With the holidays just around the corner, the last thing on your list may be health insurance, but Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants to remind you that Open Enrollment 2015 is in full swing and in order to ensure that your health coverage begins January 1st, your application must be completed by midnight, December 15th.

This is the season for giving and one of the nicest things you can give yourself or the people you love is peace of mind.  A BCBSNC health plan offers just that.  Providing health plans that cover preventive care at 100% and a large network of providers across the state of North Carolina, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan will give you the confidence of knowing your family is covered for all of their health care needs.

We understand this is a busy time of year and that is why we are committed to helping you get into an affordable health plan as quickly as possible.  Negotiating Open Enrollment 2015 can be tricky and we don’t want you to get lost in the process.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we understand your time is valuable and never more than during the holidays.  We know you don’t have hours to waste being stuck on hold or being unable to speak with a live person and that’s where we come in!

The holidays are rapidly approaching, but don’t be caught off guard.  As you are marking your calendar with all sorts of important holiday plans, don’t forget… in order to receive an effective date of January 1st, your application must be completed by midnight, December 15th!  Start the New Year out right by joining BCBSNC and experience the benefits that come from being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

As you may be aware, the Annual Enrollment Period for health insurance will begin on November 15th. If you a currently enrolled in a BCBSNC plan, you might be unsure what steps you need to take, if any, during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) if you want to keep your plan or change your plan for 2015.  That is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has created Blue Map.

Blue Map is a tool created especially for BCBSNC members who purchased individual plans to help guide them through the renewal process. If you are enrolled in a plan through BCBSNC and it is not through an employer and you’re not enrolled in Medicare, then you are likely on an individual plan. Your steps during AEP are based on several different factors and Blue Map can help you determine which steps you should take when Annual Enrollment begins .

Members can access Blue Map through the BCBSNC website. You will be prompted to answer the following questions and, based on your answers, Blue Map will help guide you in the right direction. Here is a preview of what questions to expect through Blue Map:

1. Are you currently a member?

2. Do you get your health insurance through work?

3. Are you enrolled in a Medicare plan?

4. Do you have a Grandfathered Plan? (If you enrolled in your plan on or before March 23, 2010 and no changes have been made, you are likely on a Grandfathered plan)

5. Do you have a Transitional Plan? (If you enrolled in your plan between March 24, 2010 and October 1, 2013, have not made any changes, and did not move to a new Affordable Care Act plan, you are likely on a Transitional plan)

6. Do you get a subsidy (tax credit) from the Health Insurance Marketplace for your monthly health insurance bills?

Your answers to these questions will determine what your next steps should be. Blue Map is a simple, straight forward tool that can help members understand exactly what they will need to do, if anything, to ensure they keep their plan or move to a new plan in 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Annual Enrollment 2015 is rapidly approaching and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered.  Every Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member is a valued customer and as Open Enrollment gets underway there are some things you may need to know.  First of all, if you are happy with the BCBSNC health plan you currently have, you can keep it for another year.  Your plan will automatically renew.  Keep in mind, however, that you may still have a little work to do with regards to the renewal process, depending on the type of plan in which you are currently enrolled.  In order to make this easier for you, BCBSNC has created Blue Map, a tool developed especially for members who purchase individual plans.

If you are not yet a Blue Cross Blue Shield member, but are interested in purchasing a health insurance plan, Annual Enrollment is the time to do it.  The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the once-a-year window when you are able to renew, update, change, or enroll in an Affordable Care Act (ACA) plan.  If you do not do so, keep in mind that you cannot make changes or enroll a new plan once AEP ends unless you have a Qualifying Life Event that makes you eligible for the Special Enrollment Period.  The Annual Enrollment Period ends on February 15th, 2015.

Here are some important dates to keep in mind:

• Late Oct.-Early Nov:
• All BCBSNC members will receive information about your 2015 rate and any other changes to your benefits.
• Nov. 15, 2014:
• The Annual Enrollment Period begins.  This is time to make limited changes to your current plan, change to a new plan, or enroll in a BCBSNC health plan for the first time.
• Dec. 15, 2014:
• This is the deadline to make changes to your plan or enroll in a new plan in order for coverage to begin on January 1, 2015.
• Jan. 1, 2015:
• Coverage and new rates for your 2015 plan begins (provided you met the deadline of Dec. 15).
• Feb. 15, 2015:
• This is the last day you can make changes to your plan before the end of the Annual Enrollment Period.

Annual Enrollment doesn’t have to be overwhelming.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is here to provide not only the best coverage you can buy, but also guidance when you need it most.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Fall has officially arrived and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina thinks autumn is a great time to eat your way to healthy.  Fall vegetables, especially root vegetables, abound this time of year and can easily become a part of your fall health regimen.  In addition to being delicious, vegetables such as carrots, sweet potatoes, turnips, beets, radishes, onions and garlic contain significant amounts of vitamin C and beta-carotene, both of which help to clean the blood and prevent heart disease, high blood pressure and stroke.  Because of the high amounts of antioxidants they contain, eating root vegetables can significantly improve your physical health, as well as improving your mental well-being.  The antioxidants contained in root vegetables help remove free-radicals and harmful toxins from your body, leaving you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated, physically, mentally and emotionally.

In addition, most root vegetables are high in complex carbohydrates as well.  These carbohydrates break down into sugar in your body, giving you the energy and ability to function properly throughout the day.  Root vegetables are high in fiber, as well as being low in fat and calories, making them the perfect food for staying fit.  The high amounts of nutrients root vegetables absorb from growing underground will help satisfy your cravings for junk food, which in turn will help you lose excess weight.  The fiber in these vegetables also helps clean out your digestive system, increasing energy levels for an active lifestyle.

One of the great things about root vegetables is that they can be eaten year round and in almost any way imaginable, while still tasting great.  They add variety and flavor to soups, stews and casseroles and can also be eaten steamed or raw.  Eating root vegetables in their raw state will maximize the health benefits to your body and they are a great addition to salads, smoothies or vegetable juices.  For recipe ideas click here.

BCBSNC is committed to preventive care on every level and a big part of prevention is maintaining a healthy diet.  In fact, every health plan Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers covers at 100%  screening, counseling and management for obesity in both adults and children, including nutrition counseling.  (Review the summary of benefits and coverages for more information).  This year, make fall a season for nutritious eating by adding a variety of delicious root vegetables to your daily diet… and eat your way to healthy!

Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Did you know if you are a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member your health plan covers you across the United States and around the world through Blue Card?  All you need is your membership ID card!

So, how does Blue Card coverage work?

In an emergency, go to the nearest doctor or hospital. In emergency situations, services will be processed at in-network rates, even when services are received from an out-of-network provider.

For non-emergency care in the US visit a participating Blue Card doctor or hospital for the highest level of covered benefits. You may visit a non-participating Blue Card doctor or hospital, but your out-of-pocket expenses will be higher, except in the case of an emergency. When you arrive at the doctor or hospital you are visiting, you will simply present your BCBSNC membership ID card. To find a Blue Card doctor in the area you are in, you can search the “Find a Blue Card Doctor” tool online or call the customer service phone number on the back of your ID card.

Coverage varies outside of the US, therefore for non-emergency care outside the US, you simply contact BCBSNC Customer Service prior to your trip for specifics on the country you will be visiting.  Also, visit Blue Cross Blue Shield Association Worldwide online to print a list of doctors in the country you will be visiting.

As always, don’t forget to bring your BCBSNC membership card when you travel!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

It’s Saturday night and your baby has a fever. How serious is it? Who can you call?

Call Health Line Blue! One of the many advantages of being a BCBSNC member is having the luxury of contacting Health Line Blue 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

As a member, you don’t have to wait until Monday morning to find out answers to your health questions. Health Line Blue nurses are available around the clock to help you. No more frustrating web searches or nights and weekends spent wondering what the answers are to your health concerns.

So, what exactly is Health Line Blue? Health Line Blue is a 24-hour health information line available to many BCBSNC members. It also includes the Dialog Center, an online resource that includes a variety of tools, including an online encyclopedia of medical information, a health risk assessment survey and more! Members have access to an online video about Health Line Blue as well, simply by logging in to your My Member Services account.

From illnesses and injuries to evaluations of treatment options and health coaching, Health Line Blue is a no-cost service designed to help members make informed medical care decisions.

*In a recent survey of members, the 24-hour nurse line program was voted as the top resource that would increase satisfaction with health plans.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

*2014 Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems results

With all the changes in health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act, you may be facing Open Enrollment 2015 with a sense of dread, but don’t worry!  Jerry Ballard and Associates is here to help.  We understand how difficult and confusing the process of applying for health insurance can be and it is our pleasure to help you make it through with as little stress as possible.  If you are our customer, and need assistance making changes to your existing BCBSNC health plan or you are trying to obtain new health coverage, we are more than happy to help you choose the perfect plan for you and your family.

Because of the changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act, it is more important than ever for you to have a BCBSNC Authorized Agent to assist you with your application and other insurance needs.  Negotiating the government Marketplace and trying to determine subsidy eligibility can be overwhelming to say the least.   Between effective date deadlines, trying to make payments, and understanding various plans and benefit coverages, it is easy to feel lost.  Having an agent who is knowledgeable, concerned and easy to talk to can make all the difference in the world.  Further, there is almost nothing more frustrating than being placed on hold for extended periods of time or being unable to speak to a live person when you need it most.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we guarantee that will not be your experience.

Insurance is what we sell, but customer service is what we do best and we are committed to giving our clients the very best of our knowledge and attention.  We value your time and understand your concerns and we are prepared to meet the challenges of Open Enrollment 2015 with your family’s needs in mind.  November 15th and the start of Open Enrollment is just around the corner and we know you have a choice when it comes to your health insurance agent.  Let us show you what makes not only a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan the very best you can buy, but also what makes Jerry Ballard and Associates the agency you want in your corner.

Whether you are looking for Blue Advantage, Blue Select, Blue Value, or Dental Blue, Jerry Ballard and Associates is your agency of choice for Open Enrollment 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

These days it seems like everything is getting more expensive.  The price of gas will often increase overnight with almost no explanation.  For that reason and because our members deserve to be informed, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants you to understand why you may see a rate increase in your health insurance premium for 2015.  As the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) second Annual Enrollment Period begins on November 15th, there are some overall trends that have contributed to premium rate increases for ACA plans, grandfathered plans and transitional plans alike.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase, including:

• Lower enrollment of younger, healthier customers in ACA plans to help offset risk and medical costs
• The introduction of new, expensive medical treatments that are being used heavily by ACA plan customers
• Expansion of mental health benefit coverage for ACA plans
• Two closed plans (grandfathered and transitional), which do not allow new, younger and healthier customers to enter.  There is a greater increase in the transitional group because many of the healthier customers have left this group at a rate higher than we expected

The Affordable Care Act has brought not only a change in the way consumers purchase insurance, but also a change in the demographic of the insured.  These changes have required that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina make some necessary adjustments.  Although you may see an increase in your premium rate in 2015, it is not without benefit to you.  BCBSNC is offering the largest choice of networks and plans for customers and is still the only insurer offering plans in all 100 North Carolina counties on the Health Insurance Marketplace.  In addition, these plans do not require gatekeepers or referrals when you find yourself in need of a healthcare specialist and benefits have been expanded in some areas of medical coverage.

Understandably, rate increases are a delicate subject and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC understands that our consumers have not only healthcare concerns, but budget concerns as well.  That is why BCBSNC offers 35 plan options, allowing you the flexibility to choose the level of coverage you want at a price you are willing to pay.  As we welcome in a New Year, we want to remind you that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to quality health coverage at an affordable price.  Despite the 2015 rate increases, a Blue Advantage, Blue Select or Blue Value health plan offers you coverage you can count on all year long.  With the largest network of providers in North Carolina, preventive care covered at 100%, and emergency coverage without added complications, see why a BCBSNC health plan is still your very best option.  To get your free 2015 rate quote, click here.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Open Enrollment 2015 is just around the corner and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is ready!  

Open Enrollment begins November 15th and runs through February 15th, so if you are currently uninsured, you will be able to apply and obtain coverage very shortly.  Although Open Enrollment will not begin until mid-November, you can begin getting prepared even now.  In fact, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself, as well as some important pieces of information you can gather so that you are as ready as BCBSNC to successfully navigate Open Enrollment 2015.

As you are considering applying for health insurance, there are a few important things to consider:

• Are you looking for a policy for yourself or are you including family members on your policy?
• Do you think you will qualify for a government subsidy? (Subsidies are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income and the number of people in your household)
• What kind of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan are you looking for?  Do you prefer a high deductible plan or something with co-payments?
• How important is the size of the network when it comes to health providers in your area?

Also, remember that if you are applying for a government subsidy, in order to secure an effective date of January 1st, you must complete your application by December 15th.

The Affordable Care Act has created a lot of change and because of that you may have a lot of questions.  Don’t let Open Enrollment overwhelm you.  BCBSNC wants to put you and your family members into a health plan that will offer you a large network of providers, preventive care covered at 100% and coverage you can count on in case of emergencies.  Finding the perfect plan is important and BCBSNC offers a variety of health plan options to best fit your family’s needs.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Very likely you’ve seen the breast cancer awareness slogan that says, “FIGHT LIKE A GIRL!” and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants you to know that when it comes to fighting breast cancer BCBSNC is in your corner, offering preventive care, including mammograms, covered at 100%.  Much like boxing, or any sport for that matter, the key to victory is a successful game plan and according to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, having a preventive plan in place is the key to reducing risk.

A good breast cancer preventive plan includes self breast exams, as well as having clinical exams performed by a health care professional on a regular basis.  For women over 40 and women under 40 with high risk factors, an annual mammogram is also very important.  In addition to these medical preventions, however, there are other daily habits that can help in your fight against breast cancer.

Reducing your Risk Involves the following daily habits:

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Stay physically active
• Eat fruits and vegetables
• Do not smoke
• Limit alcohol consumption

These daily habits as well as a good medical prevention plan are the key to success in the fight against breast cancer.  Also, as you “fight like a girl,” remember that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is in your corner.

Before starting any weight loss program, always consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect you participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage in North Carolina, 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.  Let us help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of The Affordable Care Act, also known as Obama care.

Did you know that walking will not only trim your waistline, but also improve your health?  It’s true.  You can actually walk your way to wellness.  Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated and something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC promotes physical fitness and an active lifestyle, resulting in less health problems and a healthier you.

BCBSNC is committed to making sure you are as healthy as you can be and preventive care and wellness maintenance are a big part of every BCBSNC health plan.  Simple, low impact, and highly effective, walking is a wonderful way to stay well!

Keep in mind that the faster and farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.  It is also important to consider your technique when walking your way to health and fitness.  Turning your normal, everyday stride into a fitness walk requires good posture and purposeful movements.  Also, don’t forget that walking with a friend or even your pet is not only a good safety measure, but also good to help keep you motivated to maintain a fitness routine.

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