As with most child safety measures, that usually starts with proper supervision which is one of the best ways to keep your children safe in the water. That means watching your children when they are in or around water, even if they know how to swim. Remember that swim lessons don’t make children, especially younger children, drown proof.  Note other important water safety tips to consider with warm weather finally approaching. 

1)  Childproof your swimming pool so that it is enclosed by a permanent fence (which is better than a removable pool fence) with  a self-closing and self-latching gate that is difficult for younger children to open; 

2)  Have everyone wear Coast Guard-approved life jackets, and not just those cute floaties, on boats, jet skis, and on other personal watercraft; 

3)  Make sure you know water depth before you let your children dive;  (more…)

With Dental Blue, members do not pay a deductible for check-ups or diagnostic and preventive services.  Check-ups and cleanings are covered twice per benefit period. Plus, members can visit any licensed dentist they choose. There are no “in-network” restrictions.  Members pay a $75 annual deductible for both basic services like routine fillings and extractions, and major services including crowns, bridges and dentures.  

Applicants can choose Dental Blue coverage for themselves, their children or the entire family. There are three convenient payment options: monthly bank draft, semiannual payment or annual payment. (more…)

Red wine, in moderation, has been found to contain powerful substances that benefit the heart, the nervous system, and even your teeth, and it may even offer some cancer protection. It has been said that red wine is good for a man’s health in a number of ways, according to many studies.  But the alcohol in red wine has little to do with it, red wine happens to contain powerful antioxidants, substances that protect your cells against damage caused by unstable molecules called free radicals.  The health benefits from wine are the same for men and women, but men can drink more given their generally larger body mass — one or two 4-ounce glasses of wine per day — while women should consume only one glass.  You still need to practice moderation when you drink, research suggest  having more than this amount has been tied to heart disease, liver damage, and other health problems.  Red Wine is rich in Antioxidants which will keep free radicals from attacking the body’s cells and contributing to destructive processes inside the body. (more…)

Summer officially begins on June 21st which to North Carolinians will mean the start of fresh local seafood.  Seafood can be part of good nutrition.  There are various health benefits to seafood.  Incorporating good nutrition into your eating habits can start at a young age. 

Nutritionally speaking fish is a great catch for children.  Research shows that Omega 3’s in certain fish have brain boosting developmental power. Seafood is also high in protein and loaded with vitamins and minerals.  

There are so many benefits in adding seafood into your family’s nutrition.  A basic understanding of cooking techniques, nutrients, and healthy fats that exist in seafood can be the start of a family conversation.  Involve your children in the decision making process by allowing them to choose the type of seafood they find appetizing.  You can even plan a family trip to the beach, lake, or local bodies of water so that the children can experience the joy of catching their own food.  If you aren’t quite ready to become a fisherman yourself, bring your children to the local seafood market.  A visit to the local seafood market can be fun and educational.   

So from the bodies of water to your table, dive in and see what catch of the day can start your family toward healthy nutrition.  Seafood is not only delicious but it is good for you as well and is the start to developing a healthy lifestyle. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) always promotes a healthy lifestyle.  You could reduce your monthly rate as much as 15%  if you qualify for this discount.  This rating tier is referred to as “Preferred Plus” – if you do not smoke, you do not have any pre-existing health conditions, lead a healthy lifestyle, if you are not taking any medications and if your height and weight ratio is within Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina’s preferred guidelines, you may qualify for this discount. 

It does not cost anything to apply for our Blue Advantage or Blue Options HSA plans to determine if you qualify for this discount.  After you apply, your application is submitted to underwriting for final approval.  Once approved, you view your final rates, you have the ability to change to any plan available and enroll in your policy.  If you determine you do not want to proceed with acquiring the coverage, you have the option of deleting your application.  You are not under any obligation to purchase the plan once you have received final rates and approval.  Also, compare our Blue Advantage plans to our Blue Options HSA for even more costs savings. (more…)

More and more studies are showing how important vitamin D is to women’s health and  women aren’t getting enough of this essential vitamin.  Studies show you can increase levels through both your diet and supplements.  To get enough vitamin D from the sun, you need to spend about 5 to 15 minutes in the sun, just three times each week, without sunscreen. Too much sun exposure can cause sunburn and increase the risk of skin cancer, so make sure you limit your exposure. Also, you can expose your arms and legs, but you should always protect your face with sunscreen. If you don’t feel safe in the sun, turn to your diet and a vitamin D supplement to get the vitamin D you need Vitamin D promotes the body’s absorption of calcium, a mineral that helps keep bones and teeth strong. Vitamin D also regulates the body’s calcium levels in the blood, as well as levels of the mineral phosphorus, which helps promote healthy bones and teeth. Vitamin D deficiency can be serious, causing bones to deteriorate and weaken. In adults, a vitamin D deficiency can lead to the bone condition osteoporosis and, in children, it can cause rickets — soft and weak bones.  Look for discounts on your vitamins when you purchase your health insurance coverage through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina. (more…)

March 1, 2010
BCBSNC 2009 Financial Results Show Stable Finances, Customer Base

Highlights:

• BCBSNC affected by economy but finances, membership stable

• Medical spending for customers increases

• Profit margin declines

Chapel Hill – In 2009 Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) continued to see
stability in its customer base and financial performance, despite a difficult economy.
“During this down economy, when many insurers have lost customers, Blue Cross is holding its own.
We remain strong and viable and focused on meeting the health care needs of our customers every day,”
said President and CEO Brad Wilson.

BCBSNC had a net income ratio (profit margin) of 2.1 percent for 2009, equating to just 2.1 cents for
each dollar of revenue. That was down from 3.6 percent in 2008 and below the company’s target range
of 3.5 to 4.5 percent. The company’s profitability was affected by higher medical costs and slower
membership growth due to the state’s down economy. The company’s consolidated net income was
$107.3 million with total revenue at $5.2 billion. (more…)

Employees 4,617-Customers 3.7 million (including nearly 900,000 served on behalf of other Blue Plans) -Customer calls annually 4.4 million -Customer claims (volume in 2009) nearly 47.2 million – Customer claims paid in 2009 over $11.3 billion (insured and self funded Consolidated net income $107.3 million

Key Points about Financial Results:

• Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is a stable company that provides a valuable service to more than 3.7 million customers. We know North Carolinians depend on us.

• BCBSNC had a net income ratio of 2.1 percent for 2009. This profit of 2.1 cents for each dollar of revenue was down from 3.6 percent in 2008, and below the company’s target range of 3.5 to 4.5 percent. The company’s profitability was affected by many factors including the investment made in improving the health of our customers by waiving generic drug copayments for the first 6 months of 2009, higher medical costs due to more medical visits, prescription drugs and use of medical care due to H1N1 and seasonal flu (for example) and slower membership growth.

(more…)

From J. Bradley Wilson, president and CEO of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina:  Mark Twain wrote, “Always do right. This will gratify some people, and astonish the rest.” It might astonish many people that Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina stands ready to implement what is likely to be the first of several waves of health care reform. 

For the past 14 months, insurance companies have been poster children for what’s wrong with health care. In the face of relentless attacks by politicians, abetted by the news media, health insurers have not done a good job of explaining the value of health insurance.  (more…)

Jerry Ballard & Associates, Inc. partners with Independent Benefit Advisors located in the Triangle area who was ranked NUMBER ONE agency in the State of North Carolina for Medicare products through Blue Cross Blue Shield and now handles all of our senior products.  See the doctor you prefer and enjoy all value-added discounts.  Keep control of your care, savings and peace of mind.  Medicare only covers some of your medical costs, which is why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) offers Medicare Supplement plans for Medicare beneficiaries and helps cover costs that Medicare doesn’t.

With the largest market share of Medicare supplement policyholders in the state, BCBSNC serves more than 125,000 North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries with over 75 years of experience in the health care industry. (more…)

Health care reform became a reality when President Obama signed into law the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) on March 23rd, 2010. A reconciliation bill, which made changes to PPACA, was signed into law one week later.

Health care reform will extend access to millions of people who need health insurance. It’s a historic step in the right direction. But there’s still a lot of work to do to give Americans a health care system that they can both depend on and afford.

In keeping with the needs of North Carolinians, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is preparing for the many changes the new law requires. However, because it’s more than 2,000 pages long, there’s a process to “translate” legislative language to best serve our customers. Federal regulations will also be required to implement many aspects of the law. When those regulations will be finalized is uncertain. (more…)

The federal health care reform legislation, known as the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, signed by the President on March 23, 2010, and the Health Care and Education Reconciliation Act approved by Congress, signed by the President today, will expand the availability of health care coverage to millions of Americans. While some of the measures will be implemented this year, many do not take effect until 2014 and some extend out to 2020.

Below is information we have received which is a high-level overview of the timeline.  It is important to note that many of these reforms and their effective dates are subject to the rules and regulations process both at the state and federal levels – which could alter the intended timing of implementation.  Also, keep in mind, anything is subject to change.

2010

New Programs:
* Temporary retiree reinsurance program is established
* National risk pool is created, small business tax credit is established
* $250 rebate for Medicare members who reach the ”doughnut hole”

Insurance Reforms:
* Prohibits lifetime benefit limits – based on dollar amounts
* Allows restricted annual limits on the dollar value of certain benefits
* Coverage rescissions/cancellations are prohibited (except for fraud or intentional misrepresentation)
* Cost-sharing obligations for preventive services are prohibited
* Dependent coverage up to age 26 is mandated
* Internal and external appeal processes must be established
* Pre-existing condition exclusions for dependent children (under 19 years of age) are prohibited
* New health plan disclosure and transparency requirements are created

(more…)