With all the changes in health insurance due to the Affordable Care Act, you may be facing Open Enrollment 2015 with a sense of dread, but don’t worry!  Jerry Ballard and Associates is here to help.  We understand how difficult and confusing the process of applying for health insurance can be and it is our pleasure to help you make it through with as little stress as possible.  If you are our customer, and need assistance making changes to your existing BCBSNC health plan or you are trying to obtain new health coverage, we are more than happy to help you choose the perfect plan for you and your family.

Because of the changes brought about by the Affordable Care Act, it is more important than ever for you to have a BCBSNC Authorized Agent to assist you with your application and other insurance needs.  Negotiating the government Marketplace and trying to determine subsidy eligibility can be overwhelming to say the least.   Between effective date deadlines, trying to make payments, and understanding various plans and benefit coverages, it is easy to feel lost.  Having an agent who is knowledgeable, concerned and easy to talk to can make all the difference in the world.  Further, there is almost nothing more frustrating than being placed on hold for extended periods of time or being unable to speak to a live person when you need it most.  At Jerry Ballard and Associates, we guarantee that will not be your experience.

Insurance is what we sell, but customer service is what we do best and we are committed to giving our clients the very best of our knowledge and attention.  We value your time and understand your concerns and we are prepared to meet the challenges of Open Enrollment 2015 with your family’s needs in mind.  November 15th and the start of Open Enrollment is just around the corner and we know you have a choice when it comes to your health insurance agent.  Let us show you what makes not only a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan the very best you can buy, but also what makes Jerry Ballard and Associates the agency you want in your corner.

Whether you are looking for Blue Advantage, Blue Select, Blue Value, or Dental Blue, Jerry Ballard and Associates is your agency of choice for Open Enrollment 2015.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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 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.

 

These days it seems like everything is getting more expensive.  The price of gas will often increase overnight with almost no explanation.  For that reason and because our members deserve to be informed, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina wants you to understand why you may see a rate increase in your health insurance premium for 2015.  As the Affordable Care Act’s (ACA) second Annual Enrollment Period begins on November 15th, there are some overall trends that have contributed to premium rate increases for ACA plans, grandfathered plans and transitional plans alike.

There are a number of factors that have contributed to this increase, including:

• Lower enrollment of younger, healthier customers in ACA plans to help offset risk and medical costs
• The introduction of new, expensive medical treatments that are being used heavily by ACA plan customers
• Expansion of mental health benefit coverage for ACA plans
• Two closed plans (grandfathered and transitional), which do not allow new, younger and healthier customers to enter.  There is a greater increase in the transitional group because many of the healthier customers have left this group at a rate higher than we expected

The Affordable Care Act has brought not only a change in the way consumers purchase insurance, but also a change in the demographic of the insured.  These changes have required that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina make some necessary adjustments.  Although you may see an increase in your premium rate in 2015, it is not without benefit to you.  BCBSNC is offering the largest choice of networks and plans for customers and is still the only insurer offering plans in all 100 North Carolina counties on the Health Insurance Marketplace.  In addition, these plans do not require gatekeepers or referrals when you find yourself in need of a healthcare specialist and benefits have been expanded in some areas of medical coverage.

Understandably, rate increases are a delicate subject and Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC understands that our consumers have not only healthcare concerns, but budget concerns as well.  That is why BCBSNC offers 35 plan options, allowing you the flexibility to choose the level of coverage you want at a price you are willing to pay.  As we welcome in a New Year, we want to remind you that Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is committed to quality health coverage at an affordable price.  Despite the 2015 rate increases, a Blue Advantage, Blue Select or Blue Value health plan offers you coverage you can count on all year long.  With the largest network of providers in North Carolina, preventive care covered at 100%, and emergency coverage without added complications, see why a BCBSNC health plan is still your very best option.  To get your free 2015 rate quote, click here.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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 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.

Open Enrollment 2015 is just around the corner and Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is ready!  

Open Enrollment begins November 15th and runs through February 15th, so if you are currently uninsured, you will be able to apply and obtain coverage very shortly.  Although Open Enrollment will not begin until mid-November, you can begin getting prepared even now.  In fact, there are a number of questions you can ask yourself, as well as some important pieces of information you can gather so that you are as ready as BCBSNC to successfully navigate Open Enrollment 2015.

As you are considering applying for health insurance, there are a few important things to consider:

• Are you looking for a policy for yourself or are you including family members on your policy?
• Do you think you will qualify for a government subsidy? (Subsidies are based on your Modified Adjusted Gross Income and the number of people in your household)
• What kind of Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC health plan are you looking for?  Do you prefer a high deductible plan or something with co-payments?
• How important is the size of the network when it comes to health providers in your area?

Also, remember that if you are applying for a government subsidy, in order to secure an effective date of January 1st, you must complete your application by December 15th.

The Affordable Care Act has created a lot of change and because of that you may have a lot of questions.  Don’t let Open Enrollment overwhelm you.  BCBSNC wants to put you and your family members into a health plan that will offer you a large network of providers, preventive care covered at 100% and coverage you can count on in case of emergencies.  Finding the perfect plan is important and BCBSNC offers a variety of health plan options to best fit your family’s needs.

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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 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.

 

 

 

 

 

Did you know that walking will not only trim your waistline, but also improve your health?  It’s true.  You can actually walk your way to wellness.  Physical activity doesn’t need to be complicated and something as simple as a daily brisk walk can help you live a healthier life.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC promotes physical fitness and an active lifestyle, resulting in less health problems and a healthier you.

BCBSNC is committed to making sure you are as healthy as you can be and preventive care and wellness maintenance are a big part of every BCBSNC health plan.  Simple, low impact, and highly effective, walking is a wonderful way to stay well!

Keep in mind that the faster and farther and more frequently you walk, the greater the benefits.  It is also important to consider your technique when walking your way to health and fitness.  Turning your normal, everyday stride into a fitness walk requires good posture and purposeful movements.  Also, don’t forget that walking with a friend or even your pet is not only a good safety measure, but also good to help keep you motivated to maintain a fitness routine.

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Stress is a normal psychological and physiological response to the ever-increasing demands of daily life.  Surveys show that many Americans suffer from stress at some point during the year and is it any wonder?  Managing the pressures of work, home and family can be taxing to say the least and the stress created can take a toll on both body and mind.  For that reason, stress management is an increasingly important part of preventive care, and BCBSNC is committed to making preventive care a top priority.

In looking at the causes of stress, remember that your brain comes hard-wired with an alarm system for your protection.  When your brain perceives a threat, it signals your body to release a burst of hormones to fuel your capacity for a quick response, often called the “fight-or-flight” response.  Once the threat is gone, however, your body is meant to return to a normal, relaxed state.  Unfortunately, the nonstop stress of modern life means that your alarm system rarely shuts off.   Without stress management, your body oftentimes remains on high alert and over time, high levels of stress can negatively affect your health, quality of life or relationships.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina understands the importance of stress management in maintaining good health.

One way to manage stress effectively is to practice relaxation.  In fact, developing relaxation techniques is an essential part of stress management.  If you are an overachiever, you may put relaxation low on your priority list, but don’t shortchange yourself.  Purposeful relaxation intended to recharge your mind and body is widely recognized as an important habit of highly effective individuals.  Common relaxation techniques include meditation, tai chi and yoga, but there are more active ways of achieving relaxation as well.  For example, walking outdoors or participating in sports activities can also help reduce stress and create a more relaxed mind and body.  No matter which relaxation technique you choose, it is important that you select a technique that works for you and one that you can practice regularly to help reduce stress.

Taking a positive step toward stress free living will get you one step closer to a healthy lifestyle and that makes BCBSNC smile.  Get your free rate quote now and enjoy all the benefits of becoming a member of BCBSNC.

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

One of the main focuses of Health Care Reform is making it easier for consumers to compare plans as they shop for health insurance. Therefore, health insurance plans have been separated into metallic levels (bronze, silver, gold and platinum) to indicate the level of coverage and insurance benefits in each plan.

•BRONZE: Medical costs are covered at approximately 60%. Ideal for people who want lower monthly premiums and don’t expect to need a lot of medical services.

•SILVER: Medical costs are covered at approximately 70%. Ideal for those who want to keep their monthly premiums and out-of-pocket medical costs more balanced.

•GOLD: Medical costs are covered at approximately 80%. If you receive medical services regularly, and you’re okay with paying a higher monthly premium to have more of your health care costs covered, this level of plan is one to consider.

•PLATINUM: Medical costs are covered at approximately 90%. If you receive medical services frequently, and  you’re willing to pay more each month for the lowest health care costs, consider this plan level.

All health insurance plans must fall within these metallic levels in 2014, except for the catastrophic plans for people under 30 or that meet certain hardship requirements. Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC catastrophic plans, however, do meet bronze level requirements.

All plans have an out-of-pocket (OOP) limit of $6,350.1 This includes costs such as prescription drugs, copayments, etc. Your OOP limit does not include premiums or costs not covered by BCBSNC. Family plans have a higher OOP limit of $12,700. (You may, however, have a plan with a lower OOP limit.)

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

 

Having a baby is stressful enough without added financial pressure and that is why Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is proud to offer maternity care at no additional charge.   In the past, many insurance companies could turn a woman down if she applied for coverage while she was pregnant and many health plans considered pregnancy a pre-existing condition. Under the Affordable Care Act, however, all qualified health insurance plans now cover pregnancy and childbirth and this is true even if your pregnancy begins before your coverage takes effect.

What this means is that BCBSNC will not increase your premium based on your sex or health condition, including conditions such as pregnancy.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of NC is committed to Women’s Health and that is why covering the basics of pregnancy and childbirth at no additional cost is a fundamental part of essential coverage.

Once your baby is born, breastfeeding and Primary Care Interventions to promote breastfeeding are also covered at 100%, including certain breast pumps.  In addition, a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan will cover your baby’s wellness visits and vaccinations at 100% so that you can be sure your post pregnancy health needs are also met.  Because Blue really does love babies, a BCBSNC individual health plan includes pediatric dental and vision coverage, up to age 19 so that you can not only have your baby, but raise your baby with confidence that his or her health needs are covered.

Babies make the world a nicer place to live and a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina health plan makes having a baby a nicer experience.

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

In August, 2014 Jerry Ballard 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 was recognized for outstanding performance and production in the field of health insurance.   Jerry has led the company in individual sales for the last 10 consecutive years and has also been awarded by Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) membership in its President’s Club as a top agent every year since its inception.  Jerry is a Charter Member of that exclusive group and has been serving both groups and individuals in the insurance business throughout North Carolina for over 40 years.

Jerry  leads his company with an impressive team of Agents that provide exemplary service to all of their customers throughout North Carolina.  Jerry expanded his business model to the internet in 2000 providing customers the opportunity to shop for their health insurance online 24/7.  Jerry resides in Morehead City, North Carolina with his wife and business partner, Cathy.

GO BLUE – AVOID UPCOMING TAX PENALTIES

In 2014, the Affordable Care Act mandates that all taxpayers purchase health insurance or pay a tax penalty when reconciling taxes.  In addition, the penalty will increase every year until 2016.  Below is a list of the graduating tax penalty as outlined in the Affordable Care Act.

• 2014: a minimum of $95 per year or up to 1% of annual individual income (whichever is greater)

• 2015: a minimum of $325 per year or up to 2% of annual individual income (whichever is greater)

•2016: a minimum of $695 per year or up to 2.5% of annual individual income (whichever is greater)

To avoid having to pay these penalties, get your Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina FREE RATE QUOTE today.  BCBSNC offers a variety of health insurance plans and premiums that will work for both you and your budget.  To find the plan that suits you best, click here.

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

To help make health care more affordable, the federal government offers advance premium tax credits, or subsidies, to low-to middle-income individuals and families. Your subsidy is an advance premium tax credit and is applied directly to your premium. Government subsidies reduce the amount you pay for your insurance plan.

To be eligible for a subsidy, you must meet certain requirements.

• Be between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level (FPL).
• Not eligible for public coverage, such as Medicaid, the Children’s Health Insurance Program,  Medicare or military coverage, such as Tricare.
• Not have access to minimal essential coverage through an employer. (An exception may be made if your employer’s plan does not cover at least an average of 60% of covered benefits or if the employee’s share of the premium is more than 9.5% of his or her income.  Employers can tell you if their plans meet these criteria.)

Subsidies can be used on any plan you choose except for grandfathered plans and catastrophic plans for those under 30. How much of a subsidy you qualify for is based on income and household size.

Our free BCBSNC Rate Quote offers a calculator to determine if a subsidy may be available to you.

2016 POVERTY GUIDELINES FOR THE 48 CONTIGUOUS STATES AND THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA
Persons in family/household	100% Poverty guideline	250% Poverty guideline	400% Poverty guideline
1	$11,770	$29,425	$47,080
2	$15,930	$39,825	$63,720
3	$20,090	$50,255	$80,360
4	$24,250	$60,625	$97,000
5	$28,410	$71,025	$113,640
6	$32,570	$81,425	$130,280
7	$36,730	$91,825	$146,920
8	$40,890	$102,225	$163,560
For each additional person, add:	$4,020	$10,050	$16,080

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For more information on Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina 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.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Negotiating new terminology is one of the toughest parts to understanding all the recent changes in health care policies and procedures.  Terms like “open enrollment,” “government subsidies,” and “qualifying life event (QLE)” can be confusing even to the most thorough students of health insurance and the Affordable Care Act.  When applying for health coverage, however, understanding these terms and how they can affect your health care options is an absolute imperative.

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.  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.  If you do not have one of these Qualifying Life Events, you may not purchase health insurance during Special Enrollment and must wait until the Open Enrollment Period.  This is not a Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina policy, but rather a policy of the federal government under the Affordable Care Act with which BCBSNC must comply.

Basically, a Qualifying Life Event is a specific circumstance that has altered your life—and there are strict guidelines to determine exactly what qualifies.  For example, a recent  marriage, divorce or birth of a child are all events that would make you eligible to enroll in health coverage during a Special Enrollment period, so long as you enroll within 60 days of that life altering event.  Losing previously held health insurance involuntarily is another example of a Qualifying Life Event, as is changing your permanent place of residence. If your income increases so that you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, you are also able to enroll in new coverage during a Special Enrollment Period.  Because the list of Qualifying Life Events is so varied, however, it is worth investigating whether you qualify to enroll during a Special Enrollment period.

Although the terminology can be confusing, it is important for you to understand what constitutes a Qualifying Life Event because it can have a huge impact on your ability to purchase health insurance.  In addition, the effective date of your coverage will depend on your QLE and the date of your application.

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.

 

Everyone knows you have to pay for health insurance, but did you know there is also a cost to being uninsured?  Under the Affordable Care Act there is a price to pay for not carrying health insurance. The penalty incurred for being uninsured is sometimes called the “individual responsibility payment” or the “individual mandate,” and the fine in 2014 is calculated one of two ways.  If you or your dependents do not have health insurance that qualifies as minimum essential coverage you will pay either 1% of your yearly household income or $95 per person, whichever is greater, for the year ($47.50 per child under 18).

Please note, however, that the penalty increases every year.  In 2015 it is 2% of income or $325 per person and in 2016 and later years it is 2.5% of income or $695 per person.  Also, it is important to remember that even if you pay the penalty, you still do not have health coverage and are responsible for 100% of your medical care.

The important thing to understand is that not only is health insurance a prudent decision for your life, it is also a wise choice for your wallet.  Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) offers an array of affordable health plans  that not only save you from unwanted out of pocket medical expenses, it can also save you the cost of being uninsured.  For a complete definition of what qualifies as minimum essential coverage and a comprehensive look at how the tax penalty for being uninsured is calculated review the Affordable Care Act guidelines with IRS.

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 Obamacare. Call us for details.