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.

As an insurance agent with NCHEALTHPLANS.COM/JERRY BALLARD & ASSOCIATES, which has been in business and serving North Carolina residents since 1974, I hear many questions.  Most recently, people have asked one in particular:  “why do I need an insurance agent?”

Here are 5 important reasons you need an insurance agent:

1. You’ll receive professional advice:  The Affordable Care Act introduced new rules, regulations and situations that never existed before.  Special Enrollment Periods, Qualifying Life Events, the Federal Exchange and Premium Tax Credits are all terms that did not exist prior to the ACA.  It’s a lot  to process.  The good news is that a Professional and Licensed insurance agent is up-to-date on current laws regarding the health insurance industry and the enrollment process.  Licensed agents are required to stay current in an ever-changing market and are able to help educate customers.  It’s our business to know this business.
2. You’ll be better prepared for the Marketplace:  As licensed agents, it is our job to understand the Marketplace and how it works.  We will help you estimate subsidy qualifications, discuss options, assist you with your application and ultimately guide you through the enrollment process.  Furthermore, we can explain the guidelines affecting Special Enrollment, application deadlines, effective dates and premium payments in order to make sure you are enrolled successfully.
3. You’ll have help comparing plans:  Negotiating terms like deductible, coinsurance, copayment and the like can be tricky.  In addition, there are now several ways to apply for health insurance.  There are more plans available and they can be complicated depending on your subsidy qualifications.  Your agent will listen to your family’s healthcare history and help you determine which BCBSNC health plan best meets your needs, at a price you can afford.
4. You’ll get personalized customer service:  One of the nicest things about having an insurance agent is the personal service that comes from having a contact person who knows you by name.  As an insured member of BCBSNC, you could be faced with situations requiring the assistance of someone who understands the insurance company and is equipped to solve problems. Your agent will also be available to you when it’s time to renew or make changes to your policy.
5. It’s totally free!: Unlike most professional services, there is never a fee associated with having an insurance agent.  Our advice, guidance and support come to you free of charge.  In short, you are getting expert advice absolutely free, by generating your quote and getting started today.

At Jerry Ballard and Associates, our agents are committed to our customers and strive to make sure you and your family are protected with the right coverage for your situation.  For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, 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.

The Affordable Care Act alone has added so many pieces to the insurance puzzle that it can leave your head spinning just trying to determine who is eligible to purchase health insurance and when, let alone who qualifies for a federal subsidy and what determines eligibility.  Open Enrollment, Special Enrollment, Qualifying Life Events, Premium Tax Credits, Subsidies, Tax Penalties, Cost Share Reduction Benefits and so on are only some of the new terms that now have a profound impact on your health insurance policy and how you go about applying for and purchasing it.

In addition, even though these terms can be researched online and applications completed through various websites and phone lines, the process of purchasing health insurance can be overwhelming even for the most well-versed among us.  We all know what a huge difference there is between knowing a fact and understanding how that fact impacts our lives on a personal and financial level.  That is the very reason we hire attorneys, accountants, doctors and contractors.  We rely on the expertise of those whose job it is to understand their various industry and guide us in making the best decisions based on their professional experience and understanding.  Health insurance is no different!  In fact, more than ever before it is important, if not imperative, to consult a health insurance professional before purchasing a health plan.

And that’s where Jerry Ballard and Associates can help.  The good news is that unlike hiring an attorney, accountant, doctor or contractor there is no fee associated with contacting our office.  In fact, having an insurance agent does not impact the cost of your health plan in any way.  All it does is allow you the opportunity to have a personal contact person at your disposal to help explain the process, discuss the plans and determine subsidy eligibility and how obtaining a federal tax credit can impact the cost of your health insurance premium.

At Jerry Ballard and Associates, it is our pleasure to provide the professional guidance you need when purchasing health insurance either on or off the federal Marketplace.  It is our desire to make the application process as painless as possible and help you determine whether a subsidized or unsubsidized plan is the best choice for you and your family.  We will discuss your options in detail, making sure you are 100% comfortable with the BCBSNC health plan you choose prior to enrollment and we will then follow up to make sure your plan is properly processed and that you know how and when to make your payment.

Having an insurance agent is important and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands that personalized service is always in your best interest.  In truth, having an agent is one of the great benefits that is available to you when you purchase a BCBSNC health plan.  Don’t let health insurance overwhelm you and don’t make important decisions about your health coverage without fully understanding your choices and the implications of your choices.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we are determined to help you through the process from start to finish!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, 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.

To access our Mobile Application, simply Google us at nchealthplans.com.  From there, you can generate your health quote, view the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plans available to you, estimate your subsidy eligibility, start and complete your application and enroll your new coverage.  For short term health insurance, you can view temporary health plans and generate a personalized quote.  Or, if you are looking for Dental coverage or a Medicare Supplement, you can get a quote for that as well.  In fact, you can complete an application for health or dental insurance in a few short minutes.  The bottom line is that getting health insurance has never been simpler.

Accessibility is one of the nicest parts of living in a high-tech world and Jerry Ballard and Associates offers you just that.  Despite all of the new information and additional steps the Affordable Care Act may have added to the process of purchasing health insurance, it is our desire to make your experience as easy and satisfying as possible.  Customer service is our number one concern and although we may not be able to eliminate all of the red tape, we can offer you access to all the information you will need to make an informed decision right at your fingertips.  Check out our Mobile App and see just how easy it can be to enroll your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov  to apply for your subsidy, 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.

Prior to joining our agency, Kara taught high school English and Elementary Spanish in both the public and private school sectors.  She relocated to Morehead City, NC in support of her husband’s military career and now resides there with her three sons, her daughter, a Golden Retriever and a house cat.  In her spare time, Kara enjoys reading, paddle boarding and spending time with her children.  For all your Blue Advantage, Blue Value, Blue Select and Dental Blue needs, Kara brings both personable and professional assistance to the health care industry and the residents of North Carolina and she is pleased to offer her service expertise to help you navigate through the Marketplace to determine subsidy eligibility and to guide you in choosing the best Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plans for you and your family.

For more information on 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 professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obama care. Call us for details.

A native of Eastern North Carolina, Kristen enjoys living on the coast and boating with her family and friends in her spare time. She and her husband reside in Beaufort with their two dogs.

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.

For more information on 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 professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). It would be our pleasure to help you navigate through the Health Care Reform changes in accordance with the new regulations of Obama care. Call us for details.

In his spare time, Kennon enjoys spending time on the water, hunting with his chocolate lab, Goose and cheering for the Tar Heels.  Kennon is a tremendous asset to our agency and brings knowledge about the BCBSNC products to best serve you and your insurance needs.

For more information on 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 professional agents. Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC). You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health. Call us for details.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys boating, reading, and taking trips to the mountains.  After attending UNC-CH and ECU, Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1998.  She taught elementary school for several years before entering the medical and health world.  Amanda was a pharmaceutical sales representative for AstraZeneca and St. Jude Medical.  She began working for Jerry and Cathy Ballard in 2007.  Amanda looks forward to working with each and every one of our clients.

 For more information on 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 qualified agents.  Our agency provides coverage for health insurance in North Carolina through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  You may qualify for a 15% healthy lifestyle discount if you are in excellent health.  Call us for details.