensive for many people that have shopped for health insurance through the Marketplace in years past. 

Who is Eligible?

1. People with Higher Income:

Since the introduction of the ACA, individuals and families making over 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) did not qualify for a subsidy.  After April 1^st, 2021, many people making a higher income or over 400% of the FPL will be eligible for a subsidy.  This federal subsidy will help reduce the cost of the health insurance.  Many Americans will pay significantly lower monthly premiums for Individual market health plans.

2. People currently eligible for a Subsidy:

Many people who are already eligible and already receiving a subsidy will qualify for more subsidy.  Estimates indicate that most people will see health insurance costs decrease and some will pay as little as $0 per month with the new subsidies applied.  This group should see a significant change in the cost of plans.

When Can I Apply or Change My Plan?

The Federal Government has created a Special Enrollment Period which will allow health insurance shoppers to enroll in a plan now.  This Enrollment Period is currently set to end on Aug 15^th, 2021.  Once you apply, coverage can become effective as early as the 1^st of the month following when you apply.

You can View Plans and Apply Online here for a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace.

The Health Insurance Marketplace has recently approved a brand new, quick and simplified application process that will benefit all Marketplace customers, old and new. As we are in the Special Enrollment Period, existing Marketplace members often find themselves needing to make updates or changes within their application. On the other hand, new members who qualify for a Special Enrollment Period need to apply on the Marketplace within 60 days of their Qualifying Life Event. This new and improved application process was designed to help simplify the process and make your marketplace application easier to navigate. If you are in the market for an affordable Health Insurance plan, or are currently enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace, look no further to make your editing or enrollment process much easier during the Special Enrollment Period.  The process can be started by generating a quote and clicking “Enroll.”

Do you need to get enrolled in an affordable health plan?

If you qualify for Special Enrollment Period and have experienced a qualifying life event within 60 days, you may be eligible to enroll in an Affordable Care Act health plan. In order to apply for savings on the cost of these health insurance plans, one must apply for a federal tax credit or subsidy through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of your monthly premiums, allowing you to save money on the cost of health insurance.  In the past, the application has been lengthy and repetitive.  However, the new and improved application process can simplify this experience, making it easier to navigate your application. This more user-friendly application helps guide you through the questions and makes them easy to understand. Generate a quote to discover if you are eligible for savings during the Special Enrollment Period and get started on your application!

Already enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace?

If you are already enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace and receive savings on your Health Insurance premium, there are several topics to consider during the Special Enrollment Period. These topics may trigger you to make changes to your application throughout the year. If you experience income changes, you must submit these changes to the marketplace. It is very important to keep your income up to date to ensure you are receiving the correct amount of federal tax credit, or savings on your premium. Other updates may include adding or removing household members from your application or reporting a move from your primary place of living. Utilizing this updated application platform will allow you to make these changes quickly and easily when needed. If you are enrolled through the Marketplace and need to make updates or changes, CLICK HERE to access your application or give us a call. We are happy to discuss these changes with you and ensure that you are taking the correct steps to update your application during the Special Enrollment Period.

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 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

At NC Health Plans, we want wish you a very Happy New Year. We hope that 2019 brings you health and happiness! As the New Year begins, we would like to proudly announce that we have been designated to the Health Insurance Marketplace Elite Plus Circle of Champions for enrolling 500+ North Carolinians in coverage beginning January 2019. This is the highest achievement attainable for helping customers enroll in affordable health insurance through the Marketplace and we look forward to assisting more North Carolinians as we move into the Special Enrollment Period for 2019.

The health insurance Marketplace, or healthcare.gov is where individuals and families can apply for government subsidies to assist with the cost of health insurance. Subsidies can greatly reduce the cost of health insurance for those who qualify based on their yearly income. Now that we are outside of Open Enrollment for 2019, Special Enrollment Period has begun. You can still apply for Qualified Health Insurance if you have a qualifying life event. The most common Qualifying Life Events include losing coverage, getting married, having a child, or moving. Generate a quote to discover if you may be eligible for a subsidy during Special Enrollment Period.

Navigating the Health Insurance market can be confusing, and we are happy to assist you with every step of the way. We take pride in helping fellow North Carolinians apply for affordable health care through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. Thank you for a great year, and we hope to continue serving many of you in 2019.

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 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

NC Health Plans is proud to announce that we have been included in the Health Insurance Marketplace Elite Circle of Champions. This means that we have been designated the top achievement award for helping North Carolina residents enroll in Marketplace coverage through Healthcare.gov. Now that Health Insurance Open Enrollment Period for 2019 has arrived, we are ready to assist more North Carolinians in applying for affordable Qualified Health Care!

Healthcare.gov, also known as the Health Insurance Marketplace, is the avenue that individuals go through to apply for government subsidies to be applied towards their Health Insurance premiums. Subsidies are designed to lower the cost of health insurance for low and middle income individuals or families. These government applications can often be overwhelming and confusing, and we are happy to help you through this process. Our website provides consolidated Health Insurance applications, and we can help you apply for your subsidy right over the phone. CLICK HERE to generate a quote and discover if you are eligible for a subsidy.

We are proud to be recognized as a top leader and guide in helping individuals apply for affordable Health Insurance through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and we look forward to helping North Carolinians in the upcoming 2019 Open Enrollment Period, which starts November 1^st and ends December 15, 2018.

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 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

Whether you are enrolled in Medicare, Health Insurance, or are uninsured, there are some concepts, rules and requirements to consider outside the Annual Enrollment Periods.  Here is a list of a few basics to consider about insurance despite currently being outside the heavily publicized Open Enrollment Periods.

1. 1095 Tax Forms– As most are filing taxes this time of year, don’t forget the IRS may require you to show proof of health insurance. The 1095 tax forms serve as proof of health insurance coverage.  These 1095 forms can be provided by the Health Insurance Marketplace or by a private insurance carrier, depending on how you are enrolled.  We recommend consulting a Certified Public Accountant for more information on about the need for these forms.
2. Short Term Health Insurance– If you are currently uninsured and have not recently experienced a Qualifying Event that would allow you to enroll in a qualified health insurance plan, a short term health plan may be an option. Short term plans do not comply with the Affordable Care Act regulations which allows shoppers to enroll in these plan outside the Open Enrollment Period.  You could qualify for coverage to begin as early as the next day.
3. Medicare Supplements “Blue to Blue”– If you are an existing Blue Cross of NC Medicare Supplement member, you are currently able to make a change to your Medicare Supplement plan during the month of May to take effect on June 1^st. See rates for alternative Medicare Supplement plans here.  The capability to change plans during this time frame is through the Blue to Blue program.
4. Dental Insurance– Don’t forget your smile! Dental insurance plans can be enrolled in anytime throughout the course of the year.  These plans are not regulated like health insurance plans by separate enrollment periods.  Learn More about BCBSNC Dental Insurance
5. Qualifying Life Events– If you have experienced a Qualifying Life Event, this could allow you to make a change to your health plan or enroll in a new plan. Get a Blue Cross Quote to see whether any of the Qualifying Events apply to you.
6. Report Income Changes to the Marketplace– If you are enrolled in a health insurance plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace and you have experienced an income change, it’s important to report this change to the Marketplace. Income changes can impact health insurance plan rates and coverage.

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