Almost every year, listed among the top 10 New Year’s resolutions are a desire to lose weight, a desire to stay fit and healthy, and a desire to quit smoking.  Not surprisingly, 2015 is no different.  Of course, as we all know there is a big difference between a desire to do something and a determination to make something happen and most of that difference hinges on the word resolve.  Webster’s Dictionary defines resolve as “a definite and serious decision to do something” and it defines the word resolution as “the act of determining or solving a conflict or problem.”  This year, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages you to make some healthy resolutions and to make a BCBSNC health plan part of your healthier new year.

Perhaps your goal is to shed some extra pounds or make lifestyle changes that will help you be more fit.  Becoming a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member gives you immediate access to Blue Connect, a new personalized way to manage not only your health care needs, but also your fitness goals.  Blue Connect partners with every BCBSNC member in preventive care maintenance by allowing you to track your daily fitness, weight loss goals and nutrition plans as well as helping you link the fitness apps you already use as part of your daily wellness regimen.  This will help you manage your fitness or weight loss resolutions and put you on the road to a healthier 2015.  Also, don’t forget that every Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan covers preventive care at 100%, giving you the peace of mind of knowing you can stay well.

As always, before starting any weight loss or fitness program, consult your doctor first and get his/her clearance for physical activity and find out if there are any issues that would affect your participating in a new nutrition and fitness program.

If quitting smoking is your 2015 New Year’s Resolution, then Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers a substantial incentive toward that goal as well.  Did you know you can save 20% on your health insurance policy simply by becoming a non-smoker?  If you are currently paying a premium rate based on being a smoker, resolving to quit smoking in 2015 and sticking with it for twelve months will offer you the opportunity to appeal for a rate change based on a new non-smoker status.  Being a smoke free member of BCBSNC will not only increase your overall wellness, it can actually put money back in your wallet.

We all know resolutions are easy to make and hard to keep.  In fact, studies show that typically only 8% of New Year’s Resolutions are actually carried out, but percentages don’t write stories.  People do!  2015 is a New Year and you get to write your own story.  Becoming a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC member could be one of the best resolutions you ever make toward a happier, healthier year.

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

Now that the holidays are over and the New Year has begun, you may find yourself wondering if you missed your chance to acquire health coverage for 2015.  Good news!  There is still plenty of time to apply.  Although December 15th was the application deadline for coverage beginning January 1st, Open Enrollment is still ongoing and will be until mid-February.

If you are applying for a government subsidy through the healthcare Marketplace, you can still get coverage beginning February 1st as long as you complete your application by the 15th of January.  Also, if you are NOT applying for a federal subsidy, you can be in a Blue Cross Blue Shield individual health plan as early as January 15th, provided you complete your application by midnight January 8th.

Don’t forget:  Under the Affordable Care Act, you are required to carry health insurance or incur a tax penalty and the penalty is increasing.  For 2015, the penalty is 2% of your yearly household income or $325 per person and $162.50 for each child.  In order to avoid paying a tax penalty, the federal government has mandated you cannot go more than a three month period without health insurance and that’s where Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina can help.  Not only will a BCBSNC health plan save you from incurring this tax penalty in 2015, it will also give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you and your family are covered in times of sickness and health.

Whether you are applying for a federal subsidy or not, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC has a health plan that will fit not only your family’s health care needs, but also your budget.  Don’t miss your opportunity to apply.  The New Year has begun, but there is still time to complete an application for health insurance before Open Enrollment 2015 comes to a close.

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

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is bringing in the New Year with a whole new look, but it isn’t simply cosmetic.  Blue Connect will replace My Member Services starting January 1st, 2015 and although the changes are big, they were made with you and your family in mind.  We live in a fast paced, media-driven world and BCBSNC is setting the standard for keeping you and your health care needs connected in an innovative and user friendly way.  In fact, when you become a member of Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, you don’t just get an insurance policy.  You get a partner in healthy living.  Blue Cross Blue Shield’s Blue Connect allows you the opportunity to see not only your policy and premium, but how your money is being spent, where you can save an extra dollar and how much of your deductible has been exhausted.  With a personalized webpage that graphs how your family is using your health care dollars, you can make sure you are getting the most out of your insurance policy.

In addition, Blue Connect wants to partner with you in preventive care maintenance by allowing you to track your daily fitness, weight loss goals and nutrition plans as well as helping you link the fitness apps you already use as part of your daily wellness regimen.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina knows that preventive care is the most important part of living a healthy lifestyle and Blue Link provides you with a place to integrate and manage all of your wellness goals and data.  If a healthier lifestyle is part of your New Year’s resolution, then this is the place to start.

In fact, finding a doctor or hospital in your area has never been easier with Blue Connect’s updated and improved Health Navigator.  Find Primary Care Physicians, Specialists and Mental Health Care Providers in your area, plus read reviews on these health care providers from other Blue Cross Blue Shield members.  You can research which plans certain providers accept and Blue NAV will tell you which tier those doctors and hospitals fall into.  With Blue Connect, there is never a reason you can’t stay in network with a doctor or hospital you have researched and reviewed.

Allowing you to manage everything from mail order prescriptions to finding the best pediatrician in your local area, Blue Connect is a friendly personal assistant for all your family’s health care needs.  It’s a new year and with all the changes in insurance due to the Affordable Care Act and subsidy eligibility, you may have more questions than ever.  With pertinent news and information on both your insurance policy as well as steps you can take toward preventive care, Blue Connect is your family’s new healthcare hub for 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a 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.

There are many people out there who simply can’t afford Obama care. If you are one of those people and you are in need of health insurance coverage, you may want to consider Short term health insurance.  Short term health insurance is a fast, affordable, and easy solution for people who are currently without coverage.

The premiums for the ACA/Obama Care health insurance plans do not necessarily fit in everyone’s budget, especially if you don’t qualify for a subsidy. However, it is never a favorable option to be uninsured. Many people will consider short term coverage to bridge the gap between starting a new job and qualifying for their company’s group coverage or if they are between jobs, but it is also important to consider a short term option if you simply can’t afford a health insurance plan otherwise.

Short term health insurance coverage can protect you and your family from the high cost of unexpected health conditions. Short term plans do not cover preexisting conditions or preventive care, but are instead designed to protect you in the event of an accident or unexpected sickness. The premium you will pay is a small price to pay for peace of mind and can be considerably lower than other health insurance options.  A short term plan provides valuable benefits and pays for covered medical expenses once your deductible and coinsurance requirements have been met. Coverage can begin as early as 12:01 am the day after your submit your application and policies are available for 1 to 6 months.

Because short term health insurance plans do not meet the minimum essential requirements of the Affordable Care Act, short term coverage will not exclude you from a possible tax penalty, but you can have coverage up to 2 million dollars.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health insurance coverage, the Marketplace and healthcare gov if you qualify for a 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.

With the holidays just around the corner, the last thing on your list may be health insurance, but Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants to remind you that Open Enrollment 2015 is in full swing and in order to ensure that your health coverage begins January 1st, your application must be completed by midnight, December 15th.

This is the season for giving and one of the nicest things you can give yourself or the people you love is peace of mind.  A BCBSNC health plan offers just that.  Providing health plans that cover preventive care at 100% and a large network of providers across the state of North Carolina, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan will give you the confidence of knowing your family is covered for all of their health care needs.

We understand this is a busy time of year and that is why we are committed to helping you get into an affordable health plan as quickly as possible.  Negotiating Open Enrollment 2015 can be tricky and we don’t want you to get lost in the process.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we understand your time is valuable and never more than during the holidays.  We know you don’t have hours to waste being stuck on hold or being unable to speak with a live person and that’s where we come in!

The holidays are rapidly approaching, but don’t be caught off guard.  As you are marking your calendar with all sorts of important holiday plans, don’t forget… in order to receive an effective date of January 1st, your application must be completed by midnight, December 15th!  Start the New Year out right by joining BCBSNC and experience the benefits that come from being a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina member.

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

With all the changes in health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act, you may be facing Open Enrollment 2015 with a sense of dread, but don’t worry!  Jerry Ballard and Associates is here to help.  We understand how difficult and confusing the process of applying for health insurance can be and it is our pleasure to help you make it through with as little stress as possible.  If you are our customer, and need assistance making changes to your existing BCBSNC health plan or you are trying to obtain new health coverage, we are more than happy to help you choose the perfect plan for you and your family.

Because of the changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act, it is more important than ever for you to have a BCBSNC Authorized Agent to assist you with your application and other insurance needs.  Negotiating the government Marketplace and trying to determine subsidy eligibility can be overwhelming to say the least.   Between effective date deadlines, trying to make payments, and understanding various plans and benefit coverages, it is easy to feel lost.  Having an agent who is knowledgeable, concerned and easy to talk to can make all the difference in the world.  Further, there is almost nothing more frustrating than being placed on hold for extended periods of time or being unable to speak to a live person when you need it most.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we guarantee that will not be your experience.

Insurance is what we sell, but customer service is what we do best and we are committed to giving our clients the very best of our knowledge and attention.  We value your time and understand your concerns and we are prepared to meet the challenges of Open Enrollment 2015 with your family’s needs in mind.  November 15th and the start of Open Enrollment is just around the corner and we know you have a choice when it comes to your health insurance agent.  Let us show you what makes not only a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan the very best you can buy, but also what makes Jerry Ballard and Associates the agency you want in your corner.

Whether you are looking for Blue Advantage, Blue Select, Blue Value, or Dental Blue, Jerry Ballard and Associates is your agency of choice for Open Enrollment 2015.

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

Webster’s Dictionary defines the word essential as “extremely important and necessary,” and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina couldn’t agree more.  Regardless of the coverage you choose, health care reform requires that qualified health plans include 10 essential health benefits that fall into the following categories that will help keep you and your family healthy and secure.

• Ambulatory Services
• Emergency Services
• Hospitilization
• Maternity and Newborn Care
• Mental health and substance abuse services (including behavioral health)
• Prescription drugs
• Rehabilitative and habilitative services and devices
• Laboratory services
• Preventive/wellness services and chronic disease management
• Pediatric services, including dental and vision

BCBSNC understands that your health care matters and that these essential services are extremely important and necessary to your overall wellness and peace of mind.  With a variety of health care policies to meet your essential needs, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to offering quality health care that more than covers the basics.  To find a BCBSNC health plan you can trust with your essential care, click here.

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.

Everyone knows you have to pay for health insurance, but did you know there is also a cost to being uninsured?  Under the Affordable Care Act there is a price to pay for not carrying health insurance. The penalty incurred for being uninsured is sometimes called the “individual responsibility payment” or the “individual mandate,” and the fine in 2014 is calculated one of two ways.  If you or your dependents do not have health insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage you will pay either 1% of your yearly household income or $95 per person, whichever is greater, for the year ($47.50 per child under 18).

Please note, however, that the penalty increases every year.  In 2015 it is 2% of income or $325 per person and in 2016 and later years it is 2.5% of income or $695 per person.  Also, it is important to remember that even if you pay the penalty, you still do not have health coverage and are responsible for 100% of your medical care.

The important thing to understand is that not only is health insurance a prudent decision for your life, it is also a wise choice for your wallet.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) offers an array of affordable health plans  that not only save you from unwanted out of pocket medical expenses, it can also save you the cost of being uninsured.  For a complete definition of what qualifies as minimum essential coverage and a comprehensive look at how the tax penalty for being uninsured is calculated review the Affordable Care Act guidelines with IRS.

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.

Enrolling in a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plan is simple and easy. You can enroll online 24/7.

When you get your free, no-obligation rate quote, we will help you estimate any advance premium tax credit (subsidy) or cost-sharing reduction you may be eligible for through the government.  Your quote will outline the estimated subsidy so you can see the reduced rate.

Next Step: Register through your free rate quote, click the link in your quote to start your healthcare.gov application process.  We will help you select a plan and guide you through the entire process.  Once your subsidy application is completed, we will guide you through the payment process and provide you the payment coupon so you can mail your payment to Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina to guarantee your coverage starts on the effective date you requested.

NOT APPLYING FOR A SUBSIDY.  Apply today and start coverage immediately.  YOU DO NOT HAVE TO GO TO THE MARKETPLACE and we can walk you through these very simple and easy steps.

You only have a limited time to enroll. The annual enrollment period ends 3/31/2014.   As of today, you will have the option for an April 1st or May 1st effective date.  Unless special circumstances apply, you will not have the opportunity to enroll again until  the next Open Enrollment starting Nov 2014 for coverage that starts 1/1/2015. That means you cannot wait for a medical need to enroll.

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.

To help make health care more affordable, the federal government offers advance premium tax credits, or subsidies, to low-to middle-income individuals and families. Your subsidy is an advance premium tax credit and is applied directly to your premium. Subsidies reduce the monthly cost of an insurance plan. You do not have to pay the cost upfront and receive your tax credit later.

To be eligible for a subsidy, you must meet certain requirements.  Be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL). Not eligible for public coverage, such as Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program, Medicare or military coverage.  Not have access to insurance through an employer. An exception can be made if the employer’s plan doesn’t cover at least an average of 60% of covered benefits or if the employee’s share of the premium is more than 9.5% of his or her income. Employers can tell you if their plans meet these criteria.  Subsidies can be used on any plan you choose except for grandfathered plans and catastrophic plans for those under 30. How much of a subsidy you qualify for is based on income and household size.

Our FREE RATE QUOTE through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers a calculator to estimate your subsidy.  Just click on the blue calculator at the top of your rate quote and enter the income 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). 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.