Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in New Bern, 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.
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 | 18 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 28 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Craven County, once per carrier.
in Craven County
Find affordable health insurance in New Bern, North Carolina, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps New Bern, North Carolina residents find affordable health coverage for 2026, connecting individuals and families with plans that include access to CarolinaEast Medical Center and other key local providers. Whether you are shopping for yourself, your family, or your small business, licensed agents are available to guide you through every option at no cost.
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 |
New Bern, North Carolina is home to 31,563 residents and has seen stable population growth of 0.0 percent since 2020, with foreign-born residents making up 5.4 percent of the community, reflecting a diverse population with a wide range of health coverage needs. Major employers including MCAS Cherry Point, Carolina East Health System, Craven County Schools, BSH Home Appliances, and Craven County provide employer-sponsored coverage to many workers, while others rely on ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or other options to access care at facilities like CarolinaEast Medical Center. Understanding all available coverage pathways ensures that every New Bern resident can find a plan that fits their employment situation, household size, and health needs.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC are well-suited for New Bern residents who are self-employed, work part-time, or do not receive benefits through employers like Craven County Schools or BSH Home Appliances.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income New Bern residents, providing access to care at CarolinaEast Medical Center and other local providers at little or no cost.
Employer-sponsored plans through major New Bern employers such as Carolina East Health System and MCAS Cherry Point offer group coverage that typically includes strong local provider access and shared premium costs.
Short-term health plans may serve as a temporary bridge for New Bern residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not cover the full range of benefits available through ACA Marketplace plans.
COBRA continuation coverage allows New Bern residents who recently left employment with organizations like Craven County or BSH Home Appliances to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans give New Bern small business owners a structured way to offer group health benefits to employees, with access to provider networks that include CarolinaEast Medical Center.
For 2026, New Bern residents shopping on the ACA Marketplace have access to plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow members to access a broad range of providers without requiring referrals for specialist visits. Blue Advantage connects New Bern policyholders to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide HMO network, both of which include key local providers serving Craven County. Health Plans of NC agents can walk New Bern residents through exactly which local doctors, specialists, and facilities are in-network under each plan before enrollment.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, connects New Bern residents to the largest nationwide provider network, giving policyholders access to over 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, including providers at CarolinaEast Medical Center.
Blue Care, an HMO plan, offers a broad statewide network covering over 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, making it a strong option for New Bern residents who primarily seek care within the state.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow New Bern residents to see specialists in nearby regional hubs such as Greenville, Jacksonville, and Morehead City without needing a referral from a primary care provider.
Blue Advantage PPO plans are well-suited for New Bern residents who travel frequently or may need to access healthcare providers outside of North Carolina through the plan's nationwide network coverage.
Blue Care HMO plans are a practical choice for New Bern residents who receive most of their care locally through providers affiliated with CarolinaEast Medical Center and the surrounding Craven County provider community.
Health Plans of NC agents compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care side by side for each New Bern resident to confirm that their preferred local doctors and facilities are in-network before selecting a 2026 plan.
Bronze plans in New Bern, North Carolina start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. Silver plans start at $593.60/month. Gold plans start at $626.35/month. With a median household income of $56,893, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $463.63 per month for a 35-year-old in New Bern before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premium with a higher deductible for residents who want protection against major medical events.
Silver plans start at $593.60 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for New Bern residents who qualify based on income.
Gold plans start at $626.35 per month before subsidies and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services regularly.
New Bern residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can meaningfully reduce monthly costs across all plan tiers.
Some New Bern residents with incomes just above the Medicaid eligibility threshold may qualify for enhanced subsidies that bring Silver plan premiums down to zero dollars or near zero per month.
Health Plans of NC provides free side-by-side cost comparisons for every available 2026 plan, including exact subsidy estimates based on each household's income and size in New Bern.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers serving New Bern, North Carolina for 2026, offering a total of 18 plans across multiple coverage tiers in Rating Area 5. These 18 plans are available through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving New Bern residents meaningful choice in how broadly they can access providers across the state and nation. Blue Advantage connects policyholders to the largest nationwide network, while Blue Care provides a robust statewide network, both of which include providers serving the New Bern area and Craven County. Choosing between these networks affects whether a New Bern resident can access out-of-state providers seamlessly or whether their coverage is centered primarily within North Carolina's provider community. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost, helping New Bern residents select the right network and tier for their providers and budget.
Blue Cross NC, offering plans under the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, with 18 total ACA Marketplace plans available in New Bern, North Carolina for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which opened eligibility to many New Bern residents who previously lacked affordable options. Currently, 7.7 percent of New Bern residents, approximately 2,000 people, remain uninsured, and a meaningful portion of this group may now qualify for Medicaid or other low-cost coverage under the expanded program. 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 comprehensive coverage for younger New Bern residents. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so New Bern residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in New Bern who earn low wages and do not have access to employer-sponsored coverage may qualify for Medicaid following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in New Bern whose families earn up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, offering comprehensive low-cost health coverage through the state CHIP program.
Pregnant women in New Bern may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery services, and postpartum care through providers in the Craven County network.
New Bern residents aged 65 and older with low incomes may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously, often called dual eligibility, which can significantly reduce out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
With a poverty rate of 16.3 percent in New Bern, a substantial share of the local population may meet income thresholds for Medicaid or cost-sharing reduction assistance, and Health Plans of NC can verify eligibility at no charge.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve New Bern, North Carolina residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can find the right plan for your household, budget, and local providers.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) to speak with a licensed Health Plans of NC agent serving New Bern, 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
No cost, no pressure. Compare every 2026 plan available in New Bern, North Carolina at no charge.
New Bern, North Carolina ZIP Codes include: 28560, 28561, 28562, 28563, and 28564
