The federal government recently reported that significant payments were made to health insurance companies as a result of the Affordable Care Act, which may lead consumers to believe that insurers are making more money than ever… and at your expense.  With the rise in insurance premiums in 2015 and the expected rise in premiums again in 2016, it’s a reasonable assumption.  For Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, however, the opposite is true.  (more…)

If you are currently in the market for health insurance, you know all too well how stressful it can be.  Whether you lost coverage unexpectedly or are losing coverage in the near future, it can be overwhelming to consider how you will keep your family covered.  (more…)

In the fall of 2010, The University of North Carolina system mandated insurance coverage for students at all of its 16 institutions throughout the state.  In fact, over the last few years, more and more higher education institutions have joined the insurance bandwagon as they realize the benefits of knowing their students are covered in case of accident or illness.   By 2015, most colleges and universities now require a proof of insurance before students can begin taking classes… which can present an interesting problem. (more…)

One of the major concerns for Americans with the initiation of the Affordable Care Act was whether or not individuals would be able to stay with their employer’s group plan if they so desired.  The answer is yes.  The ACA did not mandate individual coverage versus group coverage, but simply mandated minimum essential coverage for every individual.  Oftentimes, that coverage can be obtained through an employer or a group health plan.

However, with the rise in the cost of insurance, many Americans are now asking the opposite question:  must I continue with my group coverage or can I pursue a more affordable individual option for either myself or my family members?  (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…)

Recently, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina posted an article called From the Mountains to the Sea:  NC Weekend Escapes, which is definitely worth the read if you are looking for a good vacation idea.  The article hit home with me because I just happen to have enjoyed two recent North Carolina excursions, one to the mountains of Blowing Rock and one to the ocean off Ocracoke.  (more…)

For anyone who’s ever had a baby or anyone who is expecting to have a baby, you know all too well.  A baby changes everything!  There are so many new things to think about and determining the proper amount of health coverage for your new bundle of joy is one of the most important.  (more…)

As a licensed agent for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, I am almost always thinking about insurance and other health related issues.  This week, however, my first born started Driver’s Ed, making thoughts of health and accident insurance exponentially more personal as visions of my teenage son behind the wheel of a car have my heart palpitating and my blood pressure on the rise.  (more…)

Under the Affordable Care Act, young adults are now eligible to remain on their parents’ Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health insurance policies up to age 26, even if they are not full time students.  (more…)

“When will my coverage begin?” is one of the questions we are most frequently asked here at Jerry Ballard and Associates.  And it’s a good one.  In fact, it’s one of the most important questions you can ask regarding your health insurance plan.  (more…)

I grew up in the generation of Jaws, when a great white shark became the subject of most children’s nightmares.  As a kid, I didn’t spend much time at the ocean, but I can remember having moments when I even felt afraid to be in the deep end of a swimming pool, my imagination run wild with images of young girls being pulled under and gobbled up by vicious man-eating sharks.  As an adult, I have watched my children spend endless hours bobbing up and down in the waves of both the Pacific and the Atlantic and although I know there is nothing they would rather do than boogie board, I still catch myself feeling moments of panic at the thought of what might be lurking out in the water just inches from my offspring.  For years, I have told myself that this is foolish thinking and forced myself to give my children the freedom they need to enjoy one of the greatest things on earth – a day at the beach.

But this year, I’m having second thoughts.  (more…)

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina appreciates the dedication and sacrifice of all military personnel and for good reason.  Did you know that North Carolina is one of the leading states when it comes to enlistment rates in the Armed Forces?  In fact, the entire South Atlantic region of the United States, of which North Carolina is a part, enlists between 6.0 and 6.5 individuals per every 1000 people ages 18-24.  That amounts to a lot of soldiers, airmen, corpsmen and marines from our great state alone. (more…)