Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Hertford 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 |
| 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 Hertford County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Hertford County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Hertford County, NC compare and enroll in health insurance plans for 2026, with local access to care through ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. Whether you work for a major county employer like Nucor Corporation or Hertford County Schools, a licensed Health Plans of NC agent can help you find the right coverage 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 |
Hertford County, with a population of 20,492 and a population growth rate of -4.9% since 2020, is served by major health systems including ECU Health, which operates facilities throughout the region and employs many local residents. The county's workforce includes employees of Jernigan Oil, Nucor Corporation, Med Ex Medical Transport, and Hertford County Schools, each of which may offer access to different coverage pathways. With 4.5% of residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC is available to help all community members navigate coverage options in an accessible and straightforward way.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Hertford County residents who do not receive coverage through an employer such as Nucor Corporation or Hertford County Schools.
Medicaid expansion coverage is available to qualifying Hertford County adults, including those employed part-time or seasonally by local businesses like Jernigan Oil or Med Ex Medical Transport.
Employer-sponsored insurance is a common coverage source for employees of major Hertford County employers including ECU Health, Nucor Corporation, and Hertford County Schools.
Short-term health plans may serve as a temporary bridge for Hertford County residents between jobs or transitioning between employer coverage at facilities like ECU Health.
COBRA continuation coverage allows former employees of Hertford County employers, including those who previously held benefits through ECU Health or county school system positions, to maintain their existing plan temporarily.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to small employers in Hertford County, including locally owned businesses in Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and Winton, who want to offer health benefits to their employees.
For 2026, Hertford County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both of which connect enrollees to providers across the region including ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. Blue Advantage is a PPO network with the largest nationwide reach, while Blue Care is an HMO network with broad statewide coverage, giving residents flexibility when accessing facilities like ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie or ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahoskie. Health Plans of NC can help Hertford County residents compare which network best fits their preferred local providers before enrolling.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and connects Hertford County residents to ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital and surrounding ECU Health specialty clinics.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and provides Hertford County residents with broad access to providers including ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie and ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahoskie.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans are structured across multiple coverage tiers, allowing Hertford County residents in Ahoskie, Murfreesboro, and Winton to select a plan that fits their level of healthcare use.
PPO plan structures under both networks allow Hertford County residents to see out-of-network providers when needed, which can be valuable for those requiring specialist referrals beyond the immediate region.
Catastrophic coverage plans are available to Hertford County residents under age 30 or those qualifying for a hardship exemption, offering lower monthly costs with access to in-network ECU Health facilities for emergency care.
Bronze plans in Hertford County start at approximately $563.81/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $47,472, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Hertford County start at $563.81 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher 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 qualifying Hertford County residents.
Gold plans start at $749.33 per month and offer lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for higher monthly premiums, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services frequently.
Hertford County residents with a household income near the county median of $47,472 are likely eligible for premium tax credits that reduce monthly plan costs below the unsubsidized starting prices listed above.
Some lower-income Hertford County residents may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after premium tax credits are applied, depending on their exact household size and income.
Out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan tier, with Gold plans generally providing the most financial protection against large annual medical expenses for Hertford County households.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers available to Hertford County residents for 2026, offering a total of 18 individual and family plans across multiple coverage tiers. These plans are available through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and nationwide provider access. Blue Advantage connects Hertford County residents to the largest nationwide provider network, ensuring broad access to ECU Health facilities and specialty clinics throughout the region, while Blue Care offers expansive statewide coverage for residents who primarily use in-state providers. The network a resident selects will determine whether local hospitals and clinics, such as ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital at 500 Academy St S in Ahoskie, are covered at in-network rates. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost to Hertford County residents, making it easy to identify the best fit for individual provider preferences and coverage needs.
Blue Cross NC: one of two ACA Marketplace carriers in Hertford County for 2026, offering 18 plans across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic tiers through the Blue Advantage PPO and Blue Care networks.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, making adults with household incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level eligible for free or very low-cost coverage through NC Medicaid. In Hertford County, approximately 9.7% of residents, representing about 2,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage without being aware of their eligibility. Children in Hertford County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides low-cost health coverage for kids. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks to help Hertford County residents determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized marketplace plan.
Working adults in Hertford County who are employed part-time or in lower-wage positions may qualify for NC Medicaid if their household income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Children in Hertford County families may be eligible for NC Health Choice (CHIP), providing affordable coverage for routine and preventive care throughout the county.
Pregnant women in Hertford County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that begins immediately and covers prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care at ECU Health facilities.
Hertford County's poverty rate of 21.4% means a significant share of residents may be eligible for Medicaid or cost-sharing reduction plans that lower both premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
Adults with disabilities in Hertford County may qualify for Medicaid coverage through separate eligibility pathways and should contact Health Plans of NC or the NC Medicaid office to confirm their status.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Hertford County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side to help you find the right coverage for your budget and healthcare needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can guide you through enrollment and make sure you receive every subsidy or benefit you qualify for.
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 Hertford 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 |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-6600 |
ECU Health Chowan Hospital | 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-8451 |
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital | 111 Hospital Dr, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 641-7700 |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-8011 |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hosp | 500 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3000 |
Martin General Hospital | 310 S Mccaskey Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 | (252) 809-6300 |
Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 449-4500 |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Ctr | 1144 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 335-0531 |
Washington Regional Med Ctr | 958 US Highway 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-4135 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahsk | 226 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3991 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1124 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-2946 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1385 Medical Center Dr # 4942, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9176 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 220 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9268 |
ECU Health Internal Medicine | 104 Mark Dr, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5171 |
ECU Health Multispecialty | 113 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-3047 |
ECU Health Neurology-Edenton | 203 Earnhart Dr # B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5868 |
ECU Health Orthopedics-Roanoke | 171 N Carolina 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-5631 |
ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie | 222 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3440 |
ECU Health Sleep Medicine | 240 Smith Church Rd # A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Halifax Regional Med Ctr Inc | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870, Not AvailableIsland Medical Ctr, 715 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-2500 |
Sentara Vascular Specialists | 5200 N Croatan Hwy # 6, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-6125 |
Signature Healthcare | 305 E 14th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-6181 |
Vidant Sleep Medicine-Roanoke | 240 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Hertford County ZIP Codes include: 27805, 27818, 27855, 27910, 27922, 27942, and 27986
