Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Carteret 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 Carteret County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Carteret County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Carteret County, NC residents find and enroll in the right health insurance plan at no cost, connecting locals to coverage that fits their healthcare needs and budget. With Carteret Health Care serving as the county's primary hospital system and major employers like Carteret County Schools and Carteret Community College providing a foundation for the local workforce, having the right plan in place is essential for families throughout the region.
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 |
Carteret County's 68,652 residents, a population that has grown 1.4 percent since 2020, have access to a range of health insurance options depending on employment status, income level, and healthcare needs. Major local employers including Carteret County Schools, CarteretHealth, County of Carteret, Walmart, and Carteret Community College offer employer-sponsored coverage to eligible workers, while residents outside those arrangements can access individual and family marketplace plans, Medicaid, short-term coverage, and small business options. With 3.2 percent of Carteret County residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC is available to help all community members navigate their coverage choices at no cost.
ACA Marketplace plans provide Carteret County residents who are self-employed or not covered by an employer with access to Carteret Health Care and local clinics for routine and emergency care
Medicaid coverage is available to income-qualifying Carteret County residents following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, providing low-cost or no-cost access to the county's health systems
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by major Carteret County employers including Carteret County Schools, CarteretHealth, County of Carteret, Walmart, and Carteret Community College to eligible full-time employees
Short-term health plans offer temporary coverage for Carteret County residents who are between jobs, in a coverage gap, or transitioning from one employer to another in this coastal community
COBRA continuation coverage allows Carteret County residents who recently left employment with a qualifying employer to temporarily maintain their existing group health plan benefits
Small business SHOP marketplace plans allow Carteret County small business owners to offer ACA-compliant group coverage to their employees through Blue Cross NC plans available in the county
For 2026, Carteret County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plan types that allow access to a broad range of in-network providers. The Blue Advantage PPO network covers 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, while the Blue Care HMO network covers 95 percent or more of NC doctors, giving Carteret County residents strong local access to providers including Carteret Health Care, Cape Carteret Family Medicine, Carteret Family Medicine, and Carteret Pediatrics and Adolescents. Health Plans of NC helps residents compare plans across both networks side-by-side at no cost to identify the option that best aligns with their preferred local providers.
Blue Advantage PPO, the largest nationwide network, connects Carteret County residents to Carteret Health Care and covers 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors in-network
Blue Care HMO offers Carteret County residents a broad statewide network covering 95 percent or more of NC doctors, including access to local providers like Cape Carteret Family Medicine and Carteret Family Medicine
Both the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks include access to Carteret Pediatrics and Adolescents, making either option suitable for Carteret County families seeking in-network pediatric care
PPO plan structures available through both networks allow Carteret County residents to see specialists without a referral, providing flexibility when accessing Carteret Health Care's specialty services
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans span multiple metal tiers, giving Carteret County residents the ability to select a coverage level that matches their expected healthcare utilization and provider preferences
Bronze plans in Carteret County start at approximately $476.59/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $70,235, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Carteret County start at $476.59 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest available monthly premiums with higher deductibles for catastrophic financial protection
Silver plans start at $612.52 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Carteret County residents
Gold plans start at $633.41 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them well-suited for residents who use Carteret Health Care services frequently
Residents earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs well below the Bronze starting price of $476.59
Some Carteret County residents may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan depending on household income relative to the county's median household income of $70,235
Carteret County residents earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for North Carolina Medicaid rather than a marketplace plan, potentially eliminating monthly premium costs entirely
Blue Cross NC, formally known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, is one of two ACA-compliant marketplace carriers offering plans in Carteret County for 2026, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families. These 18 plans are offered across two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents choices in how broadly they can access in-network providers throughout North Carolina and beyond. The Blue Advantage network provides the largest nationwide PPO coverage, while the Blue Care network delivers a broad statewide HMO option, both of which include Carteret Health Care at 3500 Arendell St in Morehead City as a key in-network facility. Choosing between these networks affects which local providers, including Cape Carteret Family Medicine, Carteret Family Medicine, and Carteret Pediatrics and Adolescents, are covered at in-network rates for Carteret County residents. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping residents identify the plan and network that best matches their provider preferences.
Blue Cross NC (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina), plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available to Carteret County individuals and families for 2026
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, and Carteret County residents earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for free or very low-cost health coverage through the state program. Currently 9.3 percent of Carteret County residents, approximately 6,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of these individuals may be eligible for Medicaid or heavily subsidized marketplace coverage they have not yet claimed. 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 coverage for eligible minors. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Carteret County residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a marketplace plan.
Working adults in Carteret County earning at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion
Children in Carteret County families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage at low or no monthly cost
Pregnant women in Carteret County may qualify for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard expansion limit, providing prenatal and delivery coverage through Carteret Health Care
Carteret County seniors with low income may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously, with Medicaid helping to cover costs that Medicare does not fully address
People with disabilities in Carteret County may qualify for Medicaid regardless of age, and Carteret County's 10.0 percent poverty rate indicates a meaningful share of residents may be eligible for this coverage
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Carteret County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side and guiding locals through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can help you find the right plan for your budget and healthcare needs.
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 Carteret 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 |
|---|---|---|
Carteret Health Care | 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Goshen Medical Center - Morehead City | 202 Penny Ln, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Atlantic Coast Medical Center | 221a Professional Cir, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Beachcare East Urgent Medical Center | 5059 Hwy 70 W, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
CCHC Morehead City Family Practice | 4252 Arendell St Ste H, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Carolinas Urgent Care | 4370 Arendell St Ste A, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Carteret County Health Department | 3820a Bridges St, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Carteret Family Practice | 208a Penny Ln, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Carteret Urgent Care Center | 3104 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Cgh Urgent Care | 3722 Bridges St Suite A, Morehead City, NC 28557 | |
Crystal Coast Family Practice | 505 N 35th St, Morehead City, NC 28557 |
Carteret County ZIP Codes include: 28511, 28512, 28516, 28520, 28524, 28528, 28531, 28553, 28557, 28570, 28575, 28577, 28579, 28581, 28584, 28589, and 28594
