
Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Blue Advantage® is a PPO health plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offering the company's largest nationwide network of doctors, specialists, and hospitals. More than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals are in-network, and coverage travels with you nationwide through the BlueCard® program, which is accepted in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Because it's a PPO, Blue Advantage gives you the fewest restrictions on which doctors you can see: no referrals to see a specialist, and out-of-network care is still covered (at a lower benefit level). It typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans, so it's the plan we recommend when provider choice and nationwide access matter more than getting the lowest possible premium.
Blue Advantage is built for people who want the fewest restrictions on which doctors they can see. It's a strong fit if you travel frequently for work or split time between two states, have an established specialist relationship you don't want to disrupt, want emergency care covered at the in-network rate anywhere in the world, or simply value provider choice over the lowest possible monthly premium.
It's a weaker fit if you rarely leave North Carolina and don't need nationwide access. In that case, Blue Care offers nearly identical in-state provider access at a lower premium, and one of the regional Blue Home plans may lower your premium even further if your doctors belong to a single health system.
Nationwide network – Nationwide (BlueCard®)
Network: Anywhere in the U.S. and abroad2; 95%+ of NC doctors.1
Out-of-area care: Covered (lower benefit level).
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Notes
Blue Cross NC Provider Internal Data; percentages indicated represent the Blue Cross NC PPO Network as of April 7, 2025.
Covered in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide through the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association BlueCard program. www.geo-blue.com/ (Accessed March 2025). BlueCard coverage varies for each Blue Cross and Blue Shield plan. For more complete details, including benefits, limitations, and exclusions, please refer to your certificate of coverage.
Blue Advantage is available on and off Marketplace in all North Carolina counties, except the following where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Advantage is a PPO, which means you don't need a referral to see a specialist, and you're never limited to a single network — you're just paying more if you step outside it. If you see an in-network provider, you get the plan's full benefit level. If you see someone out-of-network, the plan still pays, just at a reduced benefit level, and you're responsible for the difference.
Because Blue Cross NC has more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network, most members rarely need to use that out-of-network benefit — but it's there if your situation calls for it.
Blue Advantage is the only Blue Cross NC individual plan built for people who leave the state. Through the BlueCard® program, your in-network benefits travel with you anywhere in the U.S. — so if you split time between two states, have kids away at college, or travel for work, you're not stuck finding a new plan or a new doctor.
Emergency care is covered at the in-network rate worldwide, including in nearly 200 countries and territories through BlueCard Worldwide®.
Blue Advantage typically carries a higher premium than Blue Cross NC's in-state-only plans like Blue Care® or the regional Blue Home℠ plans. That's the trade-off for the broadest network and out-of-network safety net Blue Cross NC offers. Like every Blue Cross NC ACA plan, it's available in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
If nationwide access isn't something you need, it's worth comparing Blue Advantage against Blue Care or a Blue Home plan first — you may get nearly identical in-state coverage for meaningfully less.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your specific doctors are in-network, check what subsidy you qualify for, and compare Blue Advantage against the other six Blue Cross NC plans with you — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Advantage is a PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plan. That means you can see out-of-network providers — you’ll just pay more — and you generally don’t need a referral to see a specialist. It’s the most flexible network Blue Cross NC offers.
Yes. Blue Advantage includes nationwide in-network access through the BlueCard® program, and emergency care is always covered at the in-network benefit level no matter where you are — including in nearly 200 countries and territories worldwide.
Yes, Blue Advantage is available in all 100 North Carolina counties. In 25 of them it’s available off-Marketplace only, meaning you’d enroll directly (through an agent or Blue Cross NC) rather than through HealthCare.gov. A Health Plans of NC agent can handle either path for you.
Both give you nearly the same broad in-state network (about 95% of NC doctors), but Blue Advantage is a PPO that adds nationwide out-of-network coverage, while Blue Care is an HMO limited to North Carolina with no out-of-network benefit except emergencies. Blue Advantage costs a bit more for that added flexibility.
Our recommendation: choose Blue Advantage if you travel, split time between states, or want maximum provider choice; choose Blue Care if you stay in NC and want to save on premium.
Statewide NC network
Blue Care® is an HMO health plan from Blue Cross NC that offers the company's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network — at a lower monthly premium than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO.
The trade-off for that lower premium is that Blue Care keeps your care inside North Carolina: outside of urgent and emergency situations, only in-network NC providers are covered, and there's no out-of-network benefit. For NC residents who rarely travel, Blue Care delivers almost the same broad provider choice as Blue Advantage for less money — which is why we often recommend it as the best-value option for people who stay in-state.
Blue Care fits residents who live and receive their care entirely within North Carolina, want broad in-state provider choice without paying for nationwide coverage they won't use, and are comfortable with no out-of-network benefit outside of emergencies.
It's a poor fit if you split time between states, have kids at out-of-state college, or travel frequently for work — non-emergency care outside North Carolina isn't covered. If that's you, Blue Advantage is the better choice.
Statewide network – Statewide NC network
Network: North Carolina only. A large network, with more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of North Carolina hospitals in-network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency / urgent only.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
Blue Care is an HMO built on Blue Cross NC's largest in-state network — more than 95% of North Carolina doctors and 98% of NC hospitals in-network. It's priced lower than the nationwide Blue Advantage PPO because it trades nationwide access for coverage that stays inside North Carolina.
Outside of emergency and urgent care, only in-network NC providers are covered — there's no out-of-network benefit to fall back on, so it's worth confirming your specific doctors participate before you enroll.
Blue Care is sold in every NC county except Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake — those counties fall inside the Triangle-area service area for the Blue Home℠ with UNC Health Alliance plan instead. If you live in one of the excluded counties, Blue Care isn't available to you regardless of which providers you use.
Because the in-state network is nearly as broad as Blue Advantage's, most Blue Care members never notice a difference in provider choice day to day — the difference only shows up if you need care outside North Carolina.
Blue Care's premium runs lower than Blue Advantage's specifically because it removes the nationwide and out-of-network safety net. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers the monthly cost based on income and household size.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period (November 1 – January 15) or during a Special Enrollment Period if you've had a qualifying life event — a job change, a move, a new dependent, or losing other coverage.
A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can confirm your doctors are in-network, check your subsidy, and compare Blue Care against Blue Advantage and the regional plans — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Yes. Blue Care is structured as an HMO with a statewide North Carolina network. Outside of urgent and emergency situations, care is only covered when you use in-network NC providers.
Only urgent and emergency care is covered outside your Blue Care network. Routine or non-emergency care while traveling out of state is not covered, so Blue Care is best for people who receive their care in North Carolina.
Blue Care isn’t offered in Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, or Wake counties. In several of those counties, Blue Home℠ with UNC Health Alliance is offered instead.
Every Blue Cross NC individual plan comes in three “metal” tiers that describe how you and the plan split covered costs. Bronze plans have the lowest monthly premium but pay about 60% of covered costs, so you pay roughly 40% when you use care. Silver plans pay about 70% (you pay ~30%), and Gold plans pay about 80% (you pay ~20%) in exchange for a higher premium.
As a rule of thumb: Bronze suits people who rarely use care and want the lowest premium, Gold suits people who use regular or ongoing care, and Silver is the middle ground. Silver is also the only tier that unlocks Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) — extra savings on deductibles and copays if your income qualifies — so many subsidy-eligible shoppers get the best overall value from a Silver plan. A licensed Health Plans of NC agent can run the numbers for your situation at no cost.
The most important step before choosing any plan is confirming your doctors, specialists, and preferred hospitals are in that plan’s network. Networks differ a lot between Blue Cross NC plans — a doctor who is in-network on one plan may be out-of-network, and far more expensive, on another.
You can check each plan’s provider directory on bcbsnc.com, or — the easier route — call a Health Plans of NC agent at 800-797-0327 and we’ll verify your specific providers before you enroll, at no charge.
Most North Carolinians who buy their own coverage qualify for a premium tax credit — a subsidy based on your income and household size that lowers what you pay each month. Subsidy amounts and eligibility rules can change from year to year, so the only way to know your real price is to run a personalized quote.
Health Plans of NC can check your subsidy eligibility and show you the after-subsidy premium for any of these plans for free. Call 800-797-0327 or request a quote online.
You can enroll during the annual Open Enrollment Period, which runs each fall (generally starting November 1) for coverage that begins the following year. Outside that window, you can still enroll if you have a qualifying life event — such as losing other coverage, moving, marriage, or having a baby — which opens a 60-day Special Enrollment Period.
Because enrollment dates and rules can change, it’s worth confirming the current deadline. A Health Plans of NC agent can tell you whether you’re eligible to enroll right now — call 800-797-0327.
Nothing. Health Plans of North Carolina is an independent, authorized agency licensed to sell Blue Cross NC plans, and our help — comparing plans, checking your doctors, estimating subsidies, and enrolling — is completely free to you. Agents are paid by the insurance company, and the plan price is the same whether you enroll with us or on your own.
Call 800-797-0327 to talk with a licensed local agent.
| Carrier | Distinct plans |
|---|---|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC | 18 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 28 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Greene County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Greene County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Greene County residents find and enroll in affordable health coverage, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid, with free personalized guidance from licensed agents who understand the local landscape. Greene County employers like NC Dept of Adult Corrections and Greene County Schools reflect a workforce that deserves easy access to quality coverage options.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage® | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care® | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Greene County's 20,421 residents have access to a range of health coverage options designed to fit different life situations, from individual ACA Marketplace plans to employer-sponsored group coverage through major local employers like Greene County Schools and the NC Dept of Adult Corrections. The county has experienced a -0.1% population change since 2020, and with 6.5% of residents being foreign-born, coverage options that serve diverse households are especially important. Health systems including UNC Health Wayne and Vidant Duplin Hospital anchor the regional care network, making plan selection directly connected to which providers Greene County residents can access in-network.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC connect Greene County individuals and families to regional health systems like UNC Health Wayne and Vidant Duplin Hospital.
Medicaid and NC Medicaid expansion coverage is available to eligible Greene County adults and children, providing comprehensive low-cost care through local clinics and regional hospitals.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is available to employees of major Greene County employers such as the NC Dept of Adult Corrections, County of Greene, and Greene County Schools.
Short-term health coverage provides a temporary safety net for Greene County residents between jobs or transitioning off employer plans from organizations like H & T Transit or S & S Metal Works.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Greene County residents who leave employment at local employers to maintain their existing health plan for a limited period after separation.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Greene County small employers, including businesses like S & S Metal Works, that want to offer group health benefits to their workforce.
For 2026, Greene County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow access to a broad range of in-network providers across eastern North Carolina. The Blue Advantage PPO includes the largest nationwide network, connecting Greene County policyholders to providers at ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville and Wayne UNC Health Care in Goldsboro, while Blue Care HMO offers a broad statewide network with strong coverage across the same regional health systems. Health Plans of NC can walk Greene County residents through the differences between these two networks to ensure the plan they choose aligns with their preferred doctors and local care facilities.
Blue Advantage PPO, the largest nationwide network, includes 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, connecting Greene County residents to ECU Health Medical Center and Wayne UNC Health Care.
Blue Care HMO covers 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, giving Greene County residents broad statewide access including providers at UNC Health Wayne and Vidant Duplin Hospital.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks allow Greene County residents to access local clinics like Snow Hill Medical Center at 1106 Kingold Blvd without requiring referrals.
Blue Advantage PPO supports Greene County residents who need specialist care, including pediatric services at ECU Health Maynard Children's Hospital in Greenville, within a large in-network footprint.
Blue Care HMO is well-suited for Greene County residents who primarily use providers at regional facilities in Goldsboro and Greenville and want a strong statewide network at a competitive tier.
Both network options are available across multiple coverage tiers, giving Greene County residents the flexibility to match their preferred network type to their health needs and budget.
Bronze plans in Greene County start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $50,904, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Greene County start at $463.63 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premium with a higher deductible for generally healthy residents.
Silver plans start at $593.60 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Greene County households.
Gold plans start at $626.35 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use medical services frequently.
Greene County's median household income of $50,904 places many families in the range where Advance Premium Tax Credits meaningfully reduce monthly ACA Marketplace premiums.
Households at or below 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify for $0 premium Silver plans under enhanced federal subsidy rules currently in effect for 2026.
Residents who enroll in a cost-sharing reduction Silver plan can see substantially lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums compared to the standard Silver plan structure.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Greene County for 2026, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families across the county. These 18 plans are offered through two network options: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and nationwide provider access. Blue Advantage connects Greene County policyholders to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide network covering the vast majority of North Carolina providers, including those at major regional health systems serving the county. The network a Greene County resident selects directly determines whether their preferred doctors at facilities like ECU Health Medical Center or Wayne UNC Health Care are covered in-network at the lowest cost-sharing level. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost to Greene County consumers, making it easier to identify the right combination of network, tier, and price.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 total plans available to Greene County residents for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, a change that opened eligibility to thousands of previously uninsured Greene County residents. Currently, 15.8% of Greene County residents, approximately 3,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage. Children in households earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides comprehensive pediatric coverage at little to no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Greene County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or another covered program.
Working adults in Greene County earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for NC Medicaid under the 2023 expansion, including those employed part-time or seasonally.
Children in Greene County families can qualify for NC Health Choice (CHIP) coverage up to 210% of the federal poverty level, providing low-cost pediatric and preventive care.
Pregnant women in Greene County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through regional providers in Greenville and Goldsboro.
Greene County's poverty rate of 22.4% means a substantial share of county residents may be eligible for Medicaid, NC Health Choice, or heavily subsidized Marketplace plans.
Seniors and individuals with disabilities in Greene County who meet income and resource requirements may qualify for full Medicaid benefits to supplement or replace other coverage.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Greene County residents at no cost, comparing all available plans side by side and guiding households through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to get a free personalized quote and find out exactly what you qualify for in Greene County.
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 Greene 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.
Greene County does not have a hospital within its borders. The hospitals below are located in neighboring counties and serve Greene County residents.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
UNC Health Lenoir | 100 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28501 | |
ECU Health Medical Center | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
UNC Health Wayne | 2700 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | |
Wilson Medical Center | 1705 S Tarboro St, Wilson, NC 27893 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Contentnea Health Greene | 1106 Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Contentnea Health Greene Dental | 6 Professional Dr, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Contentnea Health KBR | 205 Martin L King Jr Pkwy, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Greene County Department of Public Health - Clinical Services | 227 Kingold Blvd Suite B, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Heritage Family Health and Wellness | 1108b Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Hookerton Family Practice | 516 S Wm Hooker Dr, Hookerton, NC 28538 | |
Hope Medical Care | 1304 SE 2nd St Britthaven Of Snow Hill, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | |
Optimal Beginnings | 55 Patrick Dr, Snow Hill, NC 28580 |
Greene County ZIP Codes include: 27888, 28538, 28554, and 28580