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.

As Medicare agents, we understand that transitioning to Medicare can be overwhelming. Here are a few quick tips to help simplify this process:

Tip #1– Don’t Wait

Did you know you can apply for Medicare 3 months before your birth month? This is called your Initial Enrollment Period. As you approach Medicare eligibility, we recommend applying when your Enrollment Period starts so you are not left having to make last minute decisions. This also helps avoid any gaps in coverage and helps facilitate a seamless transition off of your current plan. Those that are already receiving Social Security benefits will be automatically enrolled in Medicare and will receive your Medicare card in the mail several months before turning 65.

Tip #2- Know your Options

When you are Medicare eligible, you can choose between several types of Medicare plans. The two most popular options in North Carolina are Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Supplement plans are designed to fill in the holes or gaps in coverage that exist within original Medicare (parts A and B). Out-of-pocket costs with Part A and Part B can pile up, especially if you have a chronic health condition or a medical emergency. Medicare Supplement plans help cover those out-of-pocket Medicare costs and minimize what you pay on medical expenses. These plans do not include drug coverage, so you will need a separate Drug plan (part D) to go along with your supplement.

Medicare Advantage plans (also known as Part C) are an “all in one” alternative to Original Medicare. These plans are offered by insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. If you join a Medicare Advantage Plan, you still have Medicare.  These “bundled” plans include benefits for Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance), and usually include Medicare drug coverage (Part D).

Tip #3- Aim for a Smooth Transition

Once you secure your Medicare plan, it is important to avoid any gaps in your health coverage. Do not cancel any existing coverage until your new plan has begun. If you are enrolled through the Health Insurance Marketplace it is important to remove yourself from that plan once your new Medicare coverage starts. You will not be eligible for any Federal Subsidies through the Marketplace if you are eligible for Medicare.

Tip #4- Seek Help

We know that making decisions on Health Insurance and understanding the Medicare market can be extremely confusing. Seeking help from a licensed agent can be your biggest asset during this transitional period. At NC Health Plans, our Medicare specialists are able to break down your options and simplify these confusing topics. We are just a phone call away! Please call 888-765-5400 to speak with one of our Medicare Specialists today.

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.

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.

Find Out When You Can Apply:  An agent will be able to determine the time frame in which you are able to apply for insurance. These times frames include Open Enrollment Period and Special Enrollment Period. During the Special Enrollment Period, you must have had a Qualifying Life Event occur within the last 60 days to enroll in an ACA-compliant plan. Talking with our agents can verify that you meet the requirements to enroll during special enrollment.

Determine Your Eligibility for Savings: Federal tax credits, also known as subsidies, are an amenity of the Affordable Care Act that are designed to lower the cost of health coverage. Talking with an agent can help determine if you are subsidy-eligible and meet the requirements set by the federal government. GENERATE YOUR QUOTE to determine if you are eligible for a subsidy, that could significantly reduce your monthly premium!

Get Help when Applying Online: Applying for coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace can be tricky. Having an agent help you submit your application can avoid confusion during this process and ensure that your application is complete and submitted correctly. Our agents can help you submit your application right over the phone, it could take as little as 15-20 minutes!

Gain Knowledge About Your Coverage: Not only can agents provide insight about your plan’s benefits, they can also help you understand the details of your coverage. With so many options, such as Gold, Silver, and Bronze plans it can be confusing to determine which BCBSNC plan is best for you. It is also very important to know if your healthcare provider is “in-network.” Since it can be more costly to seek “out-of-network” coverage, knowing which doctors and hospitals accept your plan is one of the best ways you can manage your healthcare costs.

Ensure You Get Coverage When Needed: While applying for health insurance, customers may find that they have a lapse in coverage before they are able to enroll in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plan. It is important to avoid any gaps when you may go without coverage! Speaking with an agent can ensure that you are enrolled in the correct effective date so you won’t go without the protection and quality coverage that you need to maintain your health. We can’t wait to hear from you!

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.

• Visit any licensed dentist you choose within the network
• No additional cost to you for two annual cleanings, diagnostic or preventive services
• No waiting period for preventive care
• Coverage for fillings, gum treatments, extractions, crowns and more

Protect your overall health

Medical experts have linked periodontal (gum) disease to stroke, heart disease, diabetes, pre-term or low-birth weight babies and other health issues. Nearly 75 percent of American adults have some form of periodontal disease, but with proper daily dental care, regular dental checkups can help detect, prevent and treat gum disease and related disorders. Choose Dental Blue for Individuals and you can take a big step toward protecting your overall health. Click here to get your Dental Blue quote.

Coverage you can smile about

With Dental Blue for Individuals, you’re covered for a broad range of dental services, including routine fillings and extractions, plus major services like crowns, bridges and dentures. Coverage also includes preventive care. That means you can get checkups and cleanings twice per benefit period, and that translates into good oral health. And there are no waiting periods for cleanings, routine oral exams and other diagnostic and preventive services.

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.

Get your free rate quote today and see if Blue Value is an option for you and your family.  Visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 and let us help you find the best coverage for your family.

Get the Coverage You Need, the Savings You Want A point-of-service (POS) product, which is a type of HMO with in-network and out-of-network benefits.  Lower monthly premiums and a smaller network for those who don’t have a strong provider preference.

See a list of participating hospitals [pdf] No primary care provider or referrals required 100% in-network coverage for a wide range of preventive services .  Call today for more information.

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.

Create an environment that is conducive to doing homework. Youngsters need a permanent work space in their bedroom or another part of the home that offers privacy.

— Schedule ample time for homework.
— Establish a household rule that the TV set stays off during homework time.
— Supervise computer and internet use.
— Be available to answer questions and offer assistance, but never do a child’s homework for her.

— Take steps to help alleviate eye fatigue, neck fatigue and brain fatigue while studying. It may be helpful to close the books for a few minutes, stretch, and take a break periodically when it will not be too disruptive.
— If your child is struggling with a particular subject, and you aren’t able to help her yourself, a tutor can be a good solution. Talk it over with your child’s teacher first.

The information in this article : Back to School Tips is from the American Academy of Pediatrics Web site ( http://www.aap.org ).

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.

Pet health insurance is still relatively new, and many pet owners are still unaware of their options. You have to decide for yourself, which pet insurance company is the right one for you, and if it is worth it for you to pay the premiums in the event that something could go wrong. Accidents do happen, and pet insurance after the fact, is not going to help as they do not cover pre-existing conditions.

Many pet insurance providers do have different plans available, for different scenarios. Many pet owners have accidental coverage only. I urge you to check the different providers listed for your area, and look carefully at what each plan covers before you make your decision.

Look very carefully at the fine print so that you’re not surprised when you file a claim and find that it’s denied.

 You need to know:

Is there a physical exam required to get coverage?

Is there a waiting period?

What percentage of the bill do they pay — after the deductible?

Are payments capped in any way?

Are there co-pays?

Does the plan cover pre-existing conditions?

What about chronic or recurring medical problems?

Can you choose any vet or animal hospital?

Are prescription drugs covered?

Are you covered if you travel with your pet?

Does the policy pay if your pet is being treated and dies?

Our Opinion:

If you love your pet and you don’t have the money to cover an emergency medical situation that could cost thousands of dollars, I think you should consider pet insurance. You’ll get the lowest price if you buy when the animal is young.

Remember, insurance is designed to cover you from a catastrophic financial loss. So choose the highest deductible you can reasonably afford. That will help lower the monthly premium.

The bottom line: If you buy pet insurance and don’t use it, consider yourself lucky. But with pets living longer these days, your chances of using the policy are greater than ever.

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.

Jerry Ballard and Associates d/b/a NC Health Plans is pleased to introduce you to North Carolina Group Health Insurance Plans from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, the leading provider of group health and life insurance in North Carolina.

Choose from a variety of popular Major Medical plans, supplemental plans and term life plans to create a powerful package of benefits for your employees.

Plans include a choice of deductibles, low co-payments for doctor office visits and wellness benefits such as physicals, prescription drug coverage and unlimited lifetime benefits

What BCBSNC group health plan is best for your company?  Submit your online application by completing the employee census form, if you have 25 or fewer employees. If you have more than 25 employees, please print out and complete the 26+ Census Form and fax to Jerry Ballard & Associates, 919-287-2777.

We will email your Group Health Plan quote. Please note that we may have to call you once with questions to ensure the accuracy of our group health quote.

Any questions? Feel free to call the helpful professionals at Jerry Ballard & Associates, your independent North Carolina health and life insurance agency: toll free 888-765-5400 or 252-726-5400. Our goal is to provide you with exceptional customer service.

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.