Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Bertie 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 Bertie County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Bertie County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Bertie County residents find affordable health insurance for 2026 by connecting them with ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored coverage options. Bertie County's largest employers, including Perdue Farms and the NC Department of Adult Corrections, employ many local residents who may still benefit from reviewing their coverage options each year.
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 |
Bertie County is home to approximately 17,482 residents, with a population that has declined 2.5 percent since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 1.7 percent, reflecting a close-knit rural community with distinct coverage needs. Major employers including Perdue Farms, Bertie County Schools, the NC Department of Adult Corrections, the County of Bertie, and Packers Sanitation Services provide some employer-sponsored coverage, but many workers and families still rely on ACA Marketplace or Medicaid options. ECU Health anchors the local health system through ECU Health Bertie Hospital in Windsor, giving residents a foundation of care that most available plans connect to in some form.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Bertie County working adults and families who do not have access to qualifying employer-sponsored coverage through employers like Perdue Farms or Bertie County Schools.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Bertie County residents following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, providing access to primary and preventive care through the ECU Health system.
Employer-sponsored group health plans offered by major Bertie County employers such as the NC Department of Adult Corrections and the County of Bertie cover many local government and corrections workers.
Short-term health plans can provide temporary coverage for Bertie County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not include all ACA-required benefits.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Bertie County residents who lose job-based insurance through employers like Packers Sanitation Services to maintain their existing plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available for qualifying Bertie County small employers who want to offer group health coverage to their workers and may qualify for small business tax credits.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC offers plans in Bertie County through two distinct provider networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that give enrollees flexibility in accessing providers without requiring referrals. Blue Advantage is the larger of the two networks, covering more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care provides broad statewide HMO access covering more than 95 percent of NC doctors. Both networks connect Bertie County residents to local facilities including ECU Health Bertie Hospital in Windsor, as well as regional ECU Health facilities in Ahoskie, Edenton, and Tarboro.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes more than 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and connects Bertie County residents to ECU Health Bertie Hospital and the broader ECU Health regional system.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers more than 95 percent of NC doctors statewide and provides Bertie County enrollees with broad access to hospitals and specialists across eastern North Carolina.
Blue Advantage lets Bertie County residents see out-of-network providers at a higher cost-share, while Blue Care covers out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care.
Blue Advantage PPO plans are available across multiple coverage tiers, from entry-level high-deductible options to more comprehensive plans with lower out-of-pocket maximums for Bertie County residents.
Blue Care HMO plans offer Bertie County residents a strong statewide network that includes regional referral centers beyond the immediate Bertie County area, useful for specialty care not available locally.
Health Plans of NC agents can help Bertie County residents compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care side-by-side to confirm that ECU Health Bertie Hospital and preferred local providers are in-network before enrolling.
Bronze plans in Bertie County start at approximately $427.27/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $45,931, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Bertie County start at $427.27 per month before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Silver plans in Bertie County start at $549.92 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying lower-income residents.
Gold plans in Bertie County start at $587.73 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket maximums, making them well-suited for residents who use medical services frequently.
Bertie County residents with household incomes between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs by hundreds of dollars depending on family size.
Residents with incomes between 100 percent and 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage available at no monthly cost.
Health Plans of NC provides free personalized quotes with exact subsidy calculations so Bertie County residents know their actual net monthly premium before enrolling in any plan.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of two carriers offering ACA-compliant Marketplace plans in Bertie County, with 18 plans available across multiple coverage tiers. Those 18 plans are offered through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents a choice between the largest statewide network and a broad regional alternative. Blue Advantage connects Bertie County enrollees to more than 95 percent of NC doctors and facilities including ECU Health Bertie Hospital, while Blue Care provides access to more than 95 percent of NC doctors with similarly strong regional reach. The network a Bertie County resident selects directly determines which hospitals, specialists, and primary care providers are covered at in-network rates, making it essential to verify that preferred providers are included before enrolling. Health Plans of NC compares every one of the 18 available Blue Cross NC plans side-by-side at no cost, helping residents identify the right network and coverage tier without navigating the process alone.
Blue Cross NC, plans through Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Bertie County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending eligibility to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level and opening coverage to tens of thousands of previously uninsured residents statewide. In Bertie County, the uninsured rate stands at 11.2 percent, representing approximately 2,000 residents without coverage, many of whom may now qualify for Medicaid or a heavily subsidized Marketplace plan. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides low-cost or free coverage for routine and preventive care. Bertie County's poverty rate of 19.8 percent means a significant share of residents are likely income-eligible for Medicaid, and Health Plans of NC can conduct a free eligibility check to help uninsured residents determine whether they qualify.
Working adults in Bertie County earning at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level now qualify for full Medicaid coverage following North Carolina's expansion.
Children in Bertie County families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, also known as CHIP, which covers pediatric visits, immunizations, and dental care.
Pregnant women in Bertie County qualify for Medicaid coverage at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible.
Seniors and adults with disabilities in Bertie County with low incomes may qualify for Medicaid programs that cover long-term care, home health services, and Medicare cost-sharing assistance.
Bertie County's poverty rate of 19.8 percent means roughly one in five residents may be income-eligible for Medicaid, and many may not yet know they qualify following the 2023 expansion.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Bertie County residents at no cost, comparing all available plans side-by-side and guiding each resident through the enrollment process from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to get a free personalized quote and find out exactly how much your coverage will cost after subsidies are applied.
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 Bertie 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 |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-6600 |
ECU Health Chowan Hospital | 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-8451 |
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital | 111 Hospital Dr, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 641-7700 |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-8011 |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hosp | 500 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3000 |
Martin General Hospital | 310 S Mccaskey Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 | (252) 809-6300 |
Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 449-4500 |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Ctr | 1144 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 335-0531 |
Washington Regional Med Ctr | 958 US Highway 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-4135 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahsk | 226 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3991 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1124 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-2946 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1385 Medical Center Dr # 4942, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9176 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 220 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9268 |
ECU Health Internal Medicine | 104 Mark Dr, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5171 |
ECU Health Multispecialty | 113 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-3047 |
ECU Health Neurology-Edenton | 203 Earnhart Dr # B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5868 |
ECU Health Orthopedics-Roanoke | 171 N Carolina 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-5631 |
ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie | 222 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3440 |
ECU Health Sleep Medicine | 240 Smith Church Rd # A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Halifax Regional Med Ctr Inc | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870, Not AvailableIsland Medical Ctr, 715 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-2500 |
Sentara Vascular Specialists | 5200 N Croatan Hwy # 6, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-6125 |
Signature Healthcare | 305 E 14th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-6181 |
Vidant Sleep Medicine-Roanoke | 240 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Bertie County ZIP Codes include: 27847, 27849, 27872, 27924, 27957, 27967, and 27983
