Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Dare County
in North Carolina
Dare County residents can compare 16 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 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 Dare County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Dare County, NC find and compare health insurance plans that fit their budget and coverage needs, with local expertise that accounts for employers like Dare County Schools and health systems serving the Outer Banks. Whether you work seasonally in the tourism industry, run a small business, or rely on Outer Banks Hospital for care, our licensed agents are here to guide you through your 2026 options 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 |
Dare County is home to 37,534 residents and has grown 1.7 percent since 2020, with 4.9 percent of the population being foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community that includes year-round locals, seasonal workers, and retirees drawn to the Outer Banks. Major employers such as Dare County Schools, the County of Dare, ECU Health, Food Lion, and the NC Department of Transportation anchor the local economy alongside a large hospitality and fishing sector. Health systems including Outer Banks Hospital and Vidant Health serve the county, making plan network compatibility a key consideration when selecting coverage.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC provide individual and family coverage for Dare County residents who do not receive insurance through an employer such as Dare County Schools or the County of Dare.
Medicaid expansion now covers qualifying low-income adults in Dare County, including those employed in seasonal hospitality or fishing roles who may lack employer-sponsored benefits.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is available to full-time employees of major local employers such as ECU Health, Food Lion, and the NC Department of Transportation, typically providing group coverage at lower premium costs.
Short-term health plans may offer temporary coverage for Dare County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not meet ACA minimum essential coverage standards.
COBRA continuation coverage allows individuals who recently left employment with Dare County Schools or other local employers to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans are available to eligible small employers in Dare County, including independent hospitality businesses and fishing operations along the Outer Banks, allowing them to offer structured group coverage to employees.
For 2026, Dare County residents can choose from 16 plans offered by Blue Cross NC across two plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing access to local providers including Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head and Island Medical Center in Manteo. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care is also a PPO with broad statewide reach covering 92 percent or more of NC doctors. Both networks include local facilities that Dare County residents rely on, and Health Plans of NC can help you confirm which specific providers and specialists are in-network before you enroll.
Blue Advantage, PPO, connects Dare County residents to the largest nationwide network with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, including access to Outer Banks Hospital and Sentara Vascular Specialists in Kitty Hawk.
Blue Care, PPO, provides broad statewide network coverage with 92 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, supporting access to Island Medical Center in Manteo and ECU Health Family Medicine locations serving the broader region.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans are available across multiple coverage tiers, giving Dare County residents flexibility to balance monthly premiums against out-of-pocket costs based on their expected health care use.
PPO plan structures under both networks allow Dare County residents to see out-of-network providers when needed, an important feature for those who travel off the Outer Banks for specialty care.
Catastrophic plan options are available to Dare County residents under age 30 or those with a qualifying hardship exemption, offering lower premiums with protection against major medical events through the Blue Cross NC network.
Health Plans of NC agents compare all 16 Blue Cross NC plans side by side to identify which network and tier combination best fits each Dare County resident's preferred providers and budget.
Bronze plans in Dare County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $81,214, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old in Dare County, offering the lowest available premiums with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month and are the only tier eligible for Cost Sharing Reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying Dare County residents.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for a higher monthly premium, benefiting residents who expect frequent medical care.
Dare County residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly premiums, sometimes to well below the Bronze starting price.
Some lower-income Dare County residents may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making mid-tier coverage accessible at no monthly cost.
Seasonal and part-time workers in Dare County's tourism economy should report income changes promptly throughout the year to keep subsidy amounts accurate and avoid potential repayment obligations at tax time.
Blue Cross NC is the sole ACA Marketplace carrier offering plans in Dare County for 2026, with 16 total plans available across multiple coverage tiers. Plans are offered through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as PPO plans that give residents flexibility in how they access care locally and when traveling off the Outer Banks. Blue Advantage connects enrollees to the largest nationwide PPO network with 95 percent or more of NC doctors participating, while Blue Care provides broad statewide PPO access with 92 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, both including key Dare County facilities. Network choice directly affects which local hospitals, clinics, and specialists are covered at in-network rates, making it important to verify provider participation before selecting a plan. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost to Dare County residents, helping identify the right combination of network, tier, and premium for each household.
Blue Cross NC, PPO plans through Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 16 plans available in Dare County for 2026 across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending no-cost or very low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, a significant development for Dare County where 8.9 percent of residents, approximately 3,000 people, remain uninsured. Dare County's poverty rate of 7.5 percent means a meaningful share of the local population may now qualify for Medicaid coverage they were previously ineligible to receive. 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 minors whose families do not qualify for full Medicaid. Health Plans of NC can conduct a free eligibility check for any Dare County resident who wants to know whether they or their family members qualify for Medicaid or CHIP.
Working adults in Dare County employed in seasonal hospitality, fishing, or part-time roles earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under NC's 2023 expansion.
Children in Dare County families with incomes up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, providing comprehensive low-cost health coverage for minors.
Pregnant women in Dare County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult expansion limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible to more families.
Dare County's 7.5 percent poverty rate means that hundreds of local residents likely qualify for Medicaid or CHIP but may not yet be enrolled, and a free eligibility check with Health Plans of NC can confirm coverage options.
Dare County residents with disabilities or seniors with low income may qualify for additional Medicaid programs beyond standard expansion, including long-term care and Medicare Savings Programs that reduce out-of-pocket health costs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Dare County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side by side to find the right fit for your health needs, budget, and preferred providers. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized guidance and complete your enrollment with confidence.
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 Dare 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 |
Dare County ZIP Codes include: 27915, 27920, 27936, 27943, 27948, 27949, 27953, 27954, 27959, 27968, 27972, 27978, 27981, and 27982
