Did you know that smoking is not only bad for your health, but also hard on your wallet?  If your Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance premium is higher than you like, consider quitting.  Although under the ACA, health insurance companies are no longer allowed to ask any health questions, you still have to answer as to whether or not you are a tobacco user.  And if you are, your rate can increase by 20%!  Reducing the cost of your health insurance premium is another good reason to make this year the year you quit tobacco for good. (more…)

With Open Enrollment rapidly approaching, you have a number of choices regarding your health insurance provider.  If you intend to enroll in health coverage for 2016 or if you need to make a change to your current health insurance plan, consider choosing Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina.  As with anything else in life, you get what you pay for, which is why BCBSNC has earned a quality reputation for its long-standing commitment to the residents of North Carolina.  Although there are a number of insurance companies offering health plans both on and off the federal Exchange, Blue Cross Blue Shield NC has the largest presence in the state and is well-known for being a name you can trust in the health insurance industry. (more…)

If you are recently married, congratulations!  You just took a big step in your life and with that step comes big changes.  In fact, getting married within the last 60 days qualifies as a “Life Event” under the rules of the Affordable Care Act, which means you are eligible to enroll in a Qualified Health Plan during the Special Enrollment Period.  Although Open Enrollment 2016 will not begin until November 1st, your recent marriage may allow you to purchase health insurance now. (more…)

At NChealthplans we love our pets!  This is a picture of Goose who regularly comes to work and makes our days at the office just a little bit brighter.  Pets make almost anywhere a happier place, but did you know that regular interaction with an animal can actually improve your health?  It’s true!  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is a big proponent of preventive care and although your insurance policy won’t cover pet ownership as one of the benefits, pets can have a huge impact on your health.  In fact, surveys show that pet owners gain health benefits and visit the doctor 10% less than those without pets.  Pet owners have lower blood pressure, experience less sleep disorders and are in better overall physical condition than non-pet owners.  In addition, studies also indicate that acquiring a pet will actually increase the health of the pet owner, while pet owners whose pets die can actually suffer subsequent decreases in overall health and well-being.

Interestingly enough, any pet will do!  From horses to dogs to goldfish, any kind of pet can keep you healthier.  One of my son’s friends has  a hedgehog named Patches and honestly just looking at this little guy makes me feel better.

Although the exercise of walking a dog will obviously increase health benefits, it appears that what really matters when it comes to health and pet ownership is the companionship a pet provides.  Owning and caring for a pet provides both mental and physical stimulation, both of which contribute to healthier living. (more…)

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…)

Because nothing is quite so nice as seeing a child’s eyes light up, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina offers vision coverage for children as a part of every BCBSNC health plan.  Our eyesight is one of the things we are most dependent on, but did you know that in young children vision problems aren’t always obvious?  (more…)

At Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, preventive care is a top priority.  In fact, every Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan offers preventive care covered at 100%.  Of course, one of the most important parts of your preventive care regimen is maintaining a healthy diet.  As studies have shown over the last few years, drinking water is one of the simplest and healthiest things you can do to ensure you are giving your body what it needs for optimal functionality.  If you’re like me, however, drinking enough water on a daily basis can be tough.  Sure, while I’m at the gym or outside on a scorching hot day, I drink plenty of water without complaint.  When I’m sitting at my desk or enjoying a nice dinner, however, I tend to have more difficulty choosing a glass of water over some other tastier beverage. (more…)

By now, most of us have heard the terminology, but what exactly is a Special Enrollment and what constitutes a Qualifying Life Event?

Under the Affordable Care Act, there are two different periods in which an individual may apply for health insurance.  The first is referred to as Open Enrollment and during this time any person may apply for health coverage for any reason, as well as make changes to any existing health insurance policy.  During Special Enrollment, however, there are more restrictions and a person is required to have what is referred to as a Qualifying Life Event (QLE) in order to acquire health insurance.  (more…)

For most of us, if we are in the market to buy a new television one of the first things we do is research and compare costs.  After all, no one wants to pay more than they have to for a product when other similar products are available.  For health care procedures, however, comparing costs has never been simple.  Until now.  (more…)

It’s that time of year again- back to school and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina encourages preventive care for your school-aged children!  Every year when school starts, exposure to all kinds of viruses and bacteria increases.  It’s simply unavoidable.  Our kids are back together in one place sharing space, air, restrooms and possibly even pencils and all it takes is one sick child in the group to create a ripple effect.  (more…)

With back to school comes back to youth sports and if your children are participating, it’s important to make sure they are covered in case of accident or injury.  The soccer fields, football stadiums, volleyball courts, and swimming pools are full once again with school-aged children gearing up for a full season of team training and competitive sports.  Accidents and injuries are bound to occur and when they do, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina has you covered! (more…)

You’ve worked a lot of years and are ready to retire, but you’re not yet 65 and eligible for Medicare.  What can you do to avoid a gap in health coverage?  A Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina individual under 65 health plan can keep you covered until Medicare is available.  (more…)