Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Gaston County
in North Carolina
Gaston County residents can compare 18 health insurance options for 2026.
Blue Value is a good fit if you are flexible about which doctors you see – or if your doctor or hospital is part of this smaller network. The network is statewide, making it easy to get in-network care if you travel or have a child away at college within North Carolina.
Limited statewide network for savings
Network includes, but is not limited to, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health and UNC Health Alliance.
The following doctor/hospital networks are considered out-of-network for Blue Value: Atrium Health (not including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist), Duke Health and WakeMed. Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network. 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 covered services will be covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
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 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 Local with Atrium Health is a good option if you wish to get care from Atrium Health and its affiliated doctors and hospitals. Since the majority of doctors in this plan are in the same health care system, it’s easier for them to work together on your behalf.
A provider network that includes: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – named “Best Hospital” in the Charlotte metro region.2
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (pre-eminent academic health system).3
Two children’s hospitals: Levine Children’s Hospital (nationally ranked in eight specialties)4 and Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center – one of only three comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina.5
26 hospitals and more than 650 care locations in NC and SC.6
All doctors outside the Atrium Health provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered for Blue Local with Atrium Health, including: CaroMont Health, Cone Health, Novant Health and their affiliated providers. 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.
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.
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 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 | PPO | Broad statewide network, 92%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Value | HMO | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Blue Local with Atrium Health | PPO | 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 and HMO 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, a PPO network, provides broad statewide access with over 92 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, giving Gaston County residents flexibility to see providers across the region without referrals.
Blue Value, an HMO 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, a PPO 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.
PPO 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.
HMO plans under Blue Value require care to be coordinated through a designated in-network provider, which can lower costs 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 the ACA Marketplace carrier offering health insurance to Gaston County residents for 2026, with 18 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 PPO, Blue Value HMO, and Blue Local with Atrium Health PPO, 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 PPO 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 18 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 18 ACA Marketplace plans for 2026 in Gaston County, including HMO and PPO 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 |
|---|---|---|
Atrium Health Cabarrus | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Atrium Health Cleveland | 201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150 | (980) 487-3000 |
Atrium Health Kings Mountain | 706 W King St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | (980) 487-5000 |
Atrium Health Lincoln | 433 Mcalister Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092 | (980) 212-2000 |
Atrium Health Pineville | 10628 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-1000 |
Atrium Health Stanly | 301 Yadkin St, Albemarle, NC 28001 | (704) 984-4000 |
Atrium Health Union West Hosp | 1000 Healing Way, Matthews, NC 28104 | (800) 821-1535 |
Atrium Health Union | 600 Hospital Dr, Monroe, NC 28112 | (980) 993-3100 |
Atrium Health University City | 8800 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-6000 |
Atrium Health Waxhaw | 2700 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173 | (704) 667-6800 |
Atrium Health's Carolinas Med | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-2000 |
Carolinas Continue Care Hosp | 10648 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-8050 |
Carolinas Continuecare Hosp | 8800 N Tryon St # 4, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-8300 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst | 501 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 | (704) 444-2400 |
Carolinas Rehabilitation | 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-4300 |
Caromont Regional Medical Ctr | 2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054 | (704) 834-2000 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 326-3000 |
Davis Regional Medical Ctr | 218 Old Mocksville Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 | (704) 873-0281 |
Frye Regional Medical Ctr | 420 N Center St # 20, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 315-5000 |
Iredell Memorial Hospital | 557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 | (704) 873-5661 |
Jeff Gordon Children's Ctr | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Lake Norman Regional Med Ctr | 171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 | (704) 660-4000 |
Levine Children's Hospital | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 381-2000 |
Novant Health Charlotte Ortho | 1901 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 | (704) 316-2000 |
Novant Health Hemby Children's | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4021 |
Novant Health Huntersville Med | 10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 | (704) 316-4000 |
Novant Health Matthews Med Ctr | 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105 | (704) 384-6500 |
Novant Health Mint Hl Med Ctr | 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC 28215 | (980) 302-1000 |
Novant Health Presbyterian Med | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4000 |
Novant Health Rowan Med Ctr | 612 Mocksville Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 210-5000 |
WG Hefner Salisbury Dept | 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 638-9000 |
Gaston County ZIP Codes include: 28006, 28012, 28016, 28021, 28032, 28034, 28052, 28053, 28054, 28055, 28056, 28077, 28098, 28101, 28120, and 28164
