
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 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 8 |
| Total | 63 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Iredell County, once per carrier.
in Iredell County
Health Plans of NC is a licensed insurance agency authorized by Blue Cross NC. Our agents help individuals, families and self-employed people in Statesville, North Carolina compare health plans and apply for premium tax credits at no cost to you.
Find affordable health insurance in Statesville, North Carolina with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Statesville, North Carolina residents find and compare affordable health coverage for 2026, including plans that connect to local providers at Iredell Health System. Whether you work for one of Statesville's major employers or are self-employed, licensed agents are available at no cost to guide you through every available option.
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 |
Statesville, North Carolina is home to 29,161 residents, with a population growth rate of 0.0 percent since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 11.4 percent, reflecting a diverse community with varied healthcare needs and language preferences. Major employers including Lowe's Companies, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Walmart, Iredell Health, and Lowe's Home Centers provide a mix of employer-sponsored coverage and self-employed situations for local workers. Statesville residents can also access care through Iredell Health System, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Atrium Health, making network compatibility an important factor when choosing a coverage type.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Statesville residents who are not covered through an employer, connecting enrollees to local facilities like Iredell Health System and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
Medicaid provides low-cost or no-cost coverage for eligible low-income Statesville adults and families, especially relevant for those not employed by major local employers like Iredell Health or Lowe's Companies.
Employer-sponsored health insurance through large Statesville employers such as Iredell-Statesville Schools and Walmart often provides group coverage as a core workplace benefit for eligible employees.
Short-term health plans can serve Statesville residents in temporary coverage gaps, such as those recently separated from a position at a major local employer awaiting a new plan start date.
COBRA continuation coverage allows former employees of Statesville employers, including those who worked at Lowe's Home Centers or Iredell Health, to maintain their prior group plan for a limited period after separation.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans give Statesville small business owners a structured way to offer group coverage to employees, supporting local commerce independent of the major employer base.
For 2026, Statesville, North Carolina residents have access to three Blue Cross NC plan networks: Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, each offering a different balance of provider access and cost structure. Blue Advantage and Blue Care operate as plans, giving enrollees broad flexibility to visit local facilities including Iredell Health System, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Atrium Health at in-network rates. Blue Value is a POS plan designed for cost-conscious residents who are comfortable working within a defined network of local providers.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, provides the largest nationwide network with access to 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors, including providers at Iredell Health System and Atrium Health.
Blue Care, an HMO plan, offers a broad statewide network covering 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors, connecting Statesville residents to providers at Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and beyond.
Blue Value, a POS plan, focuses on value-driven coverage with lower premiums, structured around a defined local network suited for Statesville residents who prefer coordinated care.
Plans like Blue Advantage and Blue Care allow Statesville residents to see specialists at Atrium Health or Iredell Health System without a referral, offering greater scheduling flexibility.
Coverage under Blue Value requires care coordination through a primary care physician, which can streamline care for Statesville residents who regularly use a single local health system.
All three plan networks cover the ten essential health benefits required under the ACA, including preventive care, emergency services, mental health coverage, and prescription drugs at local Statesville pharmacies.
Bronze plans in Statesville, 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 $55,492, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans starting at $463.63 per month offer the lowest monthly premiums in Statesville, making them a practical choice for generally healthy residents who want catastrophic protection at minimal monthly cost.
Silver plans starting at $593.60 per month are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying lower-income Statesville residents beyond the premium reduction alone.
Gold plans starting at $626.35 per month carry higher monthly premiums but significantly lower out-of-pocket costs, making them cost-effective for Statesville residents who anticipate frequent medical visits throughout the year.
Statesville residents with incomes near the city median of $55,492 often qualify for premium tax credits that reduce marketplace plan costs well below the published starting prices for Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Households with incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the federal poverty level in Statesville may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan after advanced premium tax credits are applied.
All marketplace plans in Statesville include a federally set annual out-of-pocket maximum, which caps total spending and protects residents from unlimited costs in high-utilization years.
Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers serving Statesville, North Carolina for 2026, offering a total of 27 individual and family health plans across multiple coverage tiers in Rating Area 5. These 27 plans are organized across three distinct networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, each structured as either a PPO or HMO to give residents meaningful choices in how their provider access is configured. Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks connect Statesville enrollees to a broad range of in-state and national providers, while the Blue Value POS network is built around coordinated local care. The network a Statesville resident selects directly determines which providers at Iredell Health System, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Atrium Health can be visited at in-network rates, making plan selection a consequential decision beyond monthly cost alone. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, so Statesville residents can evaluate all 27 options together with full clarity on network, tier, and structure.
Blue Cross NC, offering plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks and a plan under Blue Value, with 27 total plans available in Statesville, North Carolina for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults in Statesville earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level who were not previously eligible. Currently 15.2 percent of Statesville residents, approximately 4,000 people, remain uninsured, and many may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage they have not yet explored. Children in Statesville families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing comprehensive low-cost coverage for minors. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Statesville residents who want to determine whether they or their children qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace subsidies.
Working adults in Statesville who recently lost job-based coverage may now qualify for Medicaid under North Carolina's expanded eligibility rules if their income falls within the threshold.
Children in lower-income Statesville households are often eligible for NC Health Choice, providing dental, vision, and medical coverage at little to no cost to the family.
Pregnant women in Statesville may qualify for Medicaid coverage throughout pregnancy and for a period after delivery under specific income-based eligibility rules that Health Plans of NC can help assess.
Statesville has a poverty rate of 16.4 percent, meaning a meaningful share of local residents may qualify for Medicaid or heavily subsidized marketplace plans and benefit from a free eligibility review.
Adults in Statesville with disabilities or low income who are approaching Medicare age may qualify for dual-coverage programs that combine Medicaid and Medicare benefits to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Statesville, North Carolina residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side-by-side to find the right fit for your budget, health needs, and preferred local providers. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can walk you through enrollment and ensure you do not miss any available savings.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) to speak with a licensed Health Plans of NC agent serving Statesville, 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 Statesville, North Carolina at no charge.
Statesville, North Carolina ZIP Codes include: 28625, 28677, and 28687