Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Avery County
in North Carolina
Avery County residents can compare 12 health insurance options for 2026.
Blue Advantage gives you access to our largest nationwide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.
More in-network providers in North Carolina, with over 95% of doctors and 98% of hospitals in-network1
Fewer restrictions on which providers you can see
Nationwide access to in-network providers through BlueCard®2
Emergency services covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of where you go for care
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 to residents in all North Carolina counties EXCEPT the following, where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wake, and Yadkin.
Blue Care gives you access to our largest statewide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.
More than 92% of doctors and 97% of hospitals in North Carolina are in-network.1
All doctors outside the Blue Care provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered. Out-of-network benefit coverage is not available except for emergency services, urgent care and for medically necessary covered services when an in-network provider is not reasonably available per the access to care standards of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC).
Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network and not covered. When traveling outside of North Carolina or the United States, only emergency services and urgent care will be covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency services will be out-of-network and not covered.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Avery County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Avery County, NC find and enroll in the right health insurance coverage, working with local employers like Lees-McRae College and health systems like Appalachian Regional Healthcare to ensure every family has access to affordable, in-network care.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | PPO | Broad statewide network, 92%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Avery County is home to 17,643 residents across a scenic western North Carolina mountain community that has seen a population shift of -0.9 percent since 2020, with 4.1 percent of residents born outside the United States. The county's workforce spans major employers including Avery County Schools, NC Dept of Adult Corrections, Sugar Mountain Resort, County of Avery, and Lees-McRae College, each of which may offer different employer-sponsored coverage options. Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland and the broader Appalachian Regional Healthcare system anchor the local healthcare infrastructure, making it essential for residents to match their coverage type to the providers they use most.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Avery County residents who are self-employed, work part-time, or are not offered coverage through employers like Sugar Mountain Resort or the County of Avery.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income Avery County adults and families, with the Avery County Health Department able to assist residents through the enrollment process.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by major local employers such as Avery County Schools and Lees-McRae College, covering a significant share of the county's workforce and their dependents.
Short-term health plans may provide temporary coverage for Avery County residents between jobs or awaiting open enrollment, though these plans do not include the full ACA consumer protections.
COBRA continuation coverage allows eligible Avery County workers who lose employer-sponsored coverage, such as from NC Dept of Adult Corrections or another county employer, to maintain their existing plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans are available to qualifying Avery County small business owners who want to offer group health coverage to employees, with Health Plans of NC available to guide employers through the process.
For 2026, Avery County residents can choose from 12 ACA-compliant health insurance plans offered through Blue Cross NC, spanning two distinct provider networks designed to connect members with local and regional healthcare facilities. Both available networks are PPO-type plans, giving Avery County residents the flexibility to access a wide range of in-network providers without needing a referral. Selecting the right network is especially important for residents who regularly use Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland or specialty services within the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system.
Blue Advantage is a PPO network with the largest nationwide coverage footprint, connecting Avery County members to more than 95 percent of NC doctors and local facilities including Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital.
Blue Care is a PPO network offering broad statewide access, covering more than 92 percent of NC doctors and providing Avery County residents with strong in-network connections to Appalachian Regional Healthcare providers.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care PPO plans allow Avery County members to see specialists such as those at Appalachian Regional Pulmonology and Elk River Medical Associates without requiring a primary care referral.
Residents in Avery County who need access to cancer care at the Seby B. Jones Regional Cancer Center in Watauga County should verify that their chosen network, either Blue Advantage or Blue Care, includes that facility at in-network rates.
Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville is an important local primary care option, and Avery County residents should confirm which Blue Cross NC PPO network best covers their preferred primary care and specialty providers.
Health Plans of NC agents can compare both the Blue Advantage and Blue Care PPO plan structures side by side, helping Avery County residents determine which network aligns with their current doctors and anticipated healthcare needs.
Bronze plans in Avery County start at approximately $563.81/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $57,657, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Avery County start at $563.81 per month before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles suited to generally healthy residents.
Silver plans start at $724.63 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying income levels.
Gold plans start at $749.33 per month before subsidies and carry lower out-of-pocket costs, making them a strong value for residents with frequent healthcare needs.
Avery County residents with household income near or below the county median of $57,657 often qualify for federal premium tax credits that reduce monthly marketplace premiums significantly.
Some lower-income Avery County residents may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after premium tax credits are applied, depending on household size and annual income.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA plans cap the total annual cost-sharing a member pays, providing important financial protection for Avery County residents who use hospital or specialty care regularly.
Blue Cross NC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, is the sole carrier offering ACA marketplace plans in Avery County for 2026, with 12 total plans available to county residents. These plans are structured across two PPO network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each connecting members to a broad range of in-network doctors and facilities throughout western North Carolina. Blue Advantage provides the widest nationwide network reach, while Blue Care offers strong statewide access, and both networks include connections to key Avery County providers through the Appalachian Regional Healthcare system. Choosing between these two networks directly affects whether local facilities such as Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital, Baker Center for Primary Care in Linville, and specialty clinics like Appalachian Regional Pulmonology and Elk River Medical Associates are covered at in-network rates. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost, helping Avery County residents select the plan and network that best fits their providers and budget.
Blue Cross NC (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina), offering PPO plans across two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, with 12 plans available to Avery County residents 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, and Avery County residents who previously fell into the coverage gap may now qualify for the first time. With 14.1 percent of Avery County residents, approximately 2,000 people, currently uninsured, a meaningful number of county households may be eligible for Medicaid or a low-cost marketplace plan without being aware of their options. 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 pediatric coverage at little to no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks and enrollment assistance for Avery County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or another subsidized coverage option.
Working adults in Avery County who earn modest wages and do not have access to affordable employer coverage may qualify for expanded Medicaid at no monthly premium.
Children in Avery County families with income up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage, which includes dental, vision, and preventive care.
Pregnant women in Avery County are eligible for Medicaid coverage with a higher income threshold than the standard adult expansion limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible.
Avery County's poverty rate of 11.0 percent means a significant share of residents may qualify for full Medicaid benefits with very low or no out-of-pocket costs for covered services.
Seniors and adults with disabilities in Avery County who have low income may qualify for dual-eligible status, receiving both Medicare and Medicaid benefits to minimize coverage gaps and cost-sharing.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Avery County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local expert who knows the Avery County market and can help you find the right plan for your needs and budget.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about plans available in Avery County
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
No cost, no pressure. Health Plans of NC agents work for you, not the carrier.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Adventhealth Hendersonville | 100 Hospital Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 684-8501 |
Asheville Specialty Hospital | 428 Biltmore Ave # 4, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5400 |
Asheville VA Medical Ctr | 1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 | (828) 298-7911 |
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Broughton Hospital | 1000 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-2111 |
Caldwell UNC Health Care | 321 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 757-5100 |
Charles A Cannon Jr Meml Hosp | 434 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 737-7000 |
Forum Health Asheville | 1312 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 252-9833 |
Mission Children's Hospital | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Hospital Mcdowell | 430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5000 |
Mission Hospital | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Pardee UNC Health Care | 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 696-1000 |
St Luke's Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
St Lukes Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
UNC Health Blue Ridge | 2201 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-5000 |
UNC Health Care Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Valdese, NC 28690 | (828) 580-7640 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
AMCHC | 225 Patton Ave # 200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 412-5315 |
Apex Brain Ctr | 600 Julian Ln # 650, Arden, NC 28704 | (828) 708-5274 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc-MRN | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-0005 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 589 Peniel Rd, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Children's Med Ctr | 7 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 100a, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 258-0969 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 252-7331 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 782-9330 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Atrium Health At Hm-Hm Med | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 879-9050 |
Atrium Health At Home | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6450 |
Atrium Health Shelby Women's | 446 N Carolina 108, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (980) 487-2570 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Mayland | , Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4113 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Yancy Cmps | 800 Medical Campus Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714 | (828) 682-0200 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr-Yancey Cmps | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 255-7776 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst Blue | 1766 Connelly Springs Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 728-8224 |
Carolinas Medical Ctr At Hm | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6441 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 309 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 326-3803 |
Fastmed Family Medicine | 160 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 210-2835 |
Gastroenterology-Mission | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 2, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Happy Valley Medical Ctr | 1345 NC Highway 268, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 754-6850 |
Keys Of Hope Medical Ctr | 295 Carson St # K, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-6334 |
Levine Cancer Inst-Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 | (828) 580-7536 |
Mars Hill Medical Ctr | 119 Mountain View Rd, Mars Hill, NC 28754 | (828) 689-3507 |
Mauzy-Phillips Ctr | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Children's Outpatient | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Children's Specialists | 11 Vanderbilt Prk Dr # 2ndfloor, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Community Medicine-Brk | 149 W Parker Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-4933 |
Mission Community Medicine-Nb | 339 Nebo School Rd, Nebo, NC 28761 | (828) 652-6326 |
Mission Community Orthopedics | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Community Urological | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Ctr Highway 70 | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-6386 |
Mission Health Ctr Sugar Hill | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-7776 |
Mission Health Mauzy-Phillips | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Partners | 50 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-3250 |
Mission Hospital-Smoking | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5527 |
Mission Hospital-St Joseph | 428 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Mission Medical Oncology | 430 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (800) 506-2550 |
Mission Neurology Svc | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1439 |
Mission Neurology-Outpatient | 1 Hospital Dr # 3200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-9530 |
Mission Orthopedic Trauma Svc | 1 Hospital Dr # 4200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1994 |
Mission Outpatient Svc Sugar | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd # Entranceb, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Mission St Joseph's Health | 890 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 274-7026 |
Mission Urology-Asheville | 1 Hospital Dr # 4100, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 254-8883 |
Mission Urology-Mcdowell | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5700 |
Mission Weight Management | 1 Hospital Dr # 3400, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-4100 |
Mission Women's Care-Spruce Pn | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Workwell-Medical Park | 2 Medical Park Dr # 102, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-9600 |
Occupational Medicine Ctr | 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (828) 286-5508 |
Sloop Medical Office Plaza | 436 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 733-0280 |
Stonecreek Health & Rehab LLC | 455 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 225-3829 |
Surgical Specialist-Carolina | 1998 Hendersonville Rd # 40, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 585-2575 |
Valdese Patient Svc Ctr | 730 Malcolm Blvd # 160, Rutherford College, NC 28671 | (828) 580-7456 |
Avery County ZIP Codes include: 28616, 28622, 28641, 28646, 28647, 28652, 28653, 28657, 28662, and 28664
