Did you know your dental health is linked to your overall health? Daily dental care and routine checkups can help you stay healthy. Blue Cross NC offers affordable dental plans in addition to great health care coverage.

Blue Cross NC plans start as low as $22.95 and pays 100% of in-network preventive care services with no deductible and 100% of the allowed amount on out-of-network preventive care services after $20 copay.  No deductible on in-network preventive care services.

Call our office today (888-765-5400) and speak with a qualified representative.  You can CLICK HERE to get your free Dental Quote and Apply on Line.  Also, you do not have to wait for an Open Enrollment Period, you can apply all year round.

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.

HOW CAN Medicare Advisors HELP YOU!       

Medicare Annual Enrollment Period started October 15th and ends December 7th, 2019.  As one of the top leading Medicare Advisors for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina we are here to help and guide you.  With so many Medicare plans to consider and countless Medicare Supplement Insurance companies to compare, choosing the right coverage can be difficult. Fortunately, finding and purchasing a Medicare Supplement plan is easier with the help of a Medicare Advisor.

Whether your health care needs are straightforward or complex, Medicare and its various options can be extremely confusing. Simply browsing through Medicare Supplement options can be overwhelming.  When you talk with an independent Medicare Agent your options will become more clear.

Getting Medicare and purchasing a Medicare Supplement plan are decisions you should not take lightly. Whether you are working with a limited budget and you need to keep your costs low or you have growing medical needs and you want to make sure your care is covered, you need the right plan at the right price.  Get your free Medicare Supplement Quote and/or Apply on Line today.

When you work with a Medicare Advisor you will not have to second-guess your decision or worry that you have overlooked important information.  You will have peace of mind knowing you have made the best decision that will protect your budget and your health.

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.

Short Term also known as Temporary health insurance is a fast, affordable and easy solution for people who are currently without health coverage.  Short-term health insurance plans are generally less expensive than qualified health plans under the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT and do not offer the same level of coverage.  Short term health insurance plans are intended for people who do not want to enroll in major medical insurance or who need temporary form of limited coverage before they obtain major medical health insurance.  Among other limitations and exclusions, short term health insurance plans generally do not cover pre-existing conditions that exist at the time of application or the minimum essential coverage of the ACA.

Short-term health insurance plans are limited in duration and you will stop receiving benefits when the plan expires. Plan duration and whether you can renew or buy a new plan after plan expiration depend on the plan you choose and the laws in your particular state. After a short-term plan expires, you must reapply to receive further benefits. If you are accepted for an additional term under a short-term health insurance plan, the plan’s deductible and other amounts reset so that amounts paid (or the satisfaction of conditions) under the initial plan are ignored.

APPLY TODAY and coverage can begin tomorrow if you qualify to enroll in a plan. Call NC Health Plans/ Jerry Ballard & Associates today at our toll free number 888-765-5400 to talk with one of our qualified representatives.

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.

Medicare Open Enrollment starts October 15 and runs until December 7. While that might seem to be plenty of time to weigh your options and enroll, it is actually less than two months.  It is time to act now and beat the rush before the holidays.

As one of the top Medicare Advisors in the State of North Carolina for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, we are here to help you make those decisions.  Whether you are new to Medicare, want to make a plan change or review all available options, we are here to help you.  The Medicare program changes a little bit each year. Knowing what’s new in 2020 could help you navigate the many choices you’ll have during this year’s Open Enrollment.

We can help you apply on line, handle your application through the mail or make an appointment to visit our office for a one on one meeting.  Whatever method is easiest and most helpful to you is what we do to help eliminate the stress and confusion.

To get your free rate quote and/or apply on line, CLICK HERE TO GET STARTED!

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.

NC Health Plans would like to wish you a happy, safe and enjoyable holiday weekend.  Labor Day, the first Monday in September, is a creation of the labor movement and is dedicated to the social and economic achievements of American workers. It constitutes a yearly national tribute to the contributions workers have made to the strength, prosperity, and well-being of our country.

Since Americans have many definitions of work based on many different experiences, a day set aside to honor their work reflects those differences. Marching in a parade, going swimming, visiting friends, having a cookout, Americans honor the essence of Labor Day simply, by taking the day off.

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.

Savannah Clark is the newest member of our team at Jerry Ballard & Associates, Inc. and will be specializing in providing exceptional customer service to all our North Carolina customers.  Savannah graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a BS degree in elementary education and a concentration in the Arts.  She is also studying to acquire her North Carolina Life and Health Insurance License and looking forward to an exciting and long term career with our Agency.

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.

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.  Our Agency can guide you through the complete application process, on or off the Marketplace for any plans offered, including, but not limited to, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Dental Blue and Short Term plans.

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.  Our Agency Manager, Kennon Wainwright,  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.

If you are turning 65 or transitioning to Medicare in the next 6 months, give Kennon a call and let him guide you through this cumbersome and confusing process.  He is happy to to go over all the different supplement plans offered through our Agency and provide all the tools and information necessary to make the best choice.  If you would like to generate a quote for these Medicare Plans CLICK HERE to begin.

We also offer Senior Dental Plans through BCBSNC.  If you would like to generate a quote and/or Apply on Line, please CLICK HERE to get started.

Kennon resides on the coast in beautiful Morehead City, North Carolina with his wife and children.  He attended Virginia Episcopal for High School before entering The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.   Kennon is a tremendous asset to our agency and brings knowledge about all BCBSNC products to best serve you and all your insurance needs.

NC Health Plans wishes you a Happy Independence Day.  July 4th has always been one of my favorite holidays. Because freedom is something to savor. To enjoy. To celebrate. But most of all to appreciate.

Never should we take the precious freedoms we daily enjoy for granted. Freedom was not cheap. Freedom was a dream purchased with the blood of our forbearers.

One of the most enjoyable and exciting ways to celebrate our nation’s independence is to set off some fireworks. This 4th of July, it’s important to remember that fireworks can be dangerous. They can cause burns and eye injuries in both children and adults, as well as more serious injuries. Of course, the best way to protect your family is not to use any fireworks at home and take your family to your local public fireworks display and leave the show to the professionals.

So today, as we celebrate with parades, BBQ and fireworks. Let’s remember and be thankful. God Bless America, and may we continue to be the shining example of freedom.

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.

At NC Health Plans, we are always looking for new healthy recipes and we ran across one today that looks different and yummy.  If you are like me, it is often times difficult to find recipes using scallops in a healthy way.

12 ounces dry sea scallops, cut into ½-inch pieces, or dry bay scallops

4 teaspoons reduced-sodium tamari, or soy sauce, divided

4 tablespoons plus 2 teaspoons canola oil, divided

1½ cups quinoa, rinsed well

2 teaspoons grated or minced garlic

3 cups water

1 teaspoon salt

1 cup trimmed and diagonally sliced snow peas, ( ½ inch thick)

1/3 cup rice vinegar

1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

1 cup thinly sliced scallions

1/3 cup finely diced red bell pepper

¼ cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, for garnish

Toss scallops with 2 teaspoons tamari in a medium bowl. Set aside. Place a large, high-sided skillet with a tight-fitting lid over medium heat. Add 1 tablespoon canola oil and quinoa. Cook, stirring constantly, until the quinoa begins to color, 6 to 8 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add water and salt and bring to a boil. Stir once, cover and cook over medium heat until the water is absorbed, about 15 minutes. (Do not stir.) Remove from the heat and let stand, covered, for 5 minutes. Stir in snow peas, cover and let stand for 5 minutes more.

Meanwhile, whisk 3 tablespoons canola oil, the remaining 2 teaspoons tamari, vinegar and sesame oil in a large bowl. Add the quinoa and snow peas, scallions and bell pepper; toss to combine.

Remove the scallops from the marinade and pat dry. Heat a large skillet over medium-high until hot enough to evaporate a drop of water upon contact. Add the remaining 2 teaspoons canola oil and cook the scallops, turning once, until golden and just firm, about 2 minutes. Gently stir the scallops into the quinoa salad. Serve garnished with cilantro, if desired.

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.

The road to weight loss is often strewn with fad diets, broken promises, and exercise equipment that gathers dust instead of logging miles. You do need to make sure you are getting regular physical activity.

And what better time than springtime to kick your fitness up a notch? Longer days and warmer weather provide the perfect motivation. And you do not have to train for a marathon, either. Just get more activity than before and you are getting on track. Let springtime inspire you to break down those barriers and finally make fitness a way of life.  Take those evening strolls with your spouse, play outside with your children, take your dog for a nice long walk.

Regular physical activity improves your mood, enhances the quality of your life, helps you burn off stress and, most important, it strengthens your body while it burns calories. Physical activity helps your body work the way it is supposed to. Even simple walking is a good, weight-bearing exercise that helps keep muscles, and your heart strong.

Think about how good you feel when you finish your workout. Many people have trouble getting started, but once they finish, they feel terrific, partly due to endorphins, those feel-good brain chemicals.

Evidence suggests that physical activity improves mental ability in people with heart disease, and that music enhances brainpower. And the combination of music and exercise was found to be more stimulating to the brain than exercise alone. So, turn your music up and get started.

Through your health insurance plan, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers all the essential benefits under Obamacare and having your wellness/preventive care visit each year is covered at 100% with no deductible. Always consult your doctor before starting any new exercise program, and then spring into action.

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.

Good news for older adults, part of the prescription for a healthier, better retirement is exercise. Physical activity protects against declining health and adds years to your life.    Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers many choices of Medicare Supplement Plans which offers discounts to gyms and don’t forget those wellness visits each year.

Did you know that moderate intensity physical activity can help you live longer and reduce health problems? Regular exercise helps control blood pressure, body weight and cholesterol levels, and cuts the risk for hardening of the arteries, heart attack and stroke. It conditions muscles, tendons, ligaments and bones to help fight osteoporosis, keep your body more limber and stabilize your joints, thus lowering the risk of everyday injury. Also, it improves digestion and is good for managing lower back pain, arthritis and diabetes. Regular physical activity helps you maintain your independence. Recently, there has been research that suggests an active lifestyle lowers the risk of some cancers. But perhaps the best reason for incorporating regular exercise into your life is that you will feel better. Exercise helps you sleep better and manage stress better, and gives you more energy to enjoy work and play.

A good exercise program includes cardiovascular exercise, muscular conditioning and flexibility exercises. The best cardiovascular exercises for seniors are non-jarring, such as walking, swimming and cycling. Start with a light regimen and gradually build up to a total of at least 30 minutes of activity on most days of the week. Playing with children, walking the dog, dancing and gardening are other ways to incorporate activity into your daily routine.

Strengthening exercises such as lifting light weights help to maintain your muscle mass and promote bone health. Research suggests that adults older than 50 years who do not perform resistance training lose nearly 1/4 pound of muscle mass per year. Since muscle mass is directly related to how many calories your body burns each day, resistance training is important for weight management. End each workout with stretching exercises to help maintain your mobility and range of motion and decrease your risk for injury.

The best way to keep fit is to choose exercises you like. Some older adults like aqua aerobics, yoga, pilates or just walking the dog. Seniors also enjoy group exercise classes, since they offer an opportunity to socialize and develop friendships.  As always, make sure you consult your doctor before beginning any new exercise program.

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.

Health Insurance is still available! If you are one of the countless Americans who missed open enrollment. There are options for you.

Short-term/Temporary health insurance is designed for healthy individuals and families, and is a low- cost, affordable option to protect yourself and/or your family from unforeseen and emergency medical costs.

Short term plans are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), so they are still available year-round. If you missed open enrollment and do not have a qualifying event that allows you to purchase an ACA compliant plan, a short-term policy can be a good choice to bridge the gap until open enrollment begins again.

Short term plans are not renewable, but some companies allow you to purchase another plan once your plan has lapsed, but you are required to answer all the health questions and qualify as you did initially.

It is important to know that short term plans are not considered minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act, so people with short term health insurance could be subject to the ACA’s individual mandate penalty unless they are otherwise exempt from it.

Remember, short term plans do not cover any pre-existing conditions. They are not required to cover the ACA’s essential health benefits.  Although their sale is not limited to the ACA open enrollment period, short term plans do use basic medical underwriting to determine an applicant’s eligibility for coverage.

These plans are considerably less expensive than ACA-compliant major medical plans.  And you can get coverage as early as the next day once you answer some basic health questions.