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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)

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…)