Savannah Clark is the newest member of our team at Jerry Ballard & Associates, Inc. and will be specializing in providing exceptional customer service to all our North Carolina customers.  Savannah graduated from the University of North Carolina Wilmington with a BS degree in elementary education and a concentration in the Arts.  She is also studying to acquire her North Carolina Life and Health Insurance License and looking forward to an exciting and long term career with our Agency.

A native of Eastern North Carolina, she was born and raised in Carteret County and absolutely loves it, and as she says, her roots are deep.  She attended St. Egberts Catholic school and graduated from West Carteret High School.  In the summer she loves spending time with family and friends boating and going to the beach.  She also enjoys painting as a hobby in her spare time.

Savannah brings excitement and enthusiasm to assist all of our Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina clients with their customer service needs.  She is patient, empathetic, and passionately communicative.  Her ability to place herself in the shoes of the customer and advocate for them when necessary makes her a pleasure to work with and a true asset to our team.

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.  Our Agency can guide you through the complete application process, on or off the Marketplace for any plans offered, including, but not limited to, Bronze, Silver, and Gold Plans, Medicare Supplement Plans, Dental Blue and Short Term plans.

As an insurance agent with NCHEALTHPLANS.COM/JERRY BALLARD & ASSOCIATES, which has been in business and serving North Carolina residents since 1974, I hear many questions.  Most recently, people have asked one in particular:  “why do I need an insurance agent?”

Here are 5 important reasons you need an insurance agent: (more…)

Between web generated quotes, online applications, automatic bill pay and the healthcare Marketplace, you may be wondering why in the world you would even need an insurance agent.  When so much can be accomplished right over the phone or online, is there really any benefit to contacting a BCBSNC health insurance agency and what can we possibly do to make purchasing insurance a simpler and more satisfying experience?  Although it may seem counter intuitive, the truth is that despite all of the technology and all the companies and agencies involved now in purchasing health insurance, the process is actually more complicated than ever.

The Affordable Care Act alone has added so many pieces to the insurance puzzle that it can leave your head spinning just trying to determine who is eligible to purchase health insurance and when, let alone who qualifies for a federal subsidy and what determines eligibility.  Open Enrollment, Special Enrollment, Qualifying Life Events, Premium Tax Credits, Subsidies, Tax Penalties, Cost Share Reduction Benefits and so on are only some of the new terms that now have a profound impact on your health insurance policy and how you go about applying for and purchasing it.

In addition, even though these terms can be researched online and applications completed through various websites and phone lines, the process of purchasing health insurance can be overwhelming even for the most well-versed among us.  We all know what a huge difference there is between knowing a fact and understanding how that fact impacts our lives on a personal and financial level.  That is the very reason we hire attorneys, accountants, doctors and contractors.  We rely on the expertise of those whose job it is to understand their various industry and guide us in making the best decisions based on their professional experience and understanding.  Health insurance is no different!  In fact, more than ever before it is important, if not imperative, to consult a health insurance professional before purchasing a health plan.

And that’s where Jerry Ballard and Associates can help.  The good news is that unlike hiring an attorney, accountant, doctor or contractor there is no fee associated with contacting our office.  In fact, having an insurance agent does not impact the cost of your health plan in any way.  All it does is allow you the opportunity to have a personal contact person at your disposal to help explain the process, discuss the plans and determine subsidy eligibility and how obtaining a federal tax credit can impact the cost of your health insurance premium.

At Jerry Ballard and Associates, it is our pleasure to provide the professional guidance you need when purchasing health insurance either on or off the federal Marketplace.  It is our desire to make the application process as painless as possible and help you determine whether a subsidized or unsubsidized plan is the best choice for you and your family.  We will discuss your options in detail, making sure you are 100% comfortable with the BCBSNC health plan you choose prior to enrollment and we will then follow up to make sure your plan is properly processed and that you know how and when to make your payment.

Having an insurance agent is important and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands that personalized service is always in your best interest.  In truth, having an agent is one of the great benefits that is available to you when you purchase a BCBSNC health plan.  Don’t let health insurance overwhelm you and don’t make important decisions about your health coverage without fully understanding your choices and the implications of your choices.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we are determined to help you through the process from start to finish!

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.

Getting a Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance quote has never been easier, or more mobile!  In fact, if you have an I-phone, you can get your quote, fill out an application and enroll your BCBSNC health plan in a matter of minutes.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we understand you are on-the-go and may not have time to sit down at your home computer.  You want the ease and convenience of handling personal business from your mobile device.  Perhaps you are like many of our clients who travel for much of the work week and who appreciate being able to generate a quote or fill out an application without excess hassle or frustration.  Now you can!

To access our Mobile Application, simply Google us at nchealthplans.com.  From there, you can generate your health quote, view the Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC plans available to you, estimate your subsidy eligibility, start and complete your application and enroll your new coverage.  For short term health insurance, you can view temporary health plans and generate a personalized quote.  Or, if you are looking for Dental coverage or a Medicare Supplement, you can get a quote for that as well.  In fact, you can complete an application for health or dental insurance in a few short minutes.  The bottom line is that getting health insurance has never been simpler.

Accessibility is one of the nicest parts of living in a high-tech world and Jerry Ballard and Associates offers you just that.  Despite all of the new information and additional steps the Affordable Care Act may have added to the process of purchasing health insurance, it is our desire to make your experience as easy and satisfying as possible.  Customer service is our number one concern and although we may not be able to eliminate all of the red tape, we can offer you access to all the information you will need to make an informed decision right at your fingertips.  Check out our Mobile App and see just how easy it can be to enroll your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan.

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.

Kara Withee has recently joined Jerry Ballard and Associates as a Customer Service Representative and Sales Associate for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC).  With over twelve years of customer service experience, Kara is a graduate of the University of Texas, El Paso with a Bachelor of Arts in English and American Literature and a Master of Arts degree in Comparative Literature and Cultural Studies from San Diego State University.

Prior to joining our agency, Kara taught high school English and Elementary Spanish in both the public and private school sectors.  She relocated to Morehead City, NC in support of her husband’s military career and now resides there with her three sons, her daughter, a Golden Retriever and a house cat.  In her spare time, Kara enjoys reading, paddle boarding and spending time with her children.  For all your Blue Advantage, Blue Value, Blue Select and Dental Blue needs, Kara brings both personable and professional assistance to the health care industry and the residents of North Carolina and she is pleased to offer her service expertise to help you navigate through the Marketplace to determine subsidy eligibility and to guide you in choosing the best Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina plans 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). 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.

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.

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.

Amanda Morrow is the customer service representative for Jerry Ballard and Associates.  She resides in Morehead City, NC with her husband and 2 sons.  Amanda is responsible for communicating with the applicants and enrolled clients of Jerry and Cathy.  She informs applicants of their application status, assists them with the application process, and continues to support them once enrolled.   Customer service is just a phone call away for your Blue Advantage, Blue Options HSA, Dental Blue, and other health insurance needs.

In her spare time, Amanda enjoys boating, reading, and taking trips to the mountains.  After attending UNC-CH and ECU, Amanda received her Bachelor of Science degree in 1998.  She taught elementary school for several years before entering the medical and health world.  Amanda was a pharmaceutical sales representative for AstraZeneca and St. Jude Medical.  She began working for Jerry and Cathy Ballard in 2007.  Amanda looks forward to working with each and every one of our clients.

 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 qualified 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.