

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 Hyde County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Hyde County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Hyde County residents find affordable health insurance coverage through licensed agents who understand the local community, including major employers like Rose Acre Farms and Hyde County Schools. Whether you are looking for an individual plan, family coverage, or help understanding your options, Health Plans of NC provides free guidance every step of the way.
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 |
Hyde County is home to approximately 4,625 residents, a population that has grown 0.8% since 2020, with 2.0% of residents being foreign-born, reflecting a community with diverse coverage needs. Major employers such as Rose Acre Farms, Hyde County, Hyde County Schools, the NC Department of Adult Corrections, and the NC Department of Transportation provide a foundation for employer-sponsored coverage, while health systems including Vidant Pungo Hospital and ECU Health serve the county's medical needs. Hyde County residents have access to a full range of coverage options, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid, CHIP, employer-sponsored insurance, COBRA, short-term plans, and small business SHOP coverage.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC are available to Hyde County residents who do not receive coverage through employers like Hyde County Schools or Rose Acre Farms.
Medicaid coverage through North Carolina's expanded program is available to qualifying Hyde County residents, including those connected to the community through ECU Health and Vidant Pungo Hospital services.
Employer-sponsored insurance is a common coverage source for Hyde County workers employed by major local employers such as Hyde County, the NC Department of Transportation, and the NC Department of Adult Corrections.
Short-term health plans may serve as a temporary bridge for Hyde County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not offer the same protections as ACA Marketplace coverage.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Hyde County workers who leave employment with local employers like Rose Acre Farms to maintain their existing health benefits for a limited period after job separation.
Small business SHOP plans are available to eligible Hyde County small employers who want to offer group health coverage to their employees through the ACA Marketplace.
For 2026, Hyde County residents can choose from 18 Blue Cross NC plans available across two distinct plan networks, Blue Advantage (a PPO) and Blue Care (an HMO), both of which give members broad access to providers without referrals. Blue Advantage operates as a PPO with the largest nationwide network, covering 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care operates as an HMO with a broad statewide network covering 95% or more of NC doctors in-network. Both networks connect Hyde County residents to regional healthcare resources including Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head and Washington Regional Medical Center in Plymouth.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, provides Hyde County residents access to the largest nationwide provider network, with 95% or more of North Carolina doctors participating in-network.
Blue Care, an HMO network, offers Hyde County residents a broad statewide network with 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, covering regional facilities close to the county.
Both the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks include access to Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, one of the closest hospital resources available to Hyde County residents.
Washington Regional Medical Center in Plymouth is accessible to Hyde County enrollees through both the Blue Advantage and Blue Care plan networks offered for 2026.
Plan structures available through both Blue Advantage and Blue Care allow Hyde County residents to see specialists and out-of-area providers with greater flexibility than restrictive network types.
Health Plans of NC agents can review both Blue Advantage and Blue Care network options side-by-side to help Hyde County residents confirm that their preferred local doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
Bronze plans in Hyde County start at approximately $602.31/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $47,338, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Hyde County start at $602.31 per month for a 35-year-old before premium tax credits are applied, making them the lowest-premium tier available for 2026.
Silver plans start at $789.34 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, and Silver-tier plans are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Gold plans start at $828.33 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care in exchange for higher monthly premiums.
Hyde County's median household income of $47,338 places many residents within the income range that qualifies for advance premium tax credits, potentially reducing monthly plan costs by hundreds of dollars.
Households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits, and those earning just above Medicaid eligibility thresholds may qualify for very low or zero-dollar Silver plan premiums.
Health Plans of NC provides free personalized quotes for Hyde County residents that include exact subsidy calculations so enrollees can see their true out-of-pocket monthly costs before choosing a plan.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Hyde County for 2026, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families across the county. These plans are offered through two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving Hyde County residents a choice between the largest nationwide network and a broad statewide network. Blue Advantage connects Hyde County enrollees to an extensive nationwide provider network, while Blue Care provides strong statewide coverage including access to regional hospitals and health systems serving the area. The network a Hyde County resident selects directly determines which local doctors, specialists, and hospitals they can visit at in-network rates, making it important to confirm provider participation before enrolling. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Hyde County residents find the right combination of network, premium, and benefits for their situation.
Blue Cross NC: one of two ACA Marketplace carriers in Hyde County for 2026, offering 18 plans across the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, spanning Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, and many Hyde County residents may now qualify who were previously ineligible. Hyde County currently has an uninsured rate of 11.5%, representing approximately 1,000 residents without coverage, many of whom may be eligible for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace plans and are not yet enrolled. Children in Hyde County households earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides low-cost coverage for qualifying minors. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks to help Hyde County families determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Hyde County who earn at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for North Carolina Medicaid expansion coverage at little to no monthly cost.
Children in Hyde County families with incomes up to 210% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, the state CHIP program, which covers doctor visits, dental, and preventive care.
Pregnant women in Hyde County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery, and postpartum services, with eligibility extending to higher income levels than standard adult Medicaid.
With a poverty rate of 22.4%, a significant share of Hyde County's population may qualify for Medicaid or cost-sharing reductions, making an eligibility check with Health Plans of NC an important first step.
Hyde County residents with disabilities or low fixed incomes, including seniors who do not qualify for Medicare alone, may be eligible for dual coverage through both Medicaid and Medicare programs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Hyde County residents at no cost, comparing every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side and guiding each client through enrollment from start to finish. Call Health Plans of NC today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized plan recommendations and find the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about plans available in Hyde 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 |
Hyde County ZIP Codes include: 27824, 27826, 27875, 27885, and 27960