Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Chowan 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 Chowan County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Chowan County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Chowan County, NC find affordable health coverage through licensed local agents who compare every available plan at no cost, serving families and individuals connected to employers like ECU Health and Colony Tire Corporation.
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 |
Chowan County is home to 13,814 residents, a community that has grown 0.8 percent since 2020 and includes 1.8 percent foreign-born residents who may need assistance navigating coverage options in their preferred language. Major local employers such as Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical, Edenton-Chowan Schools, ECU Health, Colony Tire Corporation, and Chowan County government each offer different coverage situations, meaning residents may need ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, or employer-sponsored insurance depending on their job. Health Plans of NC helps every type of household in Chowan County identify the right coverage path, whether through the ACA Marketplace, a government program, or a short-term solution.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available for Chowan County residents who are self-employed, work for smaller employers like Colony Tire Corporation, or do not have access to job-based insurance.
North Carolina Medicaid now covers a broader range of Chowan County adults, including those working part-time or seasonal roles at employers such as Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by larger Chowan County employers such as Edenton-Chowan Schools and ECU Health, covering employees and often their dependents through group health plans.
Short-term health coverage provides a temporary bridge for Chowan County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment at employers like Chowan County government.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Chowan County residents who recently left positions at ECU Health or other local employers to maintain their existing group plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available for Chowan County small business owners, including those in agriculture and trades, who want to offer group coverage to their employees.
Chowan County residents have access to 18 ACA Marketplace plans for 2026 through Blue Cross NC, spanning two distinct provider networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow broad access to physicians and facilities. Blue Advantage connects Chowan County residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care provides a broad statewide HMO network, both of which include ECU Health Chowan Hospital and surrounding ECU Health clinics in Edenton as in-network providers. Choosing between these networks affects which specialists, hospitals, and primary care providers are covered at in-network rates, making it important to verify that your preferred ECU Health providers are included before enrolling.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes ECU Health Chowan Hospital and gives Chowan County residents access to more than 95 percent of NC doctors at in-network rates.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers approximately 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and includes ECU Health facilities serving Chowan County such as ECU Health Internal Medicine and ECU Health Multispecialty in Edenton.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks allow Chowan County residents to see specialists without a referral, a benefit for those using ECU Health Neurology or ECU Health Multispecialty in Edenton.
ECU Health Chowan Hospital at 211 Virginia Rd in Edenton is a key in-network facility under both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans available to Chowan County residents for 2026.
Chowan County residents who use regional ECU Health clinics for specialty care, including ECU Health Internal Medicine and ECU Health Multispecialty, should confirm in-network status under their chosen PPO network before enrolling.
Both networks available in Chowan County extend coverage beyond Edenton, connecting residents to a broader set of ECU Health regional facilities across northeastern North Carolina.
Bronze plans in Chowan County start at approximately $482.73/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $56,982, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Chowan County start at $482.73 per month before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premium with a higher deductible for residents in good health.
Silver plans start at $620.43 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs for qualifying Chowan County households.
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 with frequent healthcare needs.
Chowan County households earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan under enhanced ACA subsidy rules currently in effect.
With a median household income of $56,982, many Chowan County residents earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that reduce their monthly Bronze, Silver, or Gold plan costs.
Self-employed residents, agricultural workers, and small business owners in Chowan County who purchase coverage through the ACA Marketplace can apply premium tax credits directly to their monthly bill, lowering costs at the time of payment.
Blue Cross NC, also known as Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina, is one of two carriers offering ACA-compliant Marketplace plans in Chowan County for 2026, with a total of 18 plans available to county residents. These plans are offered through two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents flexibility in how broadly they can access providers across North Carolina and nationally. Blue Advantage connects Chowan County residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, covering more than 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care provides a broad statewide HMO network covering approximately 95 percent of NC doctors. The network a resident selects directly determines which local hospitals, primary care physicians, and specialists are covered at in-network rates, making the choice between Blue Advantage and Blue Care a meaningful decision for households that rely on specific Chowan County or regional providers. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Chowan County residents evaluate premiums, deductibles, and provider access together before enrolling.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Chowan County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults in Chowan County who earn up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level. Chowan County currently has an uninsured rate of 8.9 percent, representing approximately 1,000 residents who may be leaving Medicaid eligibility or marketplace subsidies unclaimed. Children in Chowan County 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 kids. Health Plans of NC provides free eligibility checks for Chowan County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or another coverage program.
Working adults in Chowan County who earn at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level are now eligible for North Carolina Medicaid following the December 2023 expansion.
Children in Chowan County whose family income falls at or below 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, which provides comprehensive low-cost coverage for minors.
Pregnant women in Chowan County may qualify for Medicaid coverage during pregnancy and for a period after delivery, regardless of immigration status in some circumstances, through the NC Medicaid program.
Chowan County residents with disabilities or very low incomes may qualify for full Medicaid benefits, including long-term care and behavioral health services, through eligibility categories beyond the expansion pathway.
With a poverty rate of 20.5 percent in Chowan County, a significant share of local residents likely meet the income threshold for Medicaid or qualify for heavily subsidized Marketplace coverage, and a free eligibility check with Health Plans of NC can confirm their options.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Chowan County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can help you find the right coverage 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 Chowan 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 |
Chowan County ZIP Codes include: 27932 and 27980
