Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Buncombe County
in North Carolina
Buncombe County residents can compare 18 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 Buncombe County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Buncombe County, NC residents compare and enroll in local health insurance plans at no cost, connecting individuals and families to coverage that fits their needs and preferred providers. Whether you work for Mission Hospital, Ingles Markets, or another Buncombe County employer, our licensed agents are here to guide you through every available option.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | PPO | Broad statewide network, 92%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Buncombe County's 271,790 residents, a population that has grown 0.9% in recent years, have access to a wide range of health insurance pathways covering individuals, families, seniors, and workers across all income levels. With 7.0% of residents being foreign-born and a diverse workforce anchored by major employers such as Mission Hospital, Ingles Markets, Buncombe County Schools, the Veterans Administration, and the County of Buncombe, coverage needs vary significantly across the community. The county's health systems, including Mission Hospital, HCA Healthcare, and the VA Medical Center Asheville, provide a strong local care foundation that residents should factor into their plan selection.
ACA Marketplace plans are available for Buncombe County individuals and families who purchase their own coverage, with access to local providers including Mission Hospital and Mission Children's Hospital.
Medicaid coverage serves lower-income Buncombe County residents following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion in December 2023, with care available at facilities such as MAHEC Family Health Center and Minnie Jones Health Center.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by major Buncombe County employers including Mission Hospital, Ingles Markets, and Buncombe County Schools, covering a significant share of the local workforce.
Short-term health plans provide temporary coverage for Buncombe County residents between jobs or waiting for a qualifying life event, offering a bridge to more comprehensive coverage options.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Buncombe County residents who recently left employment with employers such as the County of Buncombe or the Veterans Administration to temporarily maintain their existing group health benefits.
Small business SHOP plans are available for Buncombe County employers with fewer than 50 employees, helping local small businesses offer competitive health benefits to attract and retain workers in the Asheville area.
For 2026, Buncombe County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC network structures, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, providing access to a broad range of local hospitals, specialty practices, and primary care providers throughout the Asheville area. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95% or more of NC doctors, while Blue Care is a PPO network covering 92% or more of NC doctors, giving residents meaningful flexibility in how they access care at facilities such as Mission Hospital, Mission Children's Hospital, Asheville Specialty Hospital, and the VA Medical Center Asheville. Health Plans of NC agents can identify which network tier places your preferred Buncombe County providers at the most favorable cost-sharing levels.
Blue Advantage PPO, the largest nationwide network, includes 95% or more of NC doctors and connects Buncombe County residents to Mission Hospital, Mission Children's Hospital, and Asheville Specialty Hospital.
Blue Advantage PPO provides access to Buncombe County specialty practices including Asheville Cardiology Associates, Asheville Orthopaedic Associates, and Asheville Eye Associates for residents with ongoing care needs.
Blue Care PPO covers 92% or more of NC doctors and gives Buncombe County residents broad statewide access to primary and specialty care, including providers at MAHEC Family Health Center and Minnie Jones Health Center.
Blue Care PPO is well-suited for Buncombe County families who regularly use Mission St. Joseph's Health, Mission Health Partners, or Gastroenterology Mission for ongoing and routine care.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care PPO plans include access to the VA Medical Center Asheville and Mission Hospital McDowell for Buncombe County residents who rely on those facilities for specialized services.
Health Plans of NC agents compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care side-by-side to help Buncombe County residents confirm that their preferred local doctors and hospitals are included in their chosen network.
Bronze plans in Buncombe County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $70,578, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Buncombe County start at $522.41 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums paired with higher deductibles for residents who want catastrophic protection.
Silver plans start at $671.42 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, making them a strong value for many Buncombe County households.
Gold plans start at $694.31 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket costs, making them well-suited for Buncombe County residents with frequent healthcare needs.
Households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that can reduce monthly premiums well below the unsubsidized starting prices listed above.
Some lower-income Buncombe County residents may qualify for a $0 or near-zero premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage genuinely accessible for part-time and seasonal workers common in the Asheville area.
Health Plans of NC agents calculate exact subsidy amounts for Buncombe County residents at no cost, helping families understand their true out-of-pocket premium before enrolling in any plan.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is the sole ACA Marketplace carrier serving Buncombe County, offering 18 ACA-compliant health insurance plans across multiple coverage tiers. These plans are structured around two PPO network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and national provider access for Buncombe County residents. Blue Advantage connects residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, with access to Mission Hospital, Asheville Specialty Hospital, and other key Buncombe County facilities, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide PPO network that includes primary and specialty care providers throughout the region. Choosing between these networks affects which Buncombe County doctors, hospitals, and specialists a resident can visit at in-network cost-sharing rates, making the network selection as important as the plan tier itself. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, ensuring Buncombe County residents select the combination of network, premium, and deductible that best fits their healthcare needs.
Blue Cross NC, PPO plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 total plans available in Buncombe County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, allowing Buncombe County adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level to qualify for low-cost or no-cost coverage through the state program. Buncombe County currently has an 11.9% uninsured rate, representing approximately 32,000 residents, many of whom may now be eligible for Medicaid or a subsidized Marketplace plan without realizing it. Children in 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 at local facilities. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Buncombe County residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Buncombe County who are employed part-time or in seasonal industries and earn at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for Medicaid following the December 2023 expansion.
Children in Buncombe County families with incomes up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP, covering pediatric services at providers including Asheville Children's Medical Center and Mission Children's Hospital.
Pregnant women in Buncombe County may qualify for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, ensuring access to prenatal and delivery care at Mission Hospital and Mission St. Joseph's Health.
Buncombe County seniors with limited income who do not qualify for full Medicaid may be eligible for Medicare Savings Programs that help cover Medicare premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing at local facilities including the Asheville VA Medical Center.
Buncombe County residents with disabilities may qualify for Medicaid regardless of age, with approximately 11.8% of county residents living below the poverty line representing a significant population that may be eligible for free or low-cost coverage.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Buncombe County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side to find the right combination of premium, deductible, and provider network for your situation. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized quotes, confirm your subsidy eligibility, and complete your enrollment with expert local guidance.
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 Buncombe 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 |
Buncombe County ZIP Codes include: 28701, 28704, 28709, 28711, 28715, 28728, 28730, 28748, 28757, 28770, 28776, 28778, 28787, 28801, 28802, 28803, 28804, 28805, 28806, 28810, 28813, 28814, 28815, and 28816
