Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Graham 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 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 8 |
| Total | 51 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Graham County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Graham County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Graham County, North Carolina find affordable health insurance coverage that fits their household needs and budget. Whether you work for Graham County Schools, receive care through Murphy Medical Center, or are self-employed in the mountains of western North Carolina, our licensed agents guide you through every available option at no cost.
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 |
Graham County is home to 8,041 residents, a community that has grown 0.1 percent since 2020, with 2.4 percent of residents born outside the United States, reflecting a diverse population with varied coverage needs. Major employers including Graham County Schools, Graham County government, Crisp and Crisp Construction, Ingles Markets, and Principle Long Term Care each offer different employment situations that shape which type of health insurance makes the most sense for working families. Health systems such as Murphy Medical Center and Mission Health HCA serve as the backbone of local healthcare delivery, making the choice of coverage type and provider network especially important for Graham County residents.
ACA Marketplace coverage through Blue Cross NC gives Graham County residents who are self-employed or between jobs access to comprehensive plans with federal subsidy support.
Medicaid expansion coverage is available to income-qualifying Graham County adults who work in lower-wage positions at employers like Ingles Markets or Principle Long Term Care.
Employer-sponsored insurance through organizations like Graham County Schools or Graham County government provides group health benefits to eligible full-time employees and their families.
Short-term health plans may serve Graham County residents who need temporary gap coverage between jobs or outside of open enrollment periods, with limited benefits compared to ACA plans.
COBRA continuation coverage allows former employees of Graham County employers to keep their existing group plan for a limited period after leaving a job, maintaining access to familiar local providers.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans give small employers in Graham County, including local contractors like Crisp and Crisp Construction, a way to offer group coverage to their employees through the ACA marketplace.
For 2026, Graham County residents have access to plans through two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow members to access a broad range of providers across western North Carolina. The Blue Advantage PPO network provides the largest nationwide network coverage, while the Blue Care HMO network offers broad statewide access, and both connect Graham County residents to nearby facilities including Swain Community Hospital, Harris Regional Hospital, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, and Angel Medical Center. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Robbinsville, Lake Santeetlah, Fontana Dam, and surrounding communities compare these network options side by side to confirm their preferred doctors and hospitals are included before enrolling.
Blue Advantage PPO covers more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, giving Graham County residents wide access to providers across the region.
Blue Advantage PPO connects members to local facilities including Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital in Murphy and Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva through its expansive nationwide network.
Blue Care HMO includes more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, offering Graham County residents broad statewide provider access at a potentially different premium level.
Blue Care HMO provides in-network access to area hospitals such as Swain Community Hospital in Bryson City and Angel Medical Center in Franklin, which are key facilities for Graham County residents.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans cover preventive care, specialist visits, and hospital services, with network verification recommended before enrollment for rural Graham County households.
Graham Healthcare and Rehabilitation Center in Robbinsville serves local residents who need long-term or rehabilitative care, making network confirmation for that specific facility an important step when choosing between Blue Advantage and Blue Care.
Bronze plans in Graham County start at approximately $563.81/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $49,038, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $563.81 per month for a 35-year-old in Graham County, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Silver plans start at $724.63 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for households qualifying at up to 250 percent of the federal poverty level.
Gold plans start at $749.33 per month and feature lower out-of-pocket costs at the time of care, making them a strong fit for Graham County residents who use medical services frequently.
Graham County residents with household income between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs well below the published starting prices.
Some Graham County households may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, depending on their income relative to the federal poverty level and household size.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA plans cap the total annual cost-sharing exposure for Graham County residents, providing a financial safety net for those facing serious illness or hospitalization.
Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Graham County for 2026, with 18 plans available across multiple coverage tiers to serve the county's residents. These 18 plans are offered through two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving Graham County residents a choice between the largest nationwide network and a broad statewide network depending on their provider preferences. The Blue Advantage network connects members to local hospitals and health systems including Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, Swain Community Hospital, and Harris Regional Hospital, while Blue Care similarly covers key regional facilities across western North Carolina. Network choice is especially important for Graham County residents who live in rural areas and may rely on a specific local hospital or specialist, making it critical to verify provider participation before selecting a plan. Health Plans of NC licensed agents compare every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost, helping Graham County residents identify the best combination of network, premium, and coverage level for their situation.
Blue Cross NC, plans through Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 total plans available in Graham County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, and Graham County residents with household incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid coverage. Graham County currently has an uninsured rate of 13.7 percent, representing approximately 1,000 residents, many of whom may be newly eligible for Medicaid or marketplace subsidies they have not yet accessed. Children in Graham County households 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 coverage for pediatric care. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Graham County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or marketplace coverage.
Working adults in Graham County earning at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under North Carolina's expansion.
Children in Graham County families may qualify for NC Health Choice, the CHIP program, which covers doctor visits, dental, vision, and preventive care at little to no cost.
Pregnant women in Graham County are eligible for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, labor and delivery, and postpartum services through qualifying income thresholds.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities in Graham County with limited income and resources may qualify for both Medicaid and Medicare, with Medicaid helping to cover costs Medicare does not pay.
With 8.7 percent of Graham County residents living below the poverty line, a meaningful share of the county's population likely qualifies for Medicaid at no monthly premium cost.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Graham County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side by side to help you find the right coverage for your household and budget. 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 Graham 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.
Graham County does not have a hospital within its borders. The hospitals below are located in neighboring counties and serve Graham County residents.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital | 3990 E US Hwy 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | |
Angel Medical Center | 124 Center Court, Franklin, NC 28734 | |
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital | 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741 | |
Cherokee Indian Hospital | 1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719 | |
Swain Community Hospital | 45 Plateau St, Bryson City, NC 28713 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Appalachian Mountain Health at Robbinsville | 409 Tallulah Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 | |
Doc on Main Street Family Practice | 268 N Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771 | |
Graham County Health Dept.-Clinical Services | 191 P And J Rd, Robbinsville, NC 28771 | |
Graham County Urgent Care and Family Practice | 21 S Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771 | |
AdventHealth Multispecialty at Graham County | 21 S Main St, Robbinsville, NC 28771 |
Graham County ZIP Codes include: 28702, 28733, and 28771
