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 Presidential election is officially over and Donald Trump has won, which may leave many Americans wondering what, if anything, will happen to the Affordable Care Act/Obamacare.  Although Mr. Trump suggested during his presidential campaign that he would push for changes in the ACA, those changes will likely not be immediate and will certainly take time to implement.

Open Enrollment 2017 is now in full swing and it’s important to remember that as of today, nothing has changed in regards to health insurance.  ACA/Obamacare plans are still available through BCBSNC in all 100 counties in North Carolina and now is the time to enroll!

For now and in the near future, the Affordable Care Act is the law of the land and Americans are still required to maintain health coverage or face a federal tax penalty.  Keep in mind that the tax penalty for 2017 is $695 per person or 2.5% of your income, whichever is higher, so there is a high cost to being uninsured.  Despite substantial losses, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has chosen this year to continue participation in the ACA within North Carolina and is working diligently to provide ACA-compliant, quality health plans to the residents of NC.

Whether you need to make a change to your existing coverage or enroll in a health plan for the first time, at NC Health Plans we are here to help.  We can assist you in estimating subsidy eligibility and offer an online or over-the-phone application process for individuals enrolling through the health insurance Marketplace.  Don’t let another year pass without enrolling the health coverage you need for you and your family.

At NC Health Plans, we understand that your time is as valuable as your health and we work hard to help our customers enjoy the best possible enrollment experience.  For your free rate quote visit www.nchealthplans.com, call 888-765-5400, or click the button below.

One of the toughest things about health insurance is understanding the importance of continuing coverage during the months, or possibly even years, when it seems like you never really use your policy.  Now that monthly premiums are on the rise, you may be asking yourself if health insurance is really worth maintaining.  As licensed insurance agents, we often talk with people who obtain health coverage, possibly have a needed surgery or procedure, and then consider cancelling their policy.

Although that may seem like a logical financial decision, it’s important to understand that health insurance is not something you get because you are injured or ill, but rather something you maintain in case you are injured or become ill.  (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC recently released an article explaining a little of the data that has been collected regarding what North Carolina’s ACA market looks like and how that is affecting health insurance premiums all over the state.  Because BCBSNC is the only company offering health plans on the Marketplace in all 100 counties of North Carolina, they have the largest share of ACA business in the state and perhaps the clearest picture of how the Affordable Care Act has affected the cost of health insurance across the board.

According to BCBSNC, new ACA customers in the state continue to use their health care benefits more than originally expected and for highly expensive medical services.  In fact, according to claims data for 2014 and the first half of 2015, BCBSNC explained two important trends:  First, there was no slowdown in any residual demand for medical services from new customers entering the health insurance marketplace after the induction of the ACA and second, there was a prevalence of more chronic health conditions needing medical treatment. (more…)

The Affordable Care Act mandated that all United States taxpayers purchase ACA approved, qualified health plans or pay a tax penalty when reconciling taxes.  This is often referred to as the individual mandate.  The individual mandate went into effect at the beginning of January 2014 and continues each year. The penalty for not having coverage is paid on your Federal Income Tax Returns for each full month you or a family member does not have health insurance (unless you have an exemption) and is based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income.  In addition, the penalty increased in 2015 and is increasing again in 2016.  (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been providing quality, affordable health insurance to the residents of NC since 1933, but many members are concerned about recent or future rate increases.  In fact, it’s all over national news – the cost of health insurance is on the rise.  But do you know why?  Truthfully, it’s a complicated answer.  One of the reasons insurance premiums are going up, however, is because of the growing number of Emergency Room visits occurring on a regular basis.  Despite the fact that most people know the ER is rarely the most efficient place to get health care, many Americans still utilize the ER in non-emergency situations.  And the Emergency Room is expensive! (more…)

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: (more…)

The federal government recently reported that significant payments were made to health insurance companies as a result of the Affordable Care Act, which may lead consumers to believe that insurers are making more money than ever… and at your expense.  With the rise in insurance premiums in 2015 and the expected rise in premiums again in 2016, it’s a reasonable assumption.  For Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, however, the opposite is true.  (more…)

It has now been 5 years since President Barack Obama signed into law what is officially called The Affordable Care Act (ACA), but often referred to as Obamacare.  All of us have heard of it and most of us have felt its effects in one way or another, but because of the complexity of the law, many Americans still have questions.  (more…)

Getting a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance quote has never been easier, or more mobile!  In fact, if you have an I-phone, you can get your quote, fill out an application and enroll your BCBSNC health plan in a matter of minutes.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we understand you are on-the-go and may not have time to sit down at your home computer.  You want the ease and convenience of handling personal business from your mobile device.  Perhaps you are like many of our clients who travel for much of the work week and who appreciate being able to generate a quote or fill out an application without excess hassle or frustration.  Now you can!

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.

With all the talk surrounding the Affordable Care Act and government subsidies, it’s easy to think that a subsidized health plan through the federal Marketplace is the only kind available to you; however, that is not the case.  ACA approved unsubsidized health plans are still available to all consumers and there is no need to visit the Marketplace to apply.  In fact, every Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan is ACA compliant, meaning they cover the 10 essential benefits required under the Affordable Care Act and you are able to purchase the plans either with or without a federal subsidy.  Federal subsidies are based entirely on income, and though many Americans do qualify for a tax credit to offset the costs of their monthly health insurance premiums, many other Americans do not.  Initially this may seem like bad news, but it is not entirely without benefit.

If you currently do not qualify for a federal tax credit based on your income, although your monthly premiums may be higher, the application process itself will be much simpler.  In fact, you can get an unsubsidized ACA approved BCBSNC health plan in only a few short minutes.  With the exception of tobacco use, you will not have to answer any questions about your health and no income or tax information will be required.  Furthermore, your health coverage will in no way impact your federal income tax, other than the fact that maintaining a health insurance policy will save you from incurring a tax penalty.  Fluctuations in income will not need to be reported to the federal government because your health insurance premium is not being subsidized.

Another important fact to remember is that being eligible for a subsidy and being eligible for coverage are two different things.  Just because you may not qualify for a subsidy does not mean you are ineligible for insurance.  For example, your child might qualify for Medicaid and thus be unable to receive a federal subsidy; however, you can still purchase an ACA approved unsubsidized BCBSNC health plan for that child.

The main thing to keep in mind is that insurance plans and federal subsidies are two separate things and sometimes bypassing the Marketplace altogether is the smarter choice depending on your circumstance.  Either way, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can offer you coverage unlike any other.  With the largest and most extensive network in North Carolina, BCBSNC is the best choice for you and your family – either on or off the Marketplace.

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.