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.

Hear ye!  Hear ye!

Calling all Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina Medicare Supplement Members!

Did you know you have the ability to switch your Blue Cross NC Medicare Supplement coverage to a different Blue Medicare Supplement plan that fits your changing needs with possible savings? Introducing the Blue to Blue program!

During the month of May 2022 you can explore your options if you feel locked in a plan that may no longer be right for you!  You can switch your Blue Medicare Supplemental coverage to another Blue Medicare Supplement product of your choice:

-Without additional medical exams*

-Without underwriting or additional health questions*

-Without any hassle!

Take a look at this BCBS of NC Medicare Blue to Blue article for more information!

For more information, call us at 888-765-5400 to see if Blue to Blue can benefit you!

*Some limitations may apply. Consult with an agent for details.

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.

If you are transitioning into Medicare either because you are turning 65 or have become newly eligible due to a
disability, you will likely want to consider enrolling in a Medicare Supplement.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help. Because traditional Medicare, Parts A & B, do not cover some medical expenses, it’s important to understand what other options are available to you to help supplement your Medicare and offset your out of pocket health care costs.

Even before you are eligible for Medicare, you can begin reviewing your options.  Explore Medicare Supplements and begin deciding what plans work best for you.  Consult with a licensed Medicare Agent to discuss available plans and begin thinking about what kind of plan best fits your budget and your lifestyle.  Keep in mind that Medicare Supplements through Blue Cross Blue Shield are accepted by all Medicare providers.  Remember that the best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement is during your initial enrollment period.

Medicare Supplements are designed to fill the gaps that exist in a traditional Medicare plan and can give you the peace of mind of knowing you will have the coverage you need when you need it most.  Supplements can help pay your Medicare deductibles, coinsurance and copayments and can significantly reduce your out of pocket expenses.

For more information on North Carolina 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.

The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare has officially begun and will continue through December 7, 2017 and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC offers a variety of Medicare plans.  This period allows Medicare recipients to enroll in new Medicare plans and Part D Prescription plans or make changes to existing coverage.  At NC Health Plans we strive to make the Enrollment Period as simple and stress-free as possible and offer a variety of Medicare Supplement plans through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  Your application can be submitted right from the comfort of your home and our licensed NC health insurance agents are available to help you make changes to your existing plan, compare plans or enroll in new NC Medicare supplemental coverage.

If your current Medicare plan is not working for you or you are new to Medicare, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call 888-765-5400 to request a quote and see new 2017 Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC Medicare plans and pricing.

If you are a Medicare recipient, the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) will begin October 15, 2016 and end on December 7, 2016. The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) allows beneficiaries to enroll a plan, with coverage effective January 1st, 2017.  During Medicare AEP, Medicare beneficiaries may make any change to their Medicare benefits, including dropping, adding or changing Part D Prescription Drug plans. This period allows you to switch from one plan to another based on your current medical needs or because of changes to your current health plan that may require you to enroll in something new. The Annual Enrollment Period is important because if you miss it, you may not be able to make changes again until fall of 2017.

Keep in mind that although you are not allowed to submit an application prior to October 15th, now is the time to begin researching your NC Medicare options. Reevaluate your health care needs and see if your current plan is offering sufficient coverage benefits.  Your current Medicare plan may also make changes, such as an increase in monthly premium or availability in your area.  Make sure you are aware of any changes that might affect you so you are prepared on October 15th to make any necessary adjustments. (more…)

Although Medicare Supplement benefits are standard under federal law, there are benefits to being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member.  Not only does BCBSNC have a substantial presence in North Carolina, they are a name you can trust when it comes to your health insurance needs.  In fact, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has been serving the residents of North Carolina for over 80 years providing consumer-focused, high-quality health insurance.

For Medicare recipients, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the same high standard of customer care providing Medicare Supplement plans at a competitive price.  BCBSNC Medicare Supplement members also have access to added benefits like Blue to Blue, a program allowing members to change from one Supplement plan to another once a year without undergoing medical underwriting.  This means if your health care needs change, you can choose a new plan to accommodate your  changing circumstances.

In addition, BCBSNC partners with Silver and Fit to offer members access to local gyms and exercise facilities at a significantly reduced price.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a leader in promoting preventive care and Silver and Fit helps Medicare recipients maintain health and wellness, while also providing for regular exercise and social engagement. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina supports healthy living at every age and has served the residents of NC for over 80 years by offering quality health insurance products, to include Medicare Supplement plans, at a competitive price.

If you are over the age of 65 and still working a job that offers you health coverage or if you are still covered by your spouse’s employer insurance, you may have chosen to delay enrollment in Medicare Part B.  Keep in mind, however, that once you lose that employer coverage you will only have 8 months to enroll in Part B or you could lose your special enrollment and be subject to penalties.  Your monthly premium for Part B coverage increases 10% for each full 12-month period you could have enrolled in Part B, but chose not to and that can add up quickly.  In addition, if you miss that 8-month window, you may also find that you are unable to enroll until the General Enrollment period (Jan. 1- March 31) and your coverage will not begin until July 1 of that year, which could lead to a gap in coverage.

If you plan ahead, however, you can avoid these pitfalls and your transition into Medicare can be seamless.  A good rule of thumb is to start the process of enrolling in Part B two months prior to losing your group coverage.  Keep in mind that enrollment in Medicare Part B is required if you intend to enroll in a Medicare Advantage or Medicare Supplement Plan to help cover the health care costs not covered by Medicare.  Once your Part B enrollment information is in the system, you can begin working on applications for other Medicare products, like Supplements. (more…)

My Grandfather was a tobacco farmer in rural North Carolina and he said retirement was a strange kind of irony.  He had more free time than ever before in his life to do things, but he also had less strength and energy. Of course, my Grandfather was a part of a generation that thought a lot about hard work, but not a lot about exercise.  Over the years, what research has proven is that staying active and physically fit is more important than ever as we age.  In fact, maintaining a regular fitness routine can actually help combat the negative effects of aging, such as the lack of strength or energy my Grandfather complained about.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina promotes wellness and preventive care at every age, and although I’m not sure my Grandfather ever would have considered participating in any of the following activities, here are some great ways you can stay in good shape well into your Senior years. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to promoting well-being and preventive care for its senior members.  In an effort to provide older members with a benefit for staying fit, BCBSNC partners with American Specialty Health to offer the Silver & Fit program.  The Silver & Fit program is designed for older adults and provides access to a variety of fitness facilities from national chains to small community clubs. Eligible members can join the program and enjoy community involvement while maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina

Medicare Supplement

1. What is Medicare?

A: Medicare is a Federal health insurance program for people ages 65 years or older, certain people with disabilities, and people with permanent kidney failure treated with dialysis or a transplant. Medicare has two parts – Part A, which is hospital insurance and Part B, which is medical insurance.

(more…)

 During many conversations with prospective and current senior clients, I am often asked a question about the differences between a Medicare Supplement Policy and Medicare Advantage.  To answer that question, you first need to understand what Medicare is and how it works.  Generally speaking, Medicare is health insurance for people age 65 or older or under age 65 with certain disabilities.  It can also be elected by an individual at any age with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a kidney transplant).  It helps cover some of the medical services and supplies during inpatient and outpatient hospital procedures, doctor’s visits, and other health care settings.  Original Medicare has two parts:  Medicare Part A Hospital Insurance and Medicare Part B Medical Insurance. 

 Medicare Part A is normally a premium-free benefit if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes while employed.  If you paid this tax, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A.  It helps cover inpatient hosptial care, inpatient stays in skilled nursing facilities, hospice services, and home health care services.  Medicare Part B helps cover medical services such as doctor’s visits, preventive care, outpatient surgeries, and other medical services.  Unlike Medicare Part A, there is a monthly premium for Medicare Part B, which happens to be $96.40 for 2009.   A Medicare Supplement policy, also referred to as a “Medigap” policy, is private health insurance that can be purchased by eligible individuals on Original Medicare (Part A and B) to help cover some of the gaps that the Original Medicare plan does not cover, such as coinsurance and deductibles.  Without a supplement, costs for the portions that Medicare does not pay can be in the thousands of dollars!  Both Original Medicare and the supplement policy will pay their share of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services, thus cutting the insured member’s out-of-pocket costs.  Supplement policies are sold by private health insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina.  To purchase a supplement policy, an individual must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.  A Medicare Advantage Plan is another way to get Medicare benefits.  It is also known as Medicare Part C.  These are plans approved by Medicare, but administrated by private health insurance companies, like Blue Cross Blue Shield North Carolina.  Unlike a supplement policy, an individual does not purchase a Medicare Advantage Plan to supplement their Original Medicare.  In contrast, the individual enrolls in a Medicare Advantage Plan which takes the place of their Original Medicare Plan.  Benefits under these plans are often “richer” than Original Medicare as well.  They usually include prescription drug benefits built right into the plan.  Some plans are premium-free depending on their benefits, but individuals can also purchase extra benefits as well.  Regardless if they are premium-free, an individual will always continue to pay their Medicare Part B premium.  Plans include, but are not limited to, Medicare PPO’s, HMO’s, and Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFS).  So, in summary, a supplement plan does just what the name implies – it “supplements” what the Original Medicare Plan does not cover.  A Medicare Advantage Plan takes the place of Original Medicare, often with richer coverage.  For more information on these policies, please call  toll free at 877-359-9250 or CLICK HERE.