Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Jacksonville, North Carolina
in North Carolina
Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Blue Advantage is a PPO health plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offering the company's largest nationwide network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. More than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals are in-network, and coverage travels with you nationwide through the BlueCard® program, which is accepted in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Because it's a PPO, Blue Advantage gives you the fewest restrictions on which doctors you can see: no referrals to see a specialist, and out-of-network care is still covered (at a lower benefit level). It typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans, so it's the plan we recommend when provider choice and nationwide access matter more than getting the lowest possible premium.
Blue Advantage is built for people who want the fewest restrictions on which doctors they can see. It's a strong fit if you travel frequently for work or split time between two states, have an established specialist relationship you don't want to disrupt, want emergency care covered at the in-network rate anywhere in the world, or simply value provider choice over the lowest possible monthly premium.
It's a weaker fit if you rarely leave North Carolina and don't need nationwide access. In that case, Blue Care offers nearly identical in-state provider access at a lower premium, and one of the regional Blue Home plans may lower your premium even further if your doctors belong to a single health system.
Nationwide network – Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Network: Anywhere in the U.S. and abroad2; 95%+ of NC doctors.1
Out-of-area care: Covered (lower benefit level).
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Notes
Blue Cross NC Provider Internal Data; percentages indicated represent the Blue Cross NC PPO Network as of April 7, 2025.
Covered in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association BlueCard program. www.geo-blue.com/ (Accessed March 2025). BlueCard coverage varies for each Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage.
Blue Advantage is available on and off Marketplace in all North Carolina counties, except the following where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Advantage is a PPO, which means you don't need a referral to see a specialist, and you're never limited to a single network — you're just paying more if you step outside it. If you see an in-network provider, you get the plan's full benefit level. If you see someone out-of-network, the plan still pays, just at a reduced benefit level, and you're responsible for the difference.
Because Blue Cross NC has more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network, most members rarely need to use that out-of-network benefit — but it's there if your situation calls for it.
Blue Advantage is the only Blue Cross NC individual plan built for people who leave the state. Through the BlueCard® program, your in-network benefits travel with you anywhere in the U.S. — so if you split time between two states, have kids away at college, or travel for work, you're not stuck finding a new plan or a new doctor.
Emergency care is covered at the in-network rate worldwide, including in nearly 200 countries and territories through BlueCard Worldwide®.
Blue Advantage typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans like Blue Care or the regional Blue Home plans. That's the trade-off for the broadest network and out-of-network safety net Blue Cross NC offers. Like every Blue Cross NC ACA plan, it's available in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
If nationwide access isn't something you need, it's worth comparing Blue Advantage against Blue Care or a Blue Home plan first — you may get nearly identical in-state coverage for meaningfully less.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your specific doctors are in-network, check what subsidy you qualify for, and compare Blue Advantage against the other six Blue Cross NC plans with you — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Advantage is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan. That means you can see out-of-network providers — you’ll just pay more — and you generally don’t need a referral to see a specialist. It’s the most flexible network Blue Cross NC offers.
Yes. Blue Advantage includes nationwide in-network access through the BlueCard® program, and emergency care is always covered at the in-network benefit level no matter where you are — including in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Yes, Blue Advantage is available in all 100 North Carolina counties. In 25 of them it’s available off-Marketplace only, meaning you’d enroll directly (through an agent or Blue Cross NC) rather than through HealthCare.gov. A Health Plans of NC agent can handle either path for you.
Both give you nearly the same broad in-state network (about 95% of NC doctors), but Blue Advantage is a PPO that adds nationwide out-of-network coverage, while Blue Care is an HMO limited to North Carolina with no out-of-network benefit except emergencies. Blue Advantage costs a bit more for that added flexibility.
Our recommendation: choose Blue Advantage if you travel, split time between states, or want maximum provider choice; choose Blue Care if you stay in NC and want to save on premium.
Statewide NC network
Blue Care is an HMO health plan from Blue Cross NC that offers the company's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network — at a lower monthly premium than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO.
The trade-off for that lower premium is that Blue Care keeps your care inside North Carolina: outside of urgent and emergency situations, only in-network NC providers are covered, and there's no out-of-network benefit. For NC residents who rarely travel, Blue Care delivers almost the same broad provider choice as Blue Advantage for less money — which is why we often recommend it as the best-value option for people who stay in-state.
Blue Care fits residents who live and receive their care entirely within North Carolina, want broad in-state provider choice without paying for nationwide coverage they won't use, and are comfortable with no out-of-network benefit outside of emergencies.
It's a poor fit if you split time between states, have kids at out-of-state college, or travel frequently for work — non-emergency care outside North Carolina isn't covered. If that's you, Blue Advantage is the better choice.
Statewide network – Statewide NC network
Network: North Carolina only. A large network, with more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency / urgent only.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Care is an HMO built on Blue Cross NC's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network. It's priced lower than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO because it trades nationwide access for coverage that stays inside North Carolina.
Outside of emergency and urgent care, only in-network NC providers are covered — there's no out-of-network benefit to fall back on, so it's worth confirming your specific doctors participate before you enroll.
Blue Care is sold in every NC county except Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake — those counties fall inside the Triangle-area service area for the Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance plan instead. If you live in one of the excluded counties, Blue Care isn't available to you regardless of which providers you use.
Because the in-state network is nearly as broad as Blue Advantage's, most Blue Care members never notice a difference in provider choice day to day — the difference only shows up if you need care outside North Carolina.
Blue Care's premium runs lower than Blue Advantage's specifically because it removes the nationwide and out-of-network safety net. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your doctors are in-network, check your subsidy, and compare Blue Care against Blue Advantage and the regional plans — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Yes. Blue Care is structured as an HMO with a statewide North Carolina network. Outside of urgent and emergency situations, care is only covered when you use in-network NC providers.
Only urgent and emergency care is covered outside your Blue Care network. Routine or non-emergency care while traveling out of state is not covered, so Blue Care is best for people who receive their care in North Carolina.
Blue Care isn’t offered in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, or Wake counties. In several of those counties, Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is offered instead.
Limited statewide network
Blue Value is a Blue Cross NC plan offering a limited statewide network at a lower monthly premium than broader-network options. The network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance — but it does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Unlike the single-system Blue Home plans, Blue Value spans several regional systems, but it's still a limited network built to keep premiums low. We recommend it for generally healthy individuals and families who prioritize the lowest premium and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals they use — as long as you confirm your providers are in the Blue Value network first.
Good fit if you're generally healthy and rarely need specialist care, prioritize the lowest possible premium over provider choice, and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals you use.
Poor fit if you're managing an ongoing condition and want a stable relationship with one large hospital system, or if your regular doctors are with the excluded parts of Atrium Health, Duke Health, or WakeMed.
Limited network – Limited statewide network
Network: A limited multi-system NC network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency services and urgent care outside of NC are covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency covered services are covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Value is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Alexander, Brunswick, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Duplin, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Surry.
Blue Value trades network breadth for the lowest premium among Blue Cross NC's individual plans. Unlike the single-system Blue Home and Blue Local plans, it spans several regional health systems rather than just one — but the network is still limited. Care from providers outside the Blue Value network is covered only at the higher-cost out-of-network benefit level, so you pay the least by staying with the specific systems in the network.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare (including Lake Norman Regional Medical Center), Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health — so a provider being “Atrium” or “Duke” isn't enough to confirm coverage; the specific facility matters.
Because the network mixes several systems rather than centering on one, this plan works best for people who don't have an established relationship with a specific health system and are comfortable confirming coverage facility-by-facility.
Blue Value is generally the lowest-premium option Blue Cross NC offers, which makes it attractive if you're healthy and expect to use care infrequently. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit based on income and household size.
This plan is available across 15 counties, mostly in the western Piedmont and southeastern coastal areas of the state.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your specific providers are in the Blue Value network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against the others — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Value is positioned as a lower-premium option because it uses a limited network. Whether it’s actually the cheapest for you depends on your age, county, and subsidy eligibility, so get a personalized quote to confirm.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Emergency and urgent care are covered at the in-network rate anywhere. All other care outside North Carolina is covered only at the higher out-of-network benefit level, so Blue Value is best for people who get their care in NC.
Every Blue Cross NC individual plan comes in three “metal” tiers that describe how you and the plan split covered costs. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premium but pay about 60% of covered costs, so you pay roughly 40% when you use care. Silver plans pay about 70% (you pay ~30%), and Gold plans pay about 80% (you pay ~20%) in exchange for a higher premium.
As a rule of thumb: Bronze suits people who rarely use care and want the lowest premium, Gold suits people who use regular or ongoing care, and Silver is the middle ground. Silver is also the only tier that unlocks Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — extra savings on deductibles and copays if your income qualifies — so many subsidy-eligible shoppers get the best overall value from a Silver plan. A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can run the numbers for your situation at no cost.
The most important step before choosing any plan is confirming your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in that plan’s network. Networks differ a lot between Blue Cross NC plans — a doctor who is in-network on one plan may be out-of-network, and far more expensive, on another.
You can check each plan’s provider directory on bcbsnc.com, or — the easier route — call a Health Plans of NC agent at 800-797-0327 and we’ll verify your specific providers before you enroll, at no charge.
Most North Carolinians who buy their own coverage qualify for a premium tax credit — a subsidy based on your income and household size that lowers what you pay each month. Subsidy amounts and eligibility rules can change from year to year, so the only way to know your real price is to run a personalized quote.
Health Plans of NC can check your subsidy eligibility and show you the after-subsidy premium for any of these plans for free. Call 800-797-0327 or request a quote online.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs each fall (generally starting November 1) for coverage that begins the following year. Outside that window, you can still enroll if you have a qualifying life event — such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby — which opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
Because enrollment dates and rules can change, it’s worth confirming the current deadline. A Health Plans of NC agent can tell you whether you’re eligible to enroll right now — call 800-797-0327.
Nothing. Health Plans of North Carolina is an independent, authorized agency licensed to sell Blue Cross NC plans, and our help — comparing plans, checking your doctors, estimating subsidies, and enrolling — is completely free to you. Agents are paid by the insurance company, and the plan price is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
Call 800-797-0327 to talk with a licensed local agent.
| Carrier | Distinct plans |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC | 27 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 37 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Onslow County, once per carrier.
in Onslow County
Find affordable health insurance in Jacksonville, North Carolina, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Jacksonville, North Carolina residents find the right health insurance coverage, whether they are connected to Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River or working for Onslow County Schools. Our licensed agents guide Jacksonville families through every available plan option at no cost, making the enrollment process straightforward and stress-free.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Value | POS | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Jacksonville, North Carolina is home to 73,507 residents and has seen stable population growth of 0.0 percent since 2020, reflecting a community that is established and deeply rooted around major employers such as Camp Lejeune, MCAS New River, the Marine Corps Exchange, Onslow County Schools, Walmart, and the County of Onslow. With 6.0 percent of residents born outside the United States, coverage options must serve a diverse population with varying healthcare needs, all supported by local health systems including Onslow Memorial Hospital and Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune. From ACA Marketplace plans to military-connected programs, Jacksonville residents have a wide range of coverage pathways available to them.
ACA Marketplace coverage provides Jacksonville residents with individual and family plans that connect to local providers at Onslow Memorial Hospital and Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Jacksonville and Onslow County residents following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, supporting families throughout the region.
Employer-sponsored health plans are offered by major Jacksonville employers including Onslow County Schools, the County of Onslow, and the Marine Corps Exchange, covering a large share of the local workforce.
TRICARE and military health programs serve active-duty personnel and their families stationed at Camp Lejeune and MCAS New River, with care provided through Naval Hospital Camp Lejeune.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Jacksonville residents who leave employment with local employers such as Walmart or Onslow County Schools to temporarily maintain their existing group health benefits.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Jacksonville's independent business owners and small employers who want to offer group coverage and access potential federal tax credits.
For 2026, Jacksonville, North Carolina residents can choose from plans under three Blue Cross NC networks, including PPO, HMO and POS structures, each designed to connect enrollees with local providers at facilities such as Onslow Memorial Hospital. Blue Advantage offers PPO flexibility and Blue Care offers broad statewide access, while Blue Value provides a POS option with lower premiums for those comfortable with a more limited statewide network. Each network has distinct coverage breadth across North Carolina, so selecting the right plan type directly shapes which specialists and hospital services are available in-network.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, gives Jacksonville residents access to the largest nationwide provider network, covering more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors and connecting to Onslow Memorial Hospital.
Blue Care, an HMO network, offers broad statewide coverage reaching more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors, providing Jacksonville families with strong access to local and regional specialists.
Blue Value, a POS network, delivers value-focused coverage with lower monthly premiums, making it a practical choice for Jacksonville residents who prefer coordinated care through a primary care physician.
Blue Advantage PPO plans let Jacksonville residents see out-of-network providers at a higher cost when seeking specialized care beyond Onslow Memorial Hospital, while Blue Care covers out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care.
POS coverage under Blue Value lets members choose an in-network primary care provider to help coordinate care, and no referrals are needed to see specialists within the Jacksonville area.
All three networks cover the 10 ACA-required essential health benefits, including emergency services, prescription drugs, preventive care, and mental health treatment for Jacksonville enrollees.
Bronze plans in Jacksonville, North Carolina start at approximately $439.77/month before subsidies. Silver plans start at $576.48/month. Gold plans start at $604.90/month. With a median household income of $54,069, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Jacksonville, North Carolina start at $439.77 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who want protection against major medical events.
Silver plans begin at $576.48 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Jacksonville residents.
Gold plans start at $604.90 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them well suited for Jacksonville residents who use medical services frequently.
Premium tax credits are available to Jacksonville residents earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and enhanced subsidies extend savings to many households near the city median income of $54,069.
Some Jacksonville residents with incomes just above the Medicaid threshold may qualify for a zero-dollar-premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage essentially free.
Out-of-pocket maximums on ACA plans cap annual cost exposure for Jacksonville enrollees, providing financial protection against unexpected high-cost care at local hospitals and specialty providers.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers serving Jacksonville, North Carolina for 2026, offering a total of 27 individual and family health insurance plans within Rating Area 11. These plans are available across three distinct networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, spanning PPO, HMO and POS plan structures to give Jacksonville residents meaningful flexibility in how they access care. Blue Advantage connects enrollees to the largest nationwide provider network, Blue Care delivers broad statewide HMO access, and Blue Value provides a POS option with value-focused premiums, all with connections to Jacksonville-area healthcare providers. The network a Jacksonville resident selects determines which local facilities, primary care physicians, and specialists are available in-network, making this decision consequential for everyday healthcare access. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost to Jacksonville residents, ensuring each family or individual finds the coverage that best fits their needs.
Blue Cross NC, offering plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks and plans under Blue Value, with 27 total plans available in Jacksonville, North Carolina for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, making low-income adults in Jacksonville eligible for free or low-cost coverage if their household income is at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Currently, 10.4 percent of Jacksonville residents, approximately 8,000 people, are uninsured, and many may qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage without realizing it. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost comprehensive coverage for thousands of young Jacksonville residents. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for all programs, helping Jacksonville families determine the best coverage pathway in a single no-cost consultation.
Working adults in Jacksonville earning at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level now qualify for NC Medicaid following the December 2023 expansion, opening coverage to many previously uninsured residents.
Children in Jacksonville families can access NC Health Choice (CHIP) if household income falls at or below 210 percent of the federal poverty level, providing affordable pediatric coverage including dental and vision benefits.
Pregnant women in Jacksonville may qualify for Medicaid coverage with higher income thresholds than standard adult Medicaid, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible throughout Onslow County.
With a poverty rate of 13.5 percent in Jacksonville, North Carolina, a substantial share of residents may be eligible for no-cost Medicaid coverage and are encouraged to verify their status with Health Plans of NC.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities in Jacksonville with limited income may qualify for dual Medicaid and Medicare coverage, reducing out-of-pocket costs for prescription drugs and long-term care services.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Jacksonville, North Carolina residents at absolutely no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side to find the right fit for each individual or family's health needs and budget. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized guidance, confirm your subsidy or Medicaid eligibility, and enroll in coverage with confidence.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) to speak with a licensed Health Plans of NC agent serving Jacksonville, North Carolina
Email [email protected] with questions about plans available in your zip code
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
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Jacksonville, North Carolina ZIP Codes include: 28540, 28541, and 28546
