Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Catawba County
in North Carolina
Catawba County residents can compare 15 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 Value is a good fit if you are flexible about which doctors you see – or if your doctor or hospital is part of this smaller network. The network is statewide, making it easy to get in-network care if you travel or have a child away at college within North Carolina.
Limited statewide network for savings
Network includes, but is not limited to, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health and UNC Health Alliance.
The following doctor/hospital networks are considered out-of-network for Blue Value: Atrium Health (not including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist), Duke Health and WakeMed. Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network. 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 covered services will be covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
Blue Value is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Alexander, Brunswick, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Duplin, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Surry.
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 Catawba County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Catawba County residents find affordable health insurance coverage that fits their needs and budget, with access to local health systems like Catawba Valley Medical Center. Whether you are employed at Corning Optical Communications, self-employed, or between jobs, Health Plans of NC can guide you to the right plan at no cost.
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 |
Blue Value | HMO | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Catawba County is home to 162,051 residents, a population that has grown 0.9 percent since 2020, with 6.7 percent of residents being foreign-born, reflecting the county's diverse and expanding community. Major employers including Corning Optical Communications, Catawba Valley Medical Center, Catawba County Schools, Catawba County Government, and Walmart provide a range of employment situations that shape how residents access health coverage. Health Plans of NC works with Catawba County residents across all coverage types to ensure they have access to providers including Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC offer comprehensive individual and family coverage for self-employed residents, part-time workers at local businesses, and those not covered through an employer.
Medicaid coverage provides free or low-cost health benefits to income-qualifying Catawba County residents, including workers in lower-wage positions at major local employers.
Employer-sponsored insurance is available to many full-time employees at large Catawba County employers such as Corning Optical Communications and Catawba County Schools, often with shared premium costs.
Short-term health plans can provide temporary coverage for Catawba County residents between jobs or waiting for employer benefits to begin at a new position.
COBRA continuation coverage allows employees who leave positions at Catawba Valley Medical Center, Catawba County Government, or other local employers to maintain their existing group plan for a limited time.
Small business SHOP plans are available to Catawba County employers like local retailers and service providers who want to offer group health benefits to their teams through the ACA marketplace.
For 2026, Catawba County residents can choose from plans offered under three Blue Cross NC networks, including Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, each structured to connect enrollees to local providers at in-network rates. Blue Advantage and Blue Care are PPO plans offering broad provider access, while Blue Value is an HMO plan designed for cost-conscious enrollees who prefer a more structured care model. All three networks are designed to include access to key Catawba County health systems such as Catawba Valley Medical Center and Frye Regional Medical Center in Hickory.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, provides the largest nationwide coverage with more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, including providers at Catawba Valley Medical Center.
Blue Care, a PPO network, offers broad statewide access with more than 92 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, connecting Catawba County residents to a wide range of local specialists.
Blue Value, an HMO network, is a value-focused plan with lower monthly premiums, structured around a defined network of providers including local Catawba County facilities.
PPO plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care allow Catawba County residents to visit specialists without requiring a primary care referral, offering greater scheduling flexibility.
HMO plans under Blue Value coordinate care through a primary care provider, which can help residents near Frye Regional Medical Center manage ongoing healthcare needs in a structured way.
All three plan networks are available across multiple coverage tiers, giving Catawba County residents the ability to choose both a network type and a cost-sharing level that fits their health needs.
Bronze plans in Catawba County start at approximately $482.73/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $64,544, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $482.73 per month before subsidies for a 35-year-old in Catawba County, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who use care infrequently.
Silver plans start at $620.43 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Catawba County residents.
Gold plans start at $641.58 per month before subsidies and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services regularly.
Catawba County residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can bring monthly costs well below the Bronze starting price.
Some lower-income Catawba County residents may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan through enhanced subsidy rules, making comprehensive coverage accessible at no monthly cost.
The county's median household income of $64,544 places many two-person and small family households within the subsidy-eligible range for meaningful ACA premium assistance on Blue Cross NC plans.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is the sole ACA Marketplace carrier serving Catawba County, offering a total of 15 plans across multiple coverage tiers. These plans are available through three distinct networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, which differ in network size, referral requirements, and monthly premium levels. Blue Advantage and Blue Care are PPO networks that provide broad provider access across North Carolina, while Blue Value is an HMO network structured around a more defined set of local and regional providers including those in the Hickory area. The network a Catawba County resident selects directly determines which hospitals, specialists, and primary care providers are covered at in-network rates, making network selection as important as tier selection when comparing plans. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side for Catawba County residents at no cost, so enrollees can make an informed decision without paying broker fees.
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, offering PPO and HMO plan types across Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value networks, with 15 plans available in Catawba County 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, which opened eligibility to many Catawba County residents who previously had no coverage options. Currently, 11.8 percent of Catawba County residents, approximately 19,000 people, remain uninsured, and a meaningful share of this group may now qualify for Medicaid or the Children's Health Insurance Program under expanded eligibility rules. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, North Carolina's CHIP program, which provides comprehensive pediatric coverage at little or no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Catawba County residents who want to find out whether they or their children qualify for Medicaid or CHIP before enrolling.
Working adults in Catawba County who earn low wages and lack employer-sponsored coverage may qualify for expanded Medicaid following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Catawba County households with moderate incomes may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage, which covers doctor visits, dental care, and preventive services.
Pregnant women in Catawba County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, labor and delivery services, and postpartum follow-up at local health facilities.
Catawba County's poverty rate of 12.8 percent means a significant share of residents may meet income thresholds for full Medicaid benefits at no monthly premium cost.
Seniors and people with disabilities in Catawba County with limited income may qualify for dual eligibility under both Medicaid and Medicare, reducing out-of-pocket costs across most healthcare services.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Catawba County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side and walking you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who knows the Catawba County market and can help you find the right coverage for your needs and budget.
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 Catawba 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 |
|---|---|---|
Atrium Health Cabarrus | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Atrium Health Cleveland | 201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150 | (980) 487-3000 |
Atrium Health Kings Mountain | 706 W King St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | (980) 487-5000 |
Atrium Health Lincoln | 433 Mcalister Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092 | (980) 212-2000 |
Atrium Health Pineville | 10628 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-1000 |
Atrium Health Stanly | 301 Yadkin St, Albemarle, NC 28001 | (704) 984-4000 |
Atrium Health Union West Hosp | 1000 Healing Way, Matthews, NC 28104 | (800) 821-1535 |
Atrium Health Union | 600 Hospital Dr, Monroe, NC 28112 | (980) 993-3100 |
Atrium Health University City | 8800 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-6000 |
Atrium Health Waxhaw | 2700 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173 | (704) 667-6800 |
Atrium Health's Carolinas Med | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-2000 |
Carolinas Continue Care Hosp | 10648 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-8050 |
Carolinas Continuecare Hosp | 8800 N Tryon St # 4, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-8300 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst | 501 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 | (704) 444-2400 |
Carolinas Rehabilitation | 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-4300 |
Caromont Regional Medical Ctr | 2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054 | (704) 834-2000 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 326-3000 |
Davis Regional Medical Ctr | 218 Old Mocksville Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 | (704) 873-0281 |
Frye Regional Medical Ctr | 420 N Center St # 20, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 315-5000 |
Iredell Memorial Hospital | 557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 | (704) 873-5661 |
Jeff Gordon Children's Ctr | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Lake Norman Regional Med Ctr | 171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 | (704) 660-4000 |
Levine Children's Hospital | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 381-2000 |
Novant Health Charlotte Ortho | 1901 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 | (704) 316-2000 |
Novant Health Hemby Children's | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4021 |
Novant Health Huntersville Med | 10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 | (704) 316-4000 |
Novant Health Matthews Med Ctr | 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105 | (704) 384-6500 |
Novant Health Mint Hl Med Ctr | 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC 28215 | (980) 302-1000 |
Novant Health Presbyterian Med | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4000 |
Novant Health Rowan Med Ctr | 612 Mocksville Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 210-5000 |
WG Hefner Salisbury Dept | 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 638-9000 |
Catawba County ZIP Codes include: 28601, 28602, 28603, 28609, 28610, 28613, 28650, 28658, 28673, and 28682
