Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Bladen 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 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 56 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Bladen County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Bladen County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Bladen County, NC residents find and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage, connecting locals to plans that work with health systems like Southeastern Health and employers such as Smithfield Foods. Whether you are shopping for individual, family, or small business coverage, Health Plans of NC compares every available option at no cost.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Bladen County is home to 29,591 residents, with a population that has seen a slight decline of 0.1 percent since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 2.8 percent, reflecting a rural community with diverse coverage needs. Major employers including Smithfield Foods, Bladen County Schools, Bladen County government, C R England, and Dynapar Corporation offer varying levels of workplace benefits, making it important for residents to understand all available coverage pathways. Health systems such as Bladen County Hospital and Southeastern Health anchor local care, and residents can access coverage through several distinct program types depending on their employment and household situation.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Bladen County residents who do not have access to job-based coverage through employers like Smithfield Foods or Dynapar Corporation.
Medicaid is available to qualifying low-income Bladen County adults and families, with access to primary and preventive care at Bladen County Hospital and Southeastern Health.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by some of Bladen County's largest employers, including Bladen County Schools and Bladen County government, covering employees and their dependents.
Short-term health plans can provide temporary coverage for Bladen County residents between jobs at employers like C R England or transitioning between benefit periods.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Bladen County workers who leave qualifying employers to temporarily maintain their existing group health plan while seeking new coverage.
Small business SHOP plans through the ACA Marketplace allow smaller Bladen County employers, including local businesses near Southeastern Health facilities, to offer group coverage to their employees.
For 2026, Bladen County residents have access to ACA Marketplace plans under two Blue Cross NC networks: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow access to a broad range of in-network providers. Blue Advantage carries the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care offers broad statewide HMO coverage, and both networks are built to include key local providers such as Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare in Elizabethtown and area clinics like CommWell Health and Bladen Medical Associates. Residents should confirm their specific preferred providers are in-network for the plan they select, especially those who rely on specialty rotating clinics or behavioral health services available locally.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and connects Bladen County residents to Cape Fear Valley-Bladen Healthcare and providers statewide.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and provides Bladen County residents with broad statewide access including local clinics like CommWell Health.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Bladen County residents to access Bladen Medical Associates locations in Elizabethtown and Bladenboro at in-network rates.
PPO plan structures under both networks give Bladen County residents the flexibility to see specialists without requiring a primary care referral, which is valuable in a rural county.
Residents who use Bladen Kids Care Pediatrics or the Bladen County Health Department should verify that their chosen network includes those providers before completing enrollment.
Health Plans of NC can confirm which specific 2026 Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans include your preferred Bladen County providers before you enroll.
Bronze plans in Bladen County start at approximately $476.59/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $44,528, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $476.59 per month for a 35-year-old in Bladen County before any premium tax credits are applied, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles.
Silver plans start at $612.52 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for qualifying Bladen County households.
Gold plans start at $633.41 per month before subsidies and offer lower out-of-pocket costs per medical visit, making them a strong fit for Bladen County residents with frequent healthcare needs.
Households earning up to 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits, which can bring monthly costs well below the sticker prices listed above.
Some Bladen County residents with incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a Silver plan with a $0 or near-zero monthly premium after tax credits.
Health Plans of NC provides free personalized quotes with exact subsidy calculations so Bladen County residents know their true monthly cost before enrolling.
Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers serving Bladen County for 2026, offering a total of 18 plans across multiple coverage tiers. These 18 plans are structured around two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and nationwide provider access. Blue Advantage connects Bladen County residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care provides broad statewide HMO access that includes key local facilities in the Elizabethtown area. The network a Bladen County resident selects directly determines which hospitals, primary care clinics, and specialists they can access at in-network rates, making that choice especially consequential for residents who depend on locally available rural healthcare services. Health Plans of NC compares all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side-by-side at no cost, helping every Bladen County household find the right fit.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available to Bladen 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, a threshold that captures a meaningful portion of Bladen County's population given the county's poverty rate of 21.2 percent. Currently, 8.9 percent of Bladen County residents, approximately 3,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or a subsidized Marketplace plan without being aware of their eligibility. 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 low-cost coverage for pediatric care. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks and can help Bladen County residents apply for Medicaid or CHIP at no cost.
Working adults in Bladen County who are employed in low-wage positions and earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under NC expansion.
Children in Bladen County households earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for NC Health Choice, the CHIP program, which provides comprehensive pediatric benefits.
Pregnant women in Bladen County qualify for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than standard adults, ensuring prenatal and delivery care coverage for qualifying households.
Bladen County residents with disabilities who meet federal income and functional criteria may qualify for Medicaid, which covers long-term services, behavioral health, and specialty care.
With a poverty rate of 21.2 percent in Bladen County, a significant share of local households may qualify for Medicaid at little to no cost, and Health Plans of NC can verify eligibility for free.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Bladen County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side-by-side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to get personalized help finding the right plan for your household.
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 Bladen 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 |
|---|---|---|
Brynn Marr Hospital | 192 Village Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546 | (910) 577-1400 |
Cape Fear Vly Bladen County | 501 S Poplar St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 | (910) 862-5100 |
Columbus Regional Healthcare | 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC 28472 | (910) 642-8011 |
Dosher Memorial Hospital | 924 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461 | (910) 457-3800 |
ECU Health Duplin Hospital | 401 N Main St, Kenansville, NC 28349 | (910) 296-0941 |
Naval Medical Ctr Camp Lejeune | 100 Brewster Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547 | (910) 450-4357 |
New Hanover Regional Med Ctr | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7000 |
New Hanover Regl Med Ctr-Rehab | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7835 |
NHRMC Betty H Cameron Women's | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7360 |
Novant Health Brunswick Med | 240 Hospital Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 | (910) 721-1000 |
Novant Health New Hanover | 5301 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 667-8100 |
Onslow Memorial Hospital | 317 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546 | (910) 577-2345 |
Pender Memorial Hospital | 507 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | (910) 259-5451 |
Sampson Regional Medical Ctr | 607 Beaman St, Clinton, NC 28328 | (910) 592-8511 |
Southeastern Regional Med Ctr | 300 W 27th St, Lumberton, NC 28358 | (910) 671-5000 |
UNC Health Southeastern | 4300 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC 28358 | (910) 608-3078 |
Bladen County ZIP Codes include: 28306, 28320, 28332, 28337, 28384, 28392, 28399, 28433, 28434, and 28448
