Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Gaston 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 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 60 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Gaston County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Gaston County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Gaston County, NC find and enroll in affordable health insurance plans for 2026, with local expertise connecting families to coverage that works with providers like CaroMont Health and Daimler Trucks North America employee benefits programs. Whether you are self-employed, between jobs, or simply exploring your options, Health Plans of NC compares every available plan at no cost to you.
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 Gaston County |
Gaston County is home to 231,485 residents and has grown at a 1.6 percent rate, reflecting a diverse and expanding community that includes 5.7 percent foreign-born residents who may be navigating coverage options for the first time. Major employers including CaroMont Health, Gaston County Schools, Daimler Trucks North America, the County of Gaston, and Walmart provide a range of employment situations, meaning residents access coverage through several different pathways. The Atrium Health Gaston system anchors the local healthcare landscape, and understanding which coverage type connects you to those providers is the first step toward finding the right plan.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC are ideal for self-employed residents, part-time workers, and those whose employers such as smaller Gaston County businesses do not offer group coverage.
Medicaid through NC Medicaid Managed Care serves lower-income Gaston County residents, including many workers in service and retail sectors who may not have employer-sponsored options.
Employer-sponsored group health plans cover many Gaston County workers employed at major organizations like Daimler Trucks North America, Gaston County Schools, and CaroMont Health, typically offering lower premium costs through shared contributions.
Short-term health plans may provide temporary coverage for Gaston County residents in transition periods, such as those between jobs or waiting for an employer plan to begin.
COBRA continuation coverage allows residents who have recently left jobs at Gaston County employers like the County of Gaston or Walmart to maintain their existing group health benefits for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Gaston County small business owners who want to offer competitive health benefits to their employees and connect them to local providers including Atrium Health Gaston.
For 2026, Gaston County residents can choose from plans across four Blue Cross NC networks, including PPO, HMO, EPO and POS structures that offer different levels of flexibility when accessing local hospitals and specialists. The Blue Local with Atrium Health network is specifically available in Gaston County, connecting members directly to Atrium Health Gaston and surrounding Atrium facilities in the region. Health Plans of NC helps residents evaluate which network structure best matches their preferred providers and care patterns.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, offers the largest nationwide coverage with over 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, making it a strong choice for Gaston County residents who travel frequently or see specialists outside the immediate area.
Blue Care, an HMO network, provides broad statewide access with over 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, giving Gaston County residents flexibility to see providers across the region without referrals.
Blue Value, a POS network, is a value-focused plan structure with lower monthly premiums, well-suited for Gaston County residents who prefer predictable costs and are comfortable coordinating care through a primary care physician.
Blue Local with Atrium Health, an EPO network, is available specifically in Gaston County and connects members to Atrium Health Gaston and affiliated Atrium Health facilities in surrounding counties including Shelby and Lincolnton.
Plans across the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks allow Gaston County residents to access both CaroMont Regional Medical Center and Atrium Health facilities without needing referrals for specialist visits.
POS plans under Blue Value use a limited statewide network that balances access and cost, which can work well for Gaston County residents who primarily use local facilities and have an established primary care relationship.
Bronze plans in Gaston County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $65,472, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $522.41 per month for a 35-year-old in Gaston County, offering the lowest monthly premiums paired with higher deductibles for residents who want protection against major medical events.
Silver plans start at $671.42 per month for a 35-year-old before tax credits, and Silver is the only tier eligible for Cost-Sharing Reduction plans that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying residents.
Gold plans start at $694.31 per month for a 35-year-old, providing higher monthly premiums in exchange for lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, which can benefit residents who use healthcare services frequently.
Gaston County residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level, and in some cases higher under current federal rules, may qualify for Advanced Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly plan costs by hundreds of dollars.
Residents earning between 100 and 250 percent of the federal poverty level may also qualify for Cost-Sharing Reductions on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums beyond the premium savings alone.
Some Gaston County households may qualify for zero-dollar premium Silver plans depending on their income level, making comprehensive coverage available with no monthly payment required.
Blue Cross NC is one of three ACA Marketplace carriers offering health insurance to Gaston County residents for 2026, with 36 total plans available spanning Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic coverage tiers. These plans are offered across four distinct networks, including Blue Advantage PPO, Blue Care HMO, Blue Value POS, and Blue Local with Atrium Health EPO, giving residents meaningful choices in how they structure their care access. The Blue Local with Atrium Health network directly connects Gaston County policyholders to Atrium Health Gaston and affiliated facilities, while the broader Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks extend access to CaroMont Regional Medical Center in Gastonia and specialists across the state. Choosing between an HMO and PPO structure in Gaston County matters because HMO plans coordinate care through a primary care physician while PPO plans allow direct specialist access at CaroMont and Atrium facilities without referrals. Health Plans of NC agents compare all 36 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping Gaston County residents identify the plan that fits both their network preferences and their budget.
Blue Cross NC offers 36 ACA Marketplace plans for 2026 in Gaston County, including PPO, HMO, EPO and POS plan types across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic coverage levels.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which opened eligibility to tens of thousands of previously uninsured residents across the state. In Gaston County, 10.9 percent of residents, approximately 25,000 people, remain uninsured, and many may now qualify for Medicaid under expansion or for subsidized Marketplace coverage they have not yet accessed. Children in Gaston 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 comprehensive coverage for minors. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Gaston County residents who want to determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Gaston County who earn at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level now qualify for NC Medicaid under the December 2023 expansion, including many part-time and gig economy workers.
Children in Gaston County whose families earn up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage, providing access to pediatric care at local facilities.
Pregnant women in Gaston County qualify for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, ensuring access to prenatal and maternity care throughout pregnancy and postpartum recovery.
Seniors with low incomes in Gaston County may qualify for dual eligibility under both Medicare and Medicaid, which can eliminate most out-of-pocket costs for hospital visits, prescriptions, and specialist care.
With a 12.8 percent poverty rate in Gaston County, a meaningful share of residents may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, and Health Plans of NC can help determine eligibility at no cost during a free consultation.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Gaston County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side by side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who understands the Gaston County healthcare landscape and can help you find the right coverage for your family 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 Gaston 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 |
|---|---|---|
CaroMont Regional Medical Center | 2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28052 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Amity Medical Group - AMG4 Dallas | 824 Lower Dallas Hwy, Dallas, NC 28034 | |
Kintegra Adult and Pediatric Medicine - XRay Dr. | 2721 X Ray Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054 | |
Kintegra Behavioral Health - Gastonia | 409 S Oakland St, Gastonia, NC 28052 | |
Kintegra Behavioral Health - Riverwood | 3050 Riverwood Pkwy, Suite B, Gastonia, NC 28056 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - 3rd Ave | 111 E 3rd Ave, Gastonia, NC 28052 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Highland | 609 N Highland St, Gastonia, NC 28052 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Hudson | 991 W Hudson Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28052 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - X-Ray Drive | 1021 X Ray Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine and Dentistry - Bessemer City | 308 E Virginia Ave, Bessemer City, NC 28016 | |
Kintegra Pediatric Dentistry - Gastonia | 890 Summit Crossing Pl, Gastonia, NC 28054 | |
Kintegra at CaroMont Women Health - Belmont | 2000 Caromont Pkwy, Suite 400, Belmont, NC 28012 | |
Kintegra at CaroMont Womens Health - Ashley | 1225 E Garrison Blvd, Gastonia, NC 28054 | |
Kintegra at CaroMont Womens Health - Summit | 620 Summit Crossing Pl, Gastonia, NC 28054 | |
Senior TLC - Gastonia | 1875 Remount Rd, Gastonia, NC 28054 |
Talk to a licensed Blue Cross NC agent who lives and works in Gaston County. Consultations are free.
Gaston County ZIP Codes include: 28006, 28012, 28016, 28021, 28032, 28034, 28052, 28053, 28054, 28055, 28056, 28077, 28098, 28101, 28120, and 28164
