Open Enrollment 2016 is well underway and with all the changes in the health insurance industry, renewing your policy for 2016 can be more confusing than ever.  Updating or qualifying for a federal subsidy, changes in your local network or available plans, and deciding whether or not to keep your grandfathered plan or apply for an ACA plan can leave you feeling frustrated.  But that’s where we come in.  Having an agent can help ease the stress of renewing your insurance policy as we help guide you through the process of making any necessary changes.  We can discuss networks, benefits, deductibles, and out-of-pocket limits and help you decide which policy best suits the needs of you and your family for 2016. (more…)

At 6:30 this morning when I took my dog outside for her morning ritual and it was still dark and I could see my breath in the frosty air, I realized that once again, winter is coming… and with winter comes flu season.  Every year, people suffer from flu symptoms that cause children to miss school, parents to miss work and everyone in the house to feel miserable.  More importantly, not only is the flu inconvenient, it can also be dangerous.  In fact, according to Dr. Larry Wu, Regional Medical Director for Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, “Last year, thousands were hospitalized and more than 100 North Carolinians died from complications with the flu, with the most severe issues affecting people who have not had the flu shot.”

Because Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is actively committed to promoting preventive care maintenance, they have in place a 2015 flu shot program to help members take advantage of the vaccine and stay healthy during this year’s flu season. (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…)

Autumn is in full swing and in our part of the state, we’ve had A LOT of rain.  We’ve had wet, dreary days that get me thinking about one thing – a good cup of coffee.  In fact, I’ve found myself more than once sitting in the Starbuck’s drive through waiting to be handed my $5 breve latte.  Although there’s a McDonalds right across the street where I know I could get a cheaper cup of coffee, I still wait for that Starbucks cup and I do it for one reason.  I know I’m going to get what I’ve paid for – good quality!

As the cost of health insurance is on the rise and both insurance companies and insurance consumers are feeling the pinch of the new ACA market, it’s important to keep a few things in mind.  Across the board, insurance companies are raising premiums in order to accommodate a different demographic.  Unfortunately these rate increases have been deemed necessary by the Board of Insurance in order for insurance companies in the state of North Carolina to stay viable and to continue providing health insurance to NC residents.  Many companies, including Blue Cross Blue Shield NC, lost millions of dollars last year alone on ACA business, which is an unsustainable business model year after year.  As premiums increase to help offset soaring costs, it is now more important than ever to really examine what your premium dollar gets you when it comes time to use your health plan. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has been providing coverage to the residents of North Carolina for over 75 years, including many former service members and their families.  In honor of those service men and women, NC HealthPlans would like to wish you a happy Veterans Day. Whether you are active duty or retired, stationed home or abroad, a military member or one of the spouses and children who provide stability and support, we want to offer our heartfelt thanks!  Having myself been married to a United States Marine for almost twenty years now, I am personally grateful for anyone who has ever served and understand the sacrifice it takes to do one of the hardest jobs in the country.

Honestly, even as the spouse of a military member, it is easy for me to take for granted the fact that I go to work, drive my children to school, take my daughter shopping and sleep every night under a blanket of freedom that is provided by real people sacrificing real time in order to keep our country safe and secure.  Veterans Day is a day to consciously consider those people who are “on the wall,” so to speak, and to honor them for their service to our nation. (more…)

If you are part of the generation that remembers the movie Back to the Future II, you may recall that today, October 21, 2015, marks the day that Marty McFly and Doc Brown went from 1985 into the future in a rigged out DeLorean.  That was 30 years ago and although the movie may have gotten us thinking about what the future might look like, most of us never could have imagined some of the changes that have taken place not only in technology, but also in industry.  In fact, the last few years have marked the single biggest change in the health insurance industry the United States has ever seen.  With the induction of the Affordable Care Act, both insurance companies and insurance consumers have had to rethink health coverage and how it can be purchased and provided.

Despite the changes, however, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has continued to provide quality health insurance for the residents of North Carolina and is working hard to offer ACA-compliant, qualified health plans both on and off the federal Marketplace.  If you and your family are still uninsured, Open Enrollment is just around the corner, beginning November 1st, 2015 and running through January 31st, 2016.  During that time, anyone can apply for health coverage for any reason and you cannot be denied coverage based on preexisting conditions.

For assistance with an application for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health coverage or for help in claiming your federal tax credit, visit us at NCHealthPlans.com or call us toll free at 888-765-5400!  The future has arrived and no American need remain uninsured!

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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.

From all of us at Jerry Ballard and Associates, we want to give a shout out to the World’s Greatest Bosses, Jerry and Cathy Ballard.  In an industry that has experienced a lot of change and the inherent stress that comes with such change, we just want to thank you both for being an absolute pleasure to work for!  We hope you enjoy a relaxing and beautiful day!!

Believe it or not, Open Enrollment is just around the corner and being prepared is half the battle!  This year, Open Enrollment begins November 1st and runs through January 31st, so if you are currently uninsured, you will be able to apply and obtain coverage very shortly.  Although Open Enrollment will not begin until November, you can begin preparing 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 you are ready to successfully navigate Open Enrollment 2016. (more…)

With Open Enrollment rapidly approaching, you have a number of choices regarding your health insurance provider.  If you intend to enroll in health coverage for 2016 or if you need to make a change to your current health insurance plan, consider choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  As with anything else in life, you get what you pay for, which is why BCBSNC has earned a quality reputation for its long-standing commitment to the residents of North Carolina.  Although there are a number of insurance companies offering health plans both on and off the federal Exchange, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC has the largest presence in the state and is well-known for being a name you can trust in the health insurance industry. (more…)

You’ve worked a lot of years and are ready to retire, but you’re not yet 65 and eligible for Medicare.  What can you do to avoid a gap in health coverage?  A Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina individual under 65 health plan can keep you covered until Medicare is available.  (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…)

If you are currently in the market for health insurance, you know all too well how stressful it can be.  Whether you lost coverage unexpectedly or are losing coverage in the near future, it can be overwhelming to consider how you will keep your family covered.  (more…)