Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Haywood 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 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 8 |
| Total | 64 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Haywood County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Haywood County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents find affordable health insurance in Haywood County, NC, with access to plans that connect to local providers like Haywood Regional Medical Center. Whether you work for Haywood County Schools, shop at Ingles Markets, or are self-employed in the region, our licensed agents compare 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 |
Haywood County is home to 62,432 residents and has grown 0.6 percent since 2020, with 2.2 percent of residents born outside the United States, reflecting a community with diverse healthcare access needs. Major employers including Haywood County Schools, Haywood Regional Medical Center, County of Haywood, Ingles Markets, and Walmart anchor the local economy and shape the coverage landscape for working families. Health systems like Haywood Regional Medical Center and Mission Health HCA serve as the backbone of local care, making plan compatibility with these providers an essential consideration for every Haywood County resident.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC are available to Haywood County residents who do not have access to job-based coverage through employers like Ingles Markets or Walmart.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income Haywood County adults following North Carolina's expansion, giving many residents access to providers at Haywood Regional Medical Center at little or no cost.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by major Haywood County employers such as Haywood County Schools and the County of Haywood, covering a significant share of the local workforce and their dependents.
Short-term health plans may be considered by Haywood County residents in coverage gaps, though these plans do not meet ACA standards and may limit access to specialty care within the Mission Health HCA network.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Haywood County residents who recently left jobs at employers like Haywood Regional Medical Center to temporarily maintain their existing group health plan benefits.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are an option for small employers in Haywood County who want to offer group coverage to employees and gain access to a broader range of Blue Cross NC plan structures.
For 2026, Haywood County residents can choose from 18 plans offered through Blue Cross NC across two plan networks: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that allow access to a broad range of local and regional providers. Blue Advantage connects enrollees to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide HMO network, both of which interact with key local facilities including Haywood Regional Medical Center and Mission Health HCA. Health Plans of NC helps Haywood County residents compare every available plan within these networks side by side at no cost to ensure compatibility with their preferred doctors and specialists.
Blue Advantage, PPO, covers 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network and includes access to Haywood Regional Medical Center and Mission Health HCA facilities throughout western North Carolina.
Blue Care, HMO, covers 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network and provides broad statewide access to primary care and specialty providers serving Haywood County residents.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Haywood County residents to see specialists without a referral, offering flexibility for those using services at Haywood Regional Medical Center.
Blue Advantage is well suited for Haywood County residents who travel frequently or need access to providers outside the western North Carolina region through its nationwide network.
Blue Care is a strong option for Haywood County residents whose care is centered locally within the Mission Health HCA system and statewide Blue Cross NC provider network.
Catastrophic coverage plans are available within the 2026 lineup for qualifying Haywood County residents under age 30 or those who meet a hardship exemption, providing a lower-cost safety net option.
Bronze plans in Haywood County start at approximately $482.73/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $61,001, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $482.73 per month for a 35-year-old in Haywood County before tax credits, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Silver plans start at $620.43 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for Cost Sharing Reduction subsidies that lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Haywood County households.
Gold plans start at $641.58 per month before tax credits and offer lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents with frequent healthcare needs.
Haywood County residents with incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly premiums below the listed starting prices.
Households with incomes between 100 and 250 percent of the federal poverty level may also qualify for Cost Sharing Reduction subsidies on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and annual out-of-pocket maximums.
Some Haywood County residents with incomes near 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a zero-dollar-premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage accessible at no monthly cost.
Blue Cross NC is one of five ACA Marketplace carriers offering health insurance plans in Haywood County for 2026, with 18 plans available across the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks. The Blue Advantage network provides the largest nationwide PPO coverage, while Blue Care delivers broad statewide HMO access, both spanning key local providers in the Haywood County area. These networks connect enrollees to Haywood Regional Medical Center, Mission Health HCA facilities, and a wide range of primary care and specialty clinics throughout western North Carolina. Choosing between Blue Advantage and Blue Care affects how far your in-network access extends beyond the county, which matters for Haywood County residents who seek specialty care at regional or out-of-area facilities. Health Plans of NC licensed agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost so every Haywood County resident can identify the plan and network that best fits their healthcare needs and provider preferences.
Blue Cross NC, plans across Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Haywood County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending eligibility to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level and opening a path to free or very low-cost coverage for thousands of Haywood County residents. Currently 11.3 percent of Haywood County residents, approximately 7,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage under expanded eligibility rules. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for minors not eligible for full Medicaid. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Haywood County residents who want to determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Haywood County earning at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for NC Medicaid following the December 2023 expansion, even without dependent children.
Children in Haywood County whose family income falls at or below 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, also known as CHIP, with low or no monthly premiums.
Pregnant women in Haywood County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is covered for qualifying individuals.
Haywood County seniors with low incomes may qualify for dual eligibility in both Medicare and Medicaid, reducing out-of-pocket costs for medical services and prescription drugs.
Haywood County residents with qualifying disabilities may be eligible for Medicaid regardless of age, and with a poverty rate of 11.3 percent in the county, many households may qualify for fully subsidized coverage through this pathway.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Haywood County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side to find the best fit for your budget, providers, and healthcare needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can walk you through enrollment and ensure you capture every benefit available to you.
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 Haywood 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 |
|---|---|---|
Angel Medical Ctr | 124 One Center Ct, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 524-8411 |
Cherokee Indian Hospital | 1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719 | (828) 497-9163 |
Erlanger Western Carolina Hosp | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 837-8161 |
Harris Regional Hospital | 68 Hospital Rd, Sylva, NC 28779 | (828) 586-7000 |
Haywood Regional Medical Ctr | 262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721 | (828) 456-7311 |
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital | 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 526-1200 |
Swain Community Hospital | 45 Plateau St # 230, Bryson City, NC 28713 | (828) 488-2155 |
Transylvania Regional Hospital | 260 Hospital Dr, Brevard, NC 28712 | (828) 884-9111 |
Unity Healing Ctr | 448 Sequoyah Trl, Cherokee, NC 28719 | (828) 497-1800 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Angel Medical Ctr | 56 Medical Park Dr, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 542-8411 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 190 Hospital Dr # 104, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 274-6000 |
Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc | 145 Medical Park Ln # K, Murphy, NC 28906 | (404) 257-9000 |
Center For Family Medicine | 55 Holly Springs Park Dr, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-3550 |
Haywood Regional Medical Ctr | , Waynesville, NC 28786 | (828) 452-8070 |
Mission Community Primary Care | 57 White Owl Ln, Cashiers, NC 28717 | (828) 743-2491 |
Mission Health Ctr Highlands | 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 526-4942 |
Mission Urology-Brevard | 89 Hospital Dr # C, Brevard, NC 28712 | (828) 883-5858 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Emergency | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 837-8300 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Human RSRCS | , Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7683 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Radiology | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7540 |
Murphy Medical Ctr | 3990 E US Highway 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7502 |
Murphy Medical Ctr | 4130 115 Highway 64 E, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7505 |
Orthopedics-Sports Medicine | 190 Riverview St, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-8260 |
Ozarks Medical Ctr | PO Box 330, Marble, NC 28905 | (417) 257-5802 |
Primary Care Franklin | 190 Riverview St, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-6800 |
VA Medical Ctr | 45 HI Lane St, Canton, NC 28716 | (828) 298-7911 |
Haywood County ZIP Codes include: 28716, 28721, 28738, 28745, 28751, 28785, and 28786
