Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Craven 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 Craven County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Craven County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Craven County residents compare and enroll in health insurance coverage at no cost, connecting locals with plans that fit their needs and budget. Whether you work at MCAS Cherry Point, CarolinaEast Health System, or anywhere across the county, licensed agents are ready to guide you through your options.
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 |
Craven County is home to 101,074 residents and has grown 0.4 percent since 2020, with 4.1 percent of the population being foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community with a wide range of health coverage needs. Major employers including MCAS Cherry Point, CarolinaEast Health System, Craven County Schools, BSH Home Appliances, and Craven County itself offer a variety of pathways to coverage depending on employment status and household circumstances. Health Plans of NC helps residents explore every available option, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid, ensuring no Craven County resident is left without guidance on the coverage that fits their situation.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Craven County residents who are self-employed, work part-time, or whose employer does not offer qualifying coverage, with enrollment supported through Health Plans of NC.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Craven County residents and covers services at participating local providers including CarolinaEast Medical Center and Craven County Health Department programs.
Employer-sponsored group coverage is available to many workers at major Craven County employers such as MCAS Cherry Point, CarolinaEast Health System, and Craven County Schools, typically offering lower premiums through shared employer and employee contributions.
Short-term coverage options can bridge gaps for Craven County residents who are between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, providing temporary protection while accessing the county's network of primary care and specialty providers.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Craven County residents who lose employer-sponsored insurance, such as from positions at BSH Home Appliances or Craven County government, to maintain their existing plan temporarily after a qualifying life event.
Small business SHOP plans are available to Craven County small business owners who want to offer group health coverage to their employees, with Health Plans of NC agents providing free guidance on plan selection and enrollment.
For 2026, Craven County residents can choose from Blue Cross NC plans offered under two distinct networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing access to CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern and a broad range of providers across the region. Blue Advantage is a PPO network with the largest nationwide coverage, while Blue Care is an HMO network with broad statewide reach, giving residents meaningful flexibility in how they access care. Health Plans of NC agents help Craven County residents compare both networks side-by-side to ensure their preferred doctors, specialists, and facilities are in-network before enrollment.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and connects Craven County residents to CarolinaEast Medical Center and providers across the state and nation.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network and provides Craven County residents with broad statewide access to hospitals including CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Craven County residents to see specialists without a referral, offering flexibility for those who regularly access specialty services at CarolinaEast Medical Center.
Residents who receive care at area clinics such as Goshen Medical Center in New Bern or Cape Carteret Family Medicine should verify in-network status under Blue Advantage or Blue Care before selecting a plan.
Plan metal tiers including Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic options are available across both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, letting Craven County residents balance monthly premiums against out-of-pocket costs.
Health Plans of NC compares every 2026 Blue Cross NC plan across both networks at no cost, helping Craven County residents identify which network and tier best matches their care preferences and provider relationships.
Bronze plans in Craven County start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $64,635, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Craven County start at $463.63 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles, making them a common choice for generally healthy individuals.
Silver plans start at $593.60 per month for a 35-year-old and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Craven County residents.
Gold plans start at $626.35 per month for a 35-year-old and feature higher monthly premiums offset by lower out-of-pocket costs, suiting residents who use healthcare services frequently throughout the year.
Craven County residents earning up to 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for zero-dollar premium Silver plans through enhanced federal subsidies currently available in North Carolina.
Many Craven County households with incomes near the county median of $64,635 qualify for meaningful premium tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of Silver or Gold coverage substantially.
Catastrophic coverage is available for Craven County residents under age 30 or those who qualify for a hardship exemption, providing low-premium protection against worst-case medical expenses.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA-compliant carriers offering Marketplace health insurance plans in Craven County, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families. These plans are offered across two networks, Blue Advantage (a PPO) and Blue Care (an HMO), both of which give residents flexibility to access care without referrals. Blue Advantage connects Craven County residents to the largest nationwide provider network with over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care provides broad statewide coverage with over 95 percent of NC doctors participating, both anchored locally by CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern. The network a resident selects directly affects whether they can access care at CarolinaEast Medical Center, area specialty clinics, or the Craven County Health Department under in-network benefits, making this a decision with real local consequences. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Craven County residents identify the carrier, network, and tier that best fits their budget and care preferences.
Blue Cross NC (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina), plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 total plans available in Craven County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, and Craven County residents earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for free or low-cost Medicaid coverage, including services at CarolinaEast Medical Center and Craven County Health Department programs. With an uninsured rate of 8.8 percent representing approximately 9,000 Craven County residents without coverage, thousands of locals may now be eligible for Medicaid who were not previously covered. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for pediatric care across the county. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Craven County residents can quickly find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Craven County who are employed part-time or in low-wage positions at local businesses may now qualify for Medicaid under the state's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Craven County families may qualify for NC Health Choice (CHIP) if household income falls within the program's eligibility range, covering doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care.
Pregnant women in Craven County are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery services, and postpartum care at CarolinaEast Medical Center and other participating providers.
With a county poverty rate of 13.9 percent, a substantial share of Craven County residents may qualify for Medicaid, particularly those whose incomes fall at or below the federal poverty threshold.
Craven County residents with disabilities or seniors with low incomes may qualify for Medicaid programs that cover long-term services, prescriptions, and specialty care through participating local providers.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Craven 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 get personalized help finding the plan that fits your health 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 Craven 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 |
|---|---|---|
Carolina East Medical Ctr | 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (252) 633-8111 |
Carteret Health Care | 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 | (252) 499-6000 |
Cherry Hospital | 1401 W Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 947-7000 |
ECU Health Beaufort Hosp A | 628 E 12th St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4100 |
ECU Health Maynard Children's | 2102 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-3714 |
ECU Health Medical Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-4100 |
UNC Lenoir Health Care | 100 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 522-7000 |
Walter B Jones Alcohol & Drug | 2577 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 830-3426 |
Wayne MEMORIAL Hospital | 2605 Medical Office Pl, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 731-6112 |
Wayne UNC Health Care | 2700 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 736-1110 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Abhishek K Mishra MD | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Acupuncture Of Eastern NC | 1425 S Glenburnie Rd # 6, New Bern, NC 28562 | (252) 665-3294 |
Audit-Tel | , Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-3331 |
Cape Carteret Family Medicine | 1057d Cedar Point Blvd # D, Cedar Point, NC 28584 | (252) 764-2121 |
Community Care Plan-Eastern | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0830 |
East Carolina Heart Inst | 526 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-5755 |
East Carolina Univ Family Med | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-4611 |
East Coast Onsite Medical Care | 505 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 754-2273 |
Ecu Department-Family Medicine | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-2607 |
ECU Health Bover Hospital | 1209 Brown St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4308 |
ECU Health Family Medicine-LA | 101 S Carey St, La Grange, NC 28551 | (252) 566-4021 |
ECU Health Gamma Knife Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-2611 |
ECU Health Gastroenterology | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0800 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 701 Doctors Dr # B, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
ECU Health Sleep Ctr-Grnvll | 4 Doctors Park Medical Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-7500 |
Goshen Medical Ctr-Fremont | 109 S Sycamore St, Fremont, NC 27830 | (919) 242-4382 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 2001 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (910) 219-1082 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 325 N Carolina Highway 55, Mount Olive, NC 28365 | (919) 658-5900 |
Healthfirst Medical Ctr Inc | 1201 Carolina Ave, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 833-0365 |
Lindsey Roberson FNP | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Med Center 1 | 1688 E Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-1464 |
Miracles In Sight | 620 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 751-0785 |
Snow Hill Medical Ctr | 1106 Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | (252) 747-2921 |
UNC Family Medicine At Rswd | 2600 US Highway 70 W, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 739-4808 |
Vidant Medical Ctr | 3900 E 10th St, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 847-4325 |
Vidant Outpatient Rehab | 2310 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-6603 |
Vitality Health & Wellness | 1429 E Fire Tower Rd # 104, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 364-2802 |
Westcare Innovative Healthcare | 2710 Beddard Rd, Grimesland, NC 27837 | (252) 754-0920 |
Craven County ZIP Codes include: 28519, 28523, 28526, 28527, 28532, 28533, 28560, 28561, 28562, 28563, 28564, and 28586
