Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Iredell 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.
Limited statewide network
Blue Value℠ is a Blue Cross NC plan offering a limited statewide network at a lower monthly premium than broader-network options. The network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance — but it does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Unlike the single-system Blue Home℠ plans, Blue Value spans several regional systems, but it's still a limited network built to keep premiums low. We recommend it for generally healthy individuals and families who prioritize the lowest premium and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals they use — as long as you confirm your providers are in the Blue Value network first.
Good fit if you're generally healthy and rarely need specialist care, prioritize the lowest possible premium over provider choice, and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals you use.
Poor fit if you're managing an ongoing condition and want a stable relationship with one large hospital system, or if your regular doctors are with the excluded parts of Atrium Health, Duke Health, or WakeMed.
Limited network – Limited statewide network
Network: A limited multi-system NC network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency services and urgent care outside of NC are covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency covered services are covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Value is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Alexander, Brunswick, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Duplin, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Surry.
Blue Value trades network breadth for the lowest premium among Blue Cross NC's individual plans. Unlike the single-system Blue Home and Blue Local℠ plans, it spans several regional health systems rather than just one — but the network is still limited. Care from providers outside the Blue Value network is covered only at the higher-cost out-of-network benefit level, so you pay the least by staying with the specific systems in the network.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare (including Lake Norman Regional Medical Center), Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health — so a provider being “Atrium” or “Duke” isn't enough to confirm coverage; the specific facility matters.
Because the network mixes several systems rather than centering on one, this plan works best for people who don't have an established relationship with a specific health system and are comfortable confirming coverage facility-by-facility.
Blue Value is generally the lowest-premium option Blue Cross NC offers, which makes it attractive if you're healthy and expect to use care infrequently. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit based on income and household size.
This plan is available across 15 counties, mostly in the western Piedmont and southeastern coastal areas of the state.
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 providers are in the Blue Value network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against the others — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Value is positioned as a lower-premium option because it uses a limited network. Whether it’s actually the cheapest for you depends on your age, county, and subsidy eligibility, so get a personalized quote to confirm.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Emergency and urgent care are covered at the in-network rate anywhere. All other care outside North Carolina is covered only at the higher out-of-network benefit level, so Blue Value is best for people who get their care in NC.
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 | 27 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 8 |
| Total | 63 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Iredell County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Iredell County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Iredell County, NC residents find and compare affordable health insurance coverage for 2026, with licensed agents available at no cost to guide every step of enrollment. Whether you work for a major employer like Lowe's Companies or receive care through Iredell Health System, finding the right plan starts with a free side-by-side comparison.
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 |
Blue Value℠ | POS | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Iredell County's 191,800 residents, a population that has grown 2.7% since 2020, have access to a range of health coverage options suited to different employment situations and healthcare needs. Major local employers including Lowe's Companies, Iredell-Statesville Schools, Walmart, Iredell Health, and Lowe's Home Centers offer employer-sponsored plans, while health systems such as Iredell Health System, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Atrium Health anchor the local provider landscape for marketplace and Medicaid enrollees alike. With 7.0% of residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC works to ensure all Iredell County community members understand their coverage options regardless of background.
ACA Marketplace coverage through Blue Cross NC connects Iredell County residents to local providers including Iredell Health System and Lake Norman Regional Medical Center.
Medicaid expansion coverage is available to qualifying Iredell County adults, offering comprehensive benefits through the North Carolina Medicaid program at little or no cost.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by major Iredell County employers such as Lowe's Companies, Walmart, and Iredell-Statesville Schools for eligible employees and their families.
Short-term health plans may provide temporary gap coverage for Iredell County residents between jobs or transitioning away from employer plans offered by companies like Lowe's Home Centers.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Iredell County workers separating from employers such as Iredell Health or other large county employers to maintain their existing group health benefits temporarily.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans give Iredell County small employers a way to offer their employees structured group health coverage through federally facilitated marketplace options.
For 2026, Iredell County residents can choose from plans offered across three Blue Cross NC networks, including Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, spanning PPO and HMO product types to give enrollees flexibility in how they access local care. Blue Advantage and Blue Care operate as networks, allowing broader access to providers such as Iredell Memorial Hospital, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Davis Regional Medical Center, while Blue Value provides a POS option focused on lower premiums within a structured network. Health Plans of NC can walk Iredell County residents through which plan network best aligns with their preferred local hospitals, specialists at Piedmont HealthCare, and behavioral health providers like Partners Behavioral Health Management.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and connects Iredell County residents to Iredell Memorial Hospital and Atrium Health facilities.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and provides broad access to Lake Norman Regional Medical Center and Iredell Health System providers.
Blue Value, a POS network, offers value-focused coverage with lower monthly premiums for Iredell County residents comfortable using a defined set of local in-network providers.
Plan types under Blue Advantage and Blue Care allow Iredell County enrollees to see specialists at Piedmont HealthCare across neurology, gastroenterology, and dermatology without a referral.
Plan types under Blue Value require Iredell County enrollees to coordinate care through a primary care physician, making it important to confirm that preferred local providers are in-network before enrolling.
Catastrophic plan options are available to Iredell County residents under age 30 or those qualifying through a hardship exemption, providing low-premium protection against major medical events.
Bronze plans in Iredell County start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $78,678, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $463.63 per month for a 35-year-old in Iredell County before any premium tax credits are applied, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles.
Silver plans start at $593.60 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reduction subsidies that lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying Iredell County residents.
Gold plans start at $626.35 per month before subsidies and offer lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use healthcare services frequently.
Iredell County residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits that can significantly reduce monthly premiums below the listed starting prices.
Residents earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums beyond the premium savings.
Some Iredell County residents with qualifying income levels may be eligible for a $0 or near-$0 premium Silver plan after premium tax credits are applied, making coverage effectively free each month.
Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA marketplace carriers offering plans in Iredell County for 2026, with 27 total plans available to individuals and families. These 27 plans are spread across three networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, covering PPO and HMO product types as well as Catastrophic options for eligible enrollees. Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks connect Iredell County residents to a broad range of local providers including Iredell Memorial Hospital, Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, and Atrium Health facilities, while Blue Value's POS structure focuses on a more defined set of in-network providers at lower premium price points. Choosing between these networks determines whether an Iredell County resident can access specialty care through providers like Piedmont HealthCare or behavioral health services through Partners Behavioral Health Management without unexpected out-of-network costs. Health Plans of NC compares all 27 Blue Cross NC plans side-by-side at no cost so Iredell County residents can make a fully informed enrollment decision.
Blue Cross NC: one of four ACA marketplace carriers in Iredell County for 2026, offering 27 plans across Blue Advantage PPO, Blue Care HMO, and Blue Value POS networks, including Catastrophic options for eligible residents.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost comprehensive coverage to adults in Iredell County earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level. With an uninsured rate of 9.5% representing approximately 18,000 Iredell County residents, a significant portion of the community may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage and have not yet enrolled. Children in 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 coverage for routine and preventive pediatric care. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Iredell County residents can quickly find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or another coverage option.
Working adults in Iredell County earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid benefits following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Iredell 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 vision care.
Pregnant women in Iredell County may qualify for Medicaid coverage at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, ensuring access to prenatal and postpartum care at no or low cost.
Low-income seniors in Iredell County who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, known as dual-eligible individuals, may receive additional assistance with premiums, copays, and long-term care services.
Iredell County residents with disabilities who meet income requirements may qualify for Medicaid coverage, with a county poverty rate of 9.1% indicating a meaningful share of the population near eligibility thresholds.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Iredell County residents at absolutely no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side-by-side to match your budget, preferred providers, and coverage needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to get a free personalized quote, check your subsidy or Medicaid eligibility, and enroll in the plan that works best for 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 Iredell 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 |
|---|---|---|
Duke Health Lake Norman Hospital | 171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 | |
Iredell Memorial Hospital | 557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 | |
Davis Behavioral Health Hospital (Iredell Health System) | 557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Gaston Family Health Services - Iredell Psychiatry | 515 Brookdale Drive, Statesville, NC 28677 | |
Harmony Medical Care | 3210 Harmony Hwy, Harmony, NC 28634 | |
Iredell Pediatrics | 728 Hartness Rd, Statesville, NC 28677 | |
Kintegra Behavioral Health - Statesville | 1450 Fern Creek Dr, Statesville, NC 28625 | |
Kintegra Family Medicine - Statesville | 1022 Shelton Ave, Statesville, NC 28677 | |
Kintegra Pediatric Medicine and Kintegra Family Dentistry -Statesville | 518 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 | |
Kintegra at Iredell County Health Department | 318 Turnersburg Hwy, Statesville, NC 28625 | |
Advanced Healthcare | 191a W Plaza Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117 | |
American Family Care Greensboro | 107 Gainswood Dr, Mooresville, NC 28117 | |
Atrium Health Primary Care Mooresville Internal Medicine | 170 Medical Park Rd Ste 140a, Mooresville, NC 28117 |
Talk to a licensed Blue Cross NC agent who lives and works in Iredell County. Consultations are free.
Iredell County ZIP Codes include: 28010, 28115, 28117, 28123, 28166, 28625, 28634, 28660, 28677, 28687, 28688, and 28689
