Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Beaufort County
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 Beaufort County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Beaufort County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Beaufort County, NC residents find and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage, working alongside major local employers like ECU Health and PCS Phosphate to make sure every resident has access to the right plan for their needs.
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 |
Beaufort County is home to 44,597 residents and has experienced a population change of -0.1% since 2020, with 3.4% of residents identifying as foreign-born, making it important that coverage options are accessible and clearly explained for a diverse community. Major employers in the county include PCS Phosphate, Beaufort County Schools, ECU Health, River City Construction, and the County of Beaufort, each of which creates different insurance needs depending on employment type and household circumstances. Health Plans of NC helps residents navigate every available coverage pathway, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid to employer-sponsored options, so that no Beaufort County household is left without a viable route to coverage.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Beaufort County residents who are self-employed, work for employers like River City Construction that may not offer group benefits, or who are between jobs and need individual or family coverage.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Beaufort County residents following North Carolina's expansion, including workers in seasonal or part-time roles at local employers who may not qualify for job-based insurance.
Employer-sponsored health plans are offered through major Beaufort County employers such as Beaufort County Schools, ECU Health, and the County of Beaufort, typically providing shared premium costs and broad network access.
Short-term health coverage may be available to Beaufort County residents who miss open enrollment or need temporary protection while transitioning between jobs at local employers or relocating into the county.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Beaufort County workers who leave jobs at employers like PCS Phosphate or ECU Health to temporarily maintain their existing employer plan while seeking a longer-term coverage solution.
Small business SHOP plans are available to Beaufort County small business owners and their employees, offering group coverage options that help local businesses compete with larger employers in attracting and retaining workers.
For 2026, Beaufort County residents have access to 18 ACA-compliant plans through Blue Cross NC, structured across two plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both of which connect enrollees to providers throughout the ECU Health system including ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO network covering 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, giving Beaufort County shoppers meaningful flexibility in how they access primary care, specialist visits, and hospital services. Health Plans of NC helps residents compare these networks side-by-side at no cost to identify which plan best aligns with their preferred local providers.
Blue Advantage, PPO, provides access to the largest nationwide network with 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, including ECU Health Beaufort Hospital and regional facilities like ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville.
Blue Care, HMO, offers a broad statewide network covering 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, connecting Beaufort County residents to ECU Health Beaufort Hospital and surrounding ECU Health system providers.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks include access to ECU Health Maynard Children's Hospital in Greenville, which is relevant for Beaufort County families seeking pediatric specialty care outside the immediate county.
Plan structures available within Blue Advantage and Blue Care include options across Bronze, Silver, and Gold metal tiers, allowing Beaufort County residents to choose the cost-sharing level that best fits their healthcare usage.
Catastrophic plans are available within the Blue Cross NC network for Beaufort County residents under age 30 or those who qualify through a hardship exemption, providing low-premium protection against major medical events.
Health Plans of NC agents compare every Blue Advantage and Blue Care plan available in Beaufort County side-by-side, helping residents confirm that their preferred doctors, clinics, and hospital systems are included in-network before enrolling.
Bronze plans in Beaufort County start at approximately $401.70/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $57,997, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Beaufort County start at $401.70 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premium with higher deductibles for residents who want catastrophic financial protection.
Silver plans start at $516.45 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Beaufort County residents.
Gold plans start at $533.89 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services frequently.
Beaufort County residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly premiums on a sliding scale based on income.
Some Beaufort County residents with incomes near the lower end of the subsidy range may qualify for a $0 monthly premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, depending on household size and composition.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA-compliant plans cap annual cost exposure for Beaufort County enrollees, protecting households from unlimited medical bills in the event of a serious illness or hospitalization.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers serving Beaufort County, offering 18 plans across individual and family coverage. These plans are structured under two distinct networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide provider access for Beaufort County shoppers. Blue Advantage connects enrollees to the largest nationwide network with 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care provides a broad statewide network covering 95% or more of NC doctors, both designed to reach local providers including ECU Health Beaufort Hospital in Washington and ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Choosing between these networks matters significantly in Beaufort County because access to specific hospitals, specialist practices, and primary care clinics depends on which Blue Cross NC plan structure a resident selects. Health Plans of NC compares every available plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Beaufort County residents confirm in-network access to their preferred providers before enrolling.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Beaufort County for 2026 across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to Beaufort County adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, opening eligibility to thousands of residents who previously fell into a coverage gap. Approximately 10.5% of Beaufort County residents, roughly 5,000 people, currently remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or heavily subsidized Marketplace coverage under the expanded program. Children in Beaufort County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for pediatric care. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Beaufort County residents who want to find out whether they or their family members qualify for Medicaid or CHIP without any obligation to enroll in a paid plan.
Working adults in Beaufort County whose income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Beaufort County families are eligible for NC Health Choice, the state CHIP program, providing affordable pediatric coverage for households that earn too much to qualify for Medicaid but still need assistance.
Pregnant women in Beaufort County may qualify for Medicaid coverage with expanded income thresholds that extend beyond the standard adult eligibility limit, covering prenatal and postpartum care at local providers.
Beaufort County's poverty rate of 18.0% means a substantial share of local residents may be eligible for Medicaid at little to no monthly cost, particularly those who are not connected to employer-sponsored coverage.
Seniors and residents with disabilities in Beaufort County may qualify for Medicaid as a secondary payer alongside Medicare, helping cover costs like copays, long-term care services, and prescription drugs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Beaufort County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side to find the best fit for your budget, providers, and coverage needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who can walk you through enrollment and make sure you do not miss your coverage window.
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 Beaufort 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 |
|---|---|---|
Carolina East Medical Ctr | 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (252) 633-8111 |
Carteret Health Care | 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 | (252) 499-6000 |
Cherry Hospital | 1401 W Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 947-7000 |
ECU Health Beaufort Hosp A | 628 E 12th St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4100 |
ECU Health Maynard Children's | 2102 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-3714 |
ECU Health Medical Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-4100 |
UNC Lenoir Health Care | 100 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 522-7000 |
Walter B Jones Alcohol & Drug | 2577 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 830-3426 |
Wayne MEMORIAL Hospital | 2605 Medical Office Pl, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 731-6112 |
Wayne UNC Health Care | 2700 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 736-1110 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Abhishek K Mishra MD | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Acupuncture Of Eastern NC | 1425 S Glenburnie Rd # 6, New Bern, NC 28562 | (252) 665-3294 |
Audit-Tel | , Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-3331 |
Cape Carteret Family Medicine | 1057d Cedar Point Blvd # D, Cedar Point, NC 28584 | (252) 764-2121 |
Community Care Plan-Eastern | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0830 |
East Carolina Heart Inst | 526 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-5755 |
East Carolina Univ Family Med | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-4611 |
East Coast Onsite Medical Care | 505 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 754-2273 |
Ecu Department-Family Medicine | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-2607 |
ECU Health Bover Hospital | 1209 Brown St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4308 |
ECU Health Family Medicine-LA | 101 S Carey St, La Grange, NC 28551 | (252) 566-4021 |
ECU Health Gamma Knife Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-2611 |
ECU Health Gastroenterology | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0800 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 701 Doctors Dr # B, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
ECU Health Sleep Ctr-Grnvll | 4 Doctors Park Medical Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-7500 |
Goshen Medical Ctr-Fremont | 109 S Sycamore St, Fremont, NC 27830 | (919) 242-4382 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 2001 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (910) 219-1082 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 325 N Carolina Highway 55, Mount Olive, NC 28365 | (919) 658-5900 |
Healthfirst Medical Ctr Inc | 1201 Carolina Ave, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 833-0365 |
Lindsey Roberson FNP | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Med Center 1 | 1688 E Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-1464 |
Miracles In Sight | 620 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 751-0785 |
Snow Hill Medical Ctr | 1106 Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | (252) 747-2921 |
UNC Family Medicine At Rswd | 2600 US Highway 70 W, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 739-4808 |
Vidant Medical Ctr | 3900 E 10th St, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 847-4325 |
Vidant Outpatient Rehab | 2310 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-6603 |
Vitality Health & Wellness | 1429 E Fire Tower Rd # 104, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 364-2802 |
Westcare Innovative Healthcare | 2710 Beddard Rd, Grimesland, NC 27837 | (252) 754-0920 |
Beaufort County ZIP Codes include: 27806, 27808, 27810, 27814, 27817, 27821, 27860, 27865, and 27889
