One of the main focuses of Health Care Reform is making it easier for consumers to compare plans as they shop for health insurance. Therefore, health insurance plans have been separated into metallic levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) to indicate the level of coverage and insurance benefits in each plan.

•BRONZE: Medical costs are covered at approximately 60%. Ideal for people who want lower monthly premiums and don’t expect to need a lot of medical services.

•SILVER: Medical costs are covered at approximately 70%. Ideal for those who want to keep their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs more balanced.

•GOLD: Medical costs are covered at approximately 80%. If you receive medical services regularly, and you’re okay with paying a higher monthly premium to have more of your health care costs covered, this level of plan is one to consider.

•PLATINUM: Medical costs are covered at approximately 90%. If you receive medical services frequently, and  you’re willing to pay more each month for the lowest health care costs, consider this plan level.

All health insurance plans must fall within these metallic levels in 2014, except for the catastrophic plans for people under 30 or that meet certain hardship requirements. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC catastrophic plans, however, do meet bronze level requirements.

All plans have an out-of-pocket (OOP) limit of $6,350.1 This includes costs such as prescription drugs, copayments, etc. Your OOP limit does not include premiums or costs not covered by BCBSNC. Family plans have a higher OOP limit of $12,700. (You may, however, have a plan with a lower OOP limit.)

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

In August, 2014 Jerry Ballard was inducted by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina into their Hall of Fame, the highest honor bestowed upon any employee, agent or broker.   Jerry was recognized for outstanding performance and production in the field of health insurance.   Jerry has led the company in individual sales for the last 10 consecutive years and has also been awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) membership in its President’s Club as a top agent every year since its inception.  Jerry is a Charter Member of that exclusive group and has been serving both groups and individuals in the insurance business throughout North Carolina for over 40 years.

Jerry  leads his company with an impressive team of Agents that provide exemplary service to all of their customers throughout North Carolina.  Jerry expanded his business model to the internet in 2000 providing customers the opportunity to shop for their health insurance online 24/7.  Jerry resides in Morehead City, North Carolina with his wife and business partner, Cathy.

Kristen Baily has recently joined Jerry Ballard & Associates as a Customer Service & Sales Representative.  She is a graduate of North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Science in Business Management and a concentration in Human Resource Management. Kristen is joining our team with over 7 years of sales and customer service experience in the home building and real estate industry.

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.

Open enrollment for health insurance has ended; however you may still qualify for a special enrollment period due to a qualifying event.  Some examples of these qualifying events include:

1. Marriage, having a baby, adopting a child or placing a child for adoption or foster care, moving outside your insurer’s coverage area, gaining citizenship, leaving incarceration.
2. Gaining status as member of an Indian tribe. Members of federally recognized Indian tribes can sign up for or change plans once per month throughout the year.
3. For people already enrolled in Marketplace coverage: Having a change in income or household status that affects eligibility for premium tax credits or cost-sharing reductions
4.  Losing other health coverage—due to losing job-based coverage, divorce, the end of an individual policy plan year in 2014, COBRA expiration, aging off a parent’s plan, losing eligibility for Medicaid or CHIP, and similar circumstances. Important: Voluntarily ending coverage doesn’t qualify you for a special enrollment period. Neither does losing coverage that doesn’t qualify as minimum essential coverage.

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 2014, the Affordable Care Act mandates that all taxpayers purchase health insurance or pay a penalty on their tax returns. The penalty will increase every year until 2016.  Get your Free Rate Quote and apply for your coverage today through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina and avoid these penalties.

We are pleased to announce that Kennon Wainwright has joined our agency as an Authorized Blue Cross Blue Shield Agent.  Kennon grew up on the coast in beautiful Morehead City, North Carolina.  He attended Virginia Episcopal for High School before entering The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.  He graduated from UNC-CH with a Bachelor’s Degree in Peace, War and Defense.   He began his insurance career in 2009 with experience in Property and Casualty.  He currently holds insurance licensing in Health & Life, Property & Casualty and is also working towards his Accredited Advisor in Insurance Designation.  Kennon is excited to assist North Carolina residents with their health insurance needs.  He looks forward to sharing the wide range of exceptional Blue Cross Blue Shield Products such as Blue Advantage, Blue Options HSA, and Dental Blue.  Kennon is confident that he can find a plan that best suits your needs and situation.

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.

Today, health insurance covers a wide range of benefits but exactly what is included can vary based on where someone lives and the policy they purchase. Beginning January 2014, the Affordable Care Act (ACA) will create a more uniform standard, requiring that all health insurance coverage for individuals and small groups includes certain treatments and procedures deemed “essential health benefits.” Large groups are not required to comply with the essential health benefits requirements. The underlying idea is that the “essential benefits package” be equal to the coverage offered under a “typical employer plan.” Ten general categories were identified as essential health benefits:

• Ambulatory patient services;

• Emergency services;

• Hospitalization;

• Maternity and newborn care;

• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices;

• Laboratory services;

•  Mental health and substance use disorder services, including behavioral health treatment;

• Prescription drugs;

• Preventive and wellness and chronic disease management; and

• Pediatric services, including oral and vision care.

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.

The information in this article was taken from Nchealthreform.com on 3/7/2012.

To be eligible for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, you must be a North Carolina resident under 65 years of age, not be covered by another health insurance policy, not be enrolled in Medicare, and qualify medically. Applicants must be able to provide one of the following as proof of residency: voter registration in NC, NC driver’s license, or current NC tax return. In addition, applicants are required to submit a Social Security Number.

Multiple Coverage

You may be covered under only one health program offered by BCBSNC, except with special permission. In that case, the total benefits paid will not be more than the allowed amount.

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During life transitions, you can’t afford to go without health insurance coverage.  Unexpected illnesses and accidents happen every day and the resulting medical bills can be disastrous.   Let a Short Term Medical plan offered by NC Health Plans provide you and your loved ones with the peace of mind you need at a price you can afford.

Apply today and be covered as early as tomorrow!  Get coverage for the exact number of days needed and save 20% by making one up-front payment or pay as you go

Keep your own doctor and get 24-hour access to doctors by telephone.  Ensure your satisfaction with our 10-day money back guarantee.

Even a short period without health insurance is not worth the risk. Get your FREE, no-obligation quote today!  Please do not cancel any existing medical insurance coverage until you have received written acceptance for coverage from Assurant Health.

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.

Ideal for those who want more predictable health care costs

A plan featuring more cost-saving options

Limited office visit copayments for those who don’t need to visit the doctor as often

Lower monthly premiums

More choices in how you pay for doctors visits and prescription drugs You get many of the features found in Blue Advantage

You have more flexibility, getting just the coverage you need at a lower monthly premium

Preventive care is covered at 100%

The information in this article is from bcbsnc.com, product benefits.

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.

Our classic health insurance plan

• Features low copayments for doctor visits and prescription drugs
• A wide range of deductibles for medical and prescription drugs
• You get the most comprehensive coverage we offer
• You pay more in monthly premiums, but you pay less when going to the doctor
• Preventive care is covered at 100%

The information in this article is from bcbsnc.com, product benefits.

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 a press release today issued by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina,  a rate request was filed with the North Carolina Department of Insurance (DOI) for a rate increase of ZERO PERCENT for Blue Options HSA and Blue Saver. The requested rate increase for Blue Advantage is 6.35 percent.  According to the press release  Blue Advantage and Blue Options HSA currently serve more than 347,000 customers under the age of 65. 

The ZERO PERCENT base rate increase for the Blue Options HSA and Blue Saver products underscores that when customers have a greater financial stake in the decisions they make, they become more savvy health care consumers. The growth they are seeing in these products shows that consumers are comfortable taking a more active role in managing their health care expenses. (more…)