ABOUT JERRY BALLARD & ASSOCIATES

Jerry Ballard, Founder of Jerry Ballard & Associates, Inc. and NC Health Plans, LLC.  “First and foremost, our main focus is to identify the true needs of our clients and fill those needs with the best North Carolina health insurance (BCBSNC®) products on the market and the best customer service in the industry.”  Jerry resides in Morehead City with his wife, Cathy and their golden retriever, Alli.

In August, 2014 Jerry 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 has been the #1 top producing independent insurance Agent in North Carolina for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina in individual sales for 11 consecutive years, he has also been awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina® membership in its President’s Club as a top agent every year since its inception, and is a Charter Member of that exclusive group.  Our Agency was recently recognized and received a Certificate of Recognition from HealthCare.Gov in appreciation of our ongoing contribution and success during the 2018 Health Insurance Marketplace Open Enrollment period. This recognition places the Agency in the Circle of Champions and is based on our hard work and high enrollment production. This has increased access to health care for many and made a lasting positive impact for all of our customers throughout the State of North Carolina.

Jerry began his career in the health insurance industry in 1974. Throughout the years, he has written health insurance in North Carolina through many different carriers. After many years of doing business with Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina he determined they provided the best coverage, service and value over other carriers, which is why he elected to become an Exclusive Agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC (BCBSNC).  In February of 2000, Jerry shifted his business model to an Online Internet Based Company.  He realized the standard business model of a 9-5 platform quickly diminished as the need for a more fluctuating schedule became apparent.  He worked hard to create a user friendly website that was easy to understand and navigate. His goal was to make the website “a close second” to meeting clients in person. Our agency couples outstanding individual customer service with the technological sophistication that allows customers the best of both worlds – quick and accurate information via our website at www.nchealthplans.com and ready access via our toll free number 888-765-5400 to a knowledgeable and experienced Agent.  In spite of his 40 years in the health insurance business and his many professional accomplishments and industry awards, Jerry is a modest man who never loses sight of what is really important – taking care of his clients.

Cathy Ballard, Co-Founder.  Cathy has been with the Agency for 20 years, initially focusing on customer service before adding individual sales to her duties.  She is well trained in all products offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, including Gold, Silver and Bronze plans currently being offered both on and off the Marketplace.  She is licensed with CMS to sell products through the Marketplace and can assist with any questions concerning Subsidies and Qualifications for Premium Tax Credits.  Cathy has worn many hats throughout her career with the Agency and she continues to be a valuable consultant to the current management.  She resides on the Coast of North Carolina and in her spare time Cathy enjoys reading, traveling and all aspects of her and Jerry’s boating lifestyle.

Kennon Wainwright, President and Agency Manager.  Kennon joined our agency as an Authorized Blue Cross Blue Shield Agent  in October of 2012 and currently overseas the operations of the Agency.  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.

Kennon has brought years of diverse insurance experience to aid our clients.  Not only is he licensed in Health and Medicare, where he now specializes, but he also holds licenses in the Life, Property & Casualty fields.  His outstanding communication skills, combined with expert product knowledge and great work ethic, assure our clients a pleasant and productive relationship.  Kennon is excited to assist North Carolina residents with their health insurance needs.  He is also licensed through CMS selling products through the Marketplace and can assist you with any questions concerning Subsidies and Qualifications.  Kennon is confident that he can find a plan that best suits your needs and situation.  Kennon is a tremendous asset to the agency and brings knowledge about the BCBSNC products to best serve you and your insurance needs.

At Jerry Ballard & Associates we strive for excellence and like to recognize outstanding performance by our Agents.  We would like to announce some of these achievements in our Medicare, over 65 Market through Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC), for high standards and production.  Kennon, finished Number 1 in our region for top production in Medicare Supplement coverage and Number 2 overall in the State of North Carolina.  He also placed Number 2 in our Region on Medicare Advantage sales and Number 3 overall in the State of North Carolina.  We offer all North Carolina Medicare products through our Carrier, Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC.

Kennon resides in Morehead City, N. C. with his wife, Katherine  and their three daughters.  In his spare time, he enjoys spending time on the water, cheering for the Tar Heels and hunting.