Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Cleveland 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.
Charlotte / Piedmont · NC & SC
Blue Local℠ with Atrium Health is a Blue Cross NC plan built around Atrium Health's network of 20 hospitals and 700+ care locations across North and South Carolina. It includes two children's hospitals — Levine Children's Hospital (nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties) and Brenner Children's Hospital — plus the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only three comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina.
This is a single-system regional plan offered at a lower premium, with only Atrium Health providers in-network. We especially recommend it for families who may need pediatric specialty care or comprehensive cancer care and live in one of the 17 eligible counties across the Charlotte and Piedmont regions.
Good fit if you have a child who needs or may need care at Levine or Brenner Children's Hospital, are managing a cancer diagnosis and want access to a comprehensive cancer center, or live in one of the 17 eligible counties across the Charlotte/Piedmont region.
Poor fit if your regular doctors are with CaroMont Health, Cone Health, or Novant Health — all three are out-of-network.
Regional network – Charlotte / Piedmont · NC & SC6
Network: Atrium Health only1 (incl. Levine Children’s4).
Out-of-area care: Emergency / urgent only.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Notes
Blue Cross NC has collaborated with Atrium Health to bring you Blue Local with Atrium Health, a health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross NC that provides access to Atrium Health’s comprehensive network of providers. Atrium Health is an independent company and is solely responsible for the physicians and medical facilities it owns/operates. Atrium Health does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services.
Atrium Health, atriumhealth.org/about-us/newsroom/news/atrium-health-earns-multiple-us-news-and-world-report-honors (Accessed September 2023).
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, www.wakehealth.edu/about-us (Accessed August 2022).
Atrium Health, www.atriumhealth.org/about-us (Accessed August 2022).
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, www.wakehealth.edu/locations/facilities/comprehensive-cancer-center (Accessed September 2023).
Atrium Health, https://2023yir.advocatehealth.org/ (Within the full report) (Accessed September 2024).
Blue Local with Atrium Health is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Wilkes and Yadkin.
This plan is built around a single system, Atrium Health, which is what keeps the premium lower than Blue Cross NC's broad-network plans. Only Atrium Health providers are in-network — outside of emergency and urgent care, CaroMont Health, Cone Health, and Novant Health are not covered.
Atrium Health's network spans 20 hospitals and more than 700 care locations across North and South Carolina, including two children's hospitals — Levine Children's Hospital, nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties, and Brenner Children's Hospital — plus the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center, one of only three comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina.
This makes it a particularly strong option for families who may need pediatric specialty care or anyone managing a cancer diagnosis, since that care is coordinated within one system rather than requiring referrals across networks.
The lower premium reflects the narrower, single-system network. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit based on income and household size.
This plan is available across 17 counties in the Charlotte and Piedmont regions. If your doctors are with CaroMont, Cone, or Novant instead, this plan won't cover them outside of an emergency.
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 Atrium Health providers are in-network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against Blue Advantage® and Blue Care® — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Yes — Levine Children’s Hospital, nationally ranked in 10 pediatric specialties, is part of the in-network Atrium Health system on Blue Local℠ with Atrium Health, along with Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Yes — the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center is one of only three comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina and is in-network on this plan.
Those systems are out-of-network on Blue Local℠ with Atrium Health. This plan only covers Atrium Health providers in-network, except for emergency and urgent care.
Limited statewide network
Blue Value℠ is a Blue Cross NC plan offering a limited statewide network at a lower monthly premium than broader-network options. The network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance — but it does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Unlike the single-system Blue Home℠ plans, Blue Value spans several regional systems, but it's still a limited network built to keep premiums low. We recommend it for generally healthy individuals and families who prioritize the lowest premium and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals they use — as long as you confirm your providers are in the Blue Value network first.
Good fit if you're generally healthy and rarely need specialist care, prioritize the lowest possible premium over provider choice, and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals you use.
Poor fit if you're managing an ongoing condition and want a stable relationship with one large hospital system, or if your regular doctors are with the excluded parts of Atrium Health, Duke Health, or WakeMed.
Limited network – Limited statewide network
Network: A limited multi-system NC network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency services and urgent care outside of NC are covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency covered services are covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
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 Value trades network breadth for the lowest premium among Blue Cross NC's individual plans. Unlike the single-system Blue Home and Blue Local℠ plans, it spans several regional health systems rather than just one — but the network is still limited. Care from providers outside the Blue Value network is covered only at the higher-cost out-of-network benefit level, so you pay the least by staying with the specific systems in the network.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare (including Lake Norman Regional Medical Center), Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health — so a provider being “Atrium” or “Duke” isn't enough to confirm coverage; the specific facility matters.
Because the network mixes several systems rather than centering on one, this plan works best for people who don't have an established relationship with a specific health system and are comfortable confirming coverage facility-by-facility.
Blue Value is generally the lowest-premium option Blue Cross NC offers, which makes it attractive if you're healthy and expect to use care infrequently. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit based on income and household size.
This plan is available across 15 counties, mostly in the western Piedmont and southeastern coastal areas of the state.
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 providers are in the Blue Value network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against the others — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Value is positioned as a lower-premium option because it uses a limited network. Whether it’s actually the cheapest for you depends on your age, county, and subsidy eligibility, so get a personalized quote to confirm.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Emergency and urgent care are covered at the in-network rate anywhere. All other care outside North Carolina is covered only at the higher out-of-network benefit level, so Blue Value is best for people who get their care in NC.
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 | 36 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 14 |
| Oscar Health Plan of North Carolina | 14 |
| Total | 64 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Cleveland County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Cleveland County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Cleveland County, NC find the right health insurance plan for 2026, with access to coverage options through Blue Cross NC and local health systems like Atrium Health Cleveland serving the Shelby area.
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 |
Blue Value℠ | POS | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Blue Local℠ with Atrium Health | EPO | Available in Cleveland County |
Cleveland County is home to 100,170 residents, a community that has grown 0.7 percent since 2020 and includes 3.0 percent foreign-born residents who may have unique coverage needs and eligibility considerations. Major employers such as Atrium Health, Cleveland County Schools, Walmart, the County of Cleveland, and Gardner-Webb University provide a mix of employer-sponsored and marketplace coverage pathways for working families. Health systems including Atrium Health Cleveland and Atrium Health anchor the local provider landscape, and Health Plans of NC can help any resident navigate the full range of available coverage types at no cost.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Cleveland County residents who work for employers like Gardner-Webb University or Walmart and need individual or family coverage outside of a job-based plan.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income adults and families in Cleveland County, with eligibility expanded through NC Medicaid to reach more working residents employed by local businesses and institutions.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by major Cleveland County employers including Atrium Health, Cleveland County Schools, and the County of Cleveland, providing group coverage to a significant share of the workforce.
Short-term health plans can serve Cleveland County residents who are between positions at employers like Walmart or Gardner-Webb University and need temporary coverage while awaiting a new benefits period.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Cleveland County residents who lose job-based insurance from employers such as Atrium Health or Cleveland County Schools to maintain their existing plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to small employers throughout Cleveland County who want to offer group health benefits to their employees through ACA-compliant coverage options.
For 2026, Cleveland County residents can choose from plans offered across four Blue Cross NC networks, each connecting enrollees to different combinations of local and regional providers including Atrium Health Cleveland in Shelby and Atrium Health Kings Mountain. The available networks include PPO, HMO, EPO and POS structures, giving residents flexibility in how they access primary care, specialist visits, and hospital services. Health Plans of NC agents can walk through each network option in detail to help residents confirm that their preferred doctors and facilities are included before enrolling.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, connects Cleveland County enrollees to the largest nationwide network with more than 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, including providers at Atrium Health Cleveland.
Blue Care, an HMO plan, offers broad statewide network access with more than 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, giving Cleveland County residents strong access to regional specialists and hospitals.
Blue Value, a POS plan, is a value-focused option with lower monthly premiums, designed for Cleveland County residents who want cost-efficient coverage and are comfortable with HMO coordination requirements.
Blue Local with Atrium Health, an EPO plan, is specifically available in Cleveland County and built around the Atrium Health system, including Atrium Health Cleveland and Atrium Health Kings Mountain.
Each network plan is structured to give Cleveland County residents in-network access to Atrium Health facilities, with plan selection determining the breadth of additional regional and national provider access.
Health Plans of NC compares all four network options side-by-side at no cost, helping Cleveland County residents match a plan network to their preferred providers before the enrollment deadline.
Bronze plans in Cleveland County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $55,769, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Cleveland County start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who want basic coverage.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Cleveland County residents.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month and feature lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services frequently.
Cleveland County residents with household incomes near or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for enhanced subsidies that reduce monthly Silver plan premiums to as little as $0.
Premium tax credits are calculated based on household income relative to the federal poverty level, and many Cleveland County families at or near the median income qualify for meaningful monthly savings.
Health Plans of NC agents provide free subsidy calculations for every Cleveland County resident, ensuring enrollees understand exactly how much they will pay after tax credits are applied.
Blue Cross NC is one of three ACA Marketplace carriers serving Cleveland County for 2026, offering a total of 36 plans across four distinct provider networks. Those networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, Blue Value, and Blue Local with Atrium Health, span PPO, HMO, EPO and POS plan types, giving Cleveland County residents meaningful choices in how they structure their coverage. The Blue Local with Atrium Health network is especially relevant for Cleveland County residents, as it is built around the Atrium Health system that includes the county's primary hospital facilities in Shelby and Kings Mountain. The network a Cleveland County resident selects determines which doctors, specialists, and facilities are covered at in-network rates, making plan comparison a critical step before enrolling. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping residents identify the right combination of network, cost-sharing, and provider access.
Blue Cross NC, offering PPO, HMO, EPO and POS plan types across 36 total ACA Marketplace plans available in Cleveland 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 has opened eligibility to thousands of previously uninsured Cleveland County residents. Cleveland County currently has an uninsured rate of 10.4 percent, representing approximately 10,000 residents without coverage, many of whom may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace plans. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost pediatric coverage across the county. Cleveland County's poverty rate of 17.2 percent means a substantial portion of the population may qualify for Medicaid at no cost, and Health Plans of NC can perform a free eligibility check for any resident.
Working adults in Cleveland County who earn low wages and do not have access to affordable employer coverage may qualify for NC Medicaid under the 2023 expansion.
Children in Cleveland County whose family incomes fall at or below 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage with little or no monthly premium.
Pregnant women in Cleveland County are eligible for Medicaid coverage with higher income thresholds than standard adult eligibility, helping ensure access to prenatal and delivery care.
Low-income seniors in Cleveland County who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid can receive dual coverage that reduces or eliminates out-of-pocket costs for medical and long-term services.
Cleveland County residents with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid regardless of age, with Health Plans of NC able to help identify the correct program and assist with the application process.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Cleveland County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side-by-side to find the right fit based on budget, preferred providers, and coverage needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can guide you through enrollment and make sure you never pay more than you have to for health coverage.
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 Cleveland 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 Cleveland | 201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Gaston Family Health Services - Senior TLC - Shelby | 103 T R Harris Dr, Shelby, NC 28150 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Boiling Springs | 305 W College Ave, Shelby, NC 28152 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Fallston | 5009 Fallston Rd, Lawndale, NC 28090 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Kings Mountain West | 812 W King St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Shelby - Dixon Blvd | 1758 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Shelby Marketplace | 1760 E Dixon Blvd, Shelby, NC 28152 | |
Kintegra Pediatrics Behavioral Health Family Dentistry | 445 Earl Rd, Shelby, NC 28150 | |
Kintegra at Cleveland County Public Health | 200 S Post Rd, Shelby, NC 28152 |
Cleveland County ZIP Codes include: 28017, 28020, 28038, 28042, 28073, 28086, 28089, 28090, 28136, 28150, 28151, 28152, and 28169
