Short Term also known as Temporary health insurance is a fast, affordable and easy solution for people who are currently without health coverage.  Short-term health insurance plans are generally less expensive than qualified health plans under the AFFORDABLE CARE ACT and do not offer the same level of coverage.  Short term health insurance plans are intended for people who do not want to enroll in major medical insurance or who need temporary form of limited coverage before they obtain major medical health insurance.  Among other limitations and exclusions, short term health insurance plans generally do not cover pre-existing conditions that exist at the time of application or the minimum essential coverage of the ACA.

Short-term health insurance plans are limited in duration and you will stop receiving benefits when the plan expires. Plan duration and whether you can renew or buy a new plan after plan expiration depend on the plan you choose and the laws in your particular state. After a short-term plan expires, you must reapply to receive further benefits. If you are accepted for an additional term under a short-term health insurance plan, the plan’s deductible and other amounts reset so that amounts paid (or the satisfaction of conditions) under the initial plan are ignored.

APPLY TODAY and coverage can begin tomorrow if you qualify to enroll in a plan. Call NC Health Plans/ Jerry Ballard & Associates today at our toll free number 888-765-5400 to talk with one of our qualified representatives.

For more information on North Carolina Health Insurance coverage, please visit our website at www.nchealthplans.com or call our toll free number 888-765-5400 or our local number 252-726-5400 and speak with one of our experienced and professional agents.

With the 2020 presidential election approaching, healthcare and health insurance are yet again popular topics of conversation.  The different opinions and visions of the health insurance landscape is often very distant from the realities we experience everyday in North Carolina.  The media attention that surrounds this dialog makes it more difficult to follow current changes to health insurance in North Carolina.  A couple recent changes have impacted the options for many North Carolinians.  Here, we will outline two recent changes and the details consumers should keep in mind now and moving forward.

3 Year Term- Short Term Plans

One such change is the implementation of 3 year policy periods on “Short Term Health Insurance Plans.”  An executive order was signed in 2018 making 3 year policy period Short Term Medical plans available, but the plans were not offered to North Carolina health insurance shoppers until recently.  The North Carolina Department of Insurance approved the these plans in the Spring of 2019.  The availability of Tri-Term Medical plans is significant in that longer policy period plans allow members to avoid the application process every 90 days.  The plans allow you to apply once for a coverage term of 3 years.  Prior to this option, enrolled members were forced to re-qualify by answering health underwriting questions each time the policy expired.  This meant the applicant would risk being denied the ability to re-enroll if unable to pass medical underwriting based on changes in medical conditions.  A 3 year policy period plan will minimize this risk since the applicant is not required to answer health eligibility questions as frequently.

The Short Term Health Insurance market has grown in North Carolina, particularly for consumers that do not qualify for a government subsidy.  The plans often provide non-subsidy shoppers a less expensive alternative to the ACA compliant plans.  The 3 year term plans will continue to strengthen the alternative options for this group of health insurance consumers.

Qualifying Life Event Tweaks

Ever since the introduction of the Affordable Care Act in 2014, consumers have needed a Qualifying Life Event to make changes to plans or apply for new plans when outside the Open Enrollment Period.  The specifics of these Qualifying Events have seemed to continuously change each year.  This year, most Qualifying Life Events now require the consumer to have also carried prior creditable coverage.  For example, a change in permanent residence address and a marriage are two qualifying events that now require the applicant to have carried prior coverage for at least one of the prior sixty days.

Additionally, existing members that are trying to make plan changes based on Qualifying Events must meet additional requirements in order to make changes to an existing plan.  These changes often come as a surprise to consumers that have experienced similar changes in the past and expected similar options to be available.

The healthcare discussion will only continue in the months ahead, but it’s important we don’t lose focus of the changes that are being implemented.  As insurance advisors, our commitment is to educating consumers and allowing them to make the best decisions within this ever changing market.  One way to do this is by understanding whether any of these market changes would affect you.

For more information on North Carolina Health 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.

“Obamacare” is a popular term used to describe the Affordable Care Act.  As insurance advisors, one question customers frequently ask is “Do you offer anything other than Obamacare?”  Understanding this question is most important before answering it.

First, Affordable Care Act compliant plans are not only health insurance plans offered through the Health Insurance Marketplace or “Exchange.”  They are also health plans offered “Off Exchange” or directly through insurance companies, as long as they meet all requirements under the Affordable Care Act.  In North Carolina, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers the vast majority of the ACA compliant health plans both on and off the Exchange.  Blue Cross offers plans in all 100 counties and in 2017 was the only company offering “On Exchange” plans in 94 of the 100 North Carolina counties.  When considering alternatives to ACA compliant plans, the most common is Short Term, also known as Temporary Health Insurance.

Temporary health insurance plans are not compliant with the ACA regulations which allows customers to enroll outside the Open Enrollment Period without the requirement of a Qualifying Life Event.  In the past, these plans were created and structured to bridge gaps in coverage.  However, recently their attraction has grown and individuals and families have begun enrolling in Short Term plans for extended policy periods as an alternative to the ACA compliant options.  The ACA compliant plans lack the flexible plan structure and low premiums that are attractive aspects of Short Term health insurance.  Short Term plans exclude coverage for pre-existing conditions which is a requirement under Obamacare.  Additionally, you must answer health questions on a Short Term application in order to be eligible to enroll.  For these reasons, the plans are usually significantly less expensive than ACA compliant plans.  These factors and others drive the premium prices down and often surprise shoppers when making a price comparison.

Furthermore, the Short Term health insurance regulations are expected to change on April 1, 2017.  The policy periods will be limited to 3 months.  For applicants that enroll prior to April 1, the policy period can last until Dec. 31, 2017 with certain carriers like United HealthOne.

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.

Health Insurance is still available! If you are one of the countless Americans who missed open enrollment. There are options for you.

Short-term/Temporary health insurance is designed for healthy individuals and families, and is a low- cost, affordable option to protect yourself and/or your family from unforeseen and emergency medical costs.

Short term plans are not compliant with the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), so they are still available year-round. If you missed open enrollment and do not have a qualifying event that allows you to purchase an ACA compliant plan, a short-term policy can be a good choice to bridge the gap until open enrollment begins again.

Short term plans are not renewable, but some companies allow you to purchase another plan once your plan has lapsed, but you are required to answer all the health questions and qualify as you did initially.

It is important to know that short term plans are not considered minimum essential coverage under the Affordable Care Act, so people with short term health insurance could be subject to the ACA’s individual mandate penalty unless they are otherwise exempt from it.

Remember, short term plans do not cover any pre-existing conditions. They are not required to cover the ACA’s essential health benefits.  Although their sale is not limited to the ACA open enrollment period, short term plans do use basic medical underwriting to determine an applicant’s eligibility for coverage.

These plans are considerably less expensive than ACA-compliant major medical plans.  And you can get coverage as early as the next day once you answer some basic health questions.

NC Health Plans offers short term health insurance for qualified individuals over the age of 19 or students who are not yet 19 can be on a short term policy with a parent or guardian.  These plans can begin as soon as the very next day so your student will not have to miss even one day of class time!

College students are one of the largest demographics of uninsured Americans and universities and colleges all over the country are mandating coverage in order to change that statistic. Over the last few years, more and more colleges and universities have insisted on health insurance as a prerequisite to enrollment as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness.

Although some colleges and universities offer health insurance on a semester basis, many student policies end during the months when school is not in session, which can leave a big gap in coverage.  Even further, many health plans offered by schools are quite expensive or don’t offer the depth or quality of coverage many students need.  So what is the answer?

A good option is temporary health insurance.  (more…)

Are you without a Qualifying Life Event that allows you to purchase health insurance outside of the Annual Enrollment Period?  A Temporary Health Insurance Plan can offer you the coverage you need to fill the gap between now and the next Open Enrollment and there are many benefits to a short term health plan.  For instance, most temporary insurance plans are less expensive than regular health insurance plans.  They are a low-cost solution that could protect your financial security should you be faced with an unexpected illness or injury.  You can also be approved for short term plans as soon as the very next day and coverage can be in place anywhere from 1 month to 11 months, whatever your circumstances require.

Although these plans won’t cover preexisting conditions and will not keep you from incurring a tax penalty (unless you are exempt), these plans can protect you in catastrophic circumstances and help give you the peace of mind that comes from knowing you will be covered in an emergency.  If you are still uninsured for 2016, consider a temporary health insurance plan.

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.

Under the ACA, you are now required to have a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) in order to enroll in a health insurance plan outside of Open Enrollment.  A Qualifying Life Event is some kind of special circumstance that allows you to enroll in coverage under a Special Enrollment Period and some common QLE’s include loss of access to minimum essential coverage through an employer or Medicaid, a move to North Carolina or to a different zip code within NC, or adding a dependent through birth or adoption.

If you do not have one of the life events, however, you will be unable to enroll in health coverage until the next Open Enrollment, which begins November 1, 2016 with coverage starting January 1, 2017.  Unfortunately, this rule excludes many individuals and can make it difficult, if not impossible, to get a health insurance plan.  If you find yourself in this position you may be asking:  What can I do to get health insurance? (more…)

Being uninsured is never wise, but let’s face it.  Life happens and sometimes you find yourself in a situation where you are experiencing a gap in coverage and need insurance now.  Perhaps you are transitioning from one job to another and there are a few months in between when coverage is not available to you through an employer.  Or perhaps you missed Open Enrollment and now find yourself without a Qualifying Life Event that allows you to enroll in health coverage during Special Enrollment. Whatever the case, you are not out of options.  Short Term coverage can help fill that gap and it is available to you as soon as the very next day! (more…)

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.

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.

Sometimes major life changes can suddenly leave you without proper health insurance.

Are you a recent graduate?

Are you no longer covered by your parents’ plan?

Are you between jobs?

Are you working a temporary or part-time job?

New employee waiting to qualify for your company plan?

Temporary health insurance is a fast, affordable and easy solution for people who are currently without health coverage.  CLICK HERE to get an online quote and submit your online application in just a few minutes. You can be covered as early as 12:01 am the following day or select a specific date in the future for your temporary health insurance plan to begin.

Start your North Carolina Health Insurance as early as tomorrow if you apply by midnight tonight.   One of our qualified agents at NC Health Plans will be happy to assist you in selecting the best health insurance plan for you and your family.

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.

Temporary Health Insurance NC
Are you a resident of NC currently without health coverage?

• Are you a recent graduate?
• Are you no longer covered by your parents’ plan?
• Are you between jobs?
• Are you working a temporary or part-time job?
• Are you a new employee waiting to qualify for your company’s group health plan?