Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Johnston County

in North Carolina
Blue Cross NC Authorized Agency
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Johnston County residents can compare 16 health insurance options for 2026.

Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance logo

Best for

Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is a good option if you wish to get care from UNC Health and its affiliated doctors and hospitals. Since the majority of doctors in this plan are in the same network, it’s easier for them to work together on your behalf.

Network

  • UNC Health’s network of hospitals and providers including more than 1,800 primary care providers.2

  • A provider network that includes UNC Medical Center, nationally ranked in one adult and nine pediatric specialties by U.S. News;3 along with UNC Rex Hospital, rated by U.S. News as high performing in 16 adult procedures and conditions.4

  • All doctors outside the UNC Health Alliance provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered for Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, including: Cone Health, Duke Health and WakeMed. Out-of-network benefit coverage is not available except for emergency services, urgent care and for medically necessary covered services when an in-network provider is not reasonably available per the access to care standards of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC).

  • Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network and not covered. When traveling outside of North Carolina or the United States, only emergency services and urgent care will be covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency services will be out-of-network and not covered.

Notes

  1. Blue Cross NC has collaborated with UNC Health to bring you Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance. Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is a health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross NC that provides access to a limited network of providers. UNC Health is an independent company that is solely responsible for the physicians and medical facilities it owns and operates. UNC Health does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services.

  2. UNC Health, www.unchealthcare.org/health-alliance/ (Accessed August 2024).

  3. U.S. News and World Report, www.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nc/university-of-north-carolina-hospitals-6360260 (Accessed August 2024).

  4. U.S. News and World Report, www.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nc/rex-healthcare-6361210 (Accessed August 2024).

Availability

Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance Availability Map

Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Nash, Orange, Person, and Wake.

Blue Advantage logo

Best for

Blue Advantage - Off Marketplace gives you access to our largest nationwide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.

Network

  • More in-network providers in North Carolina, with over 95% of doctors and 98% of hospitals in-network1

  • Fewer restrictions on which providers you can see

  • Nationwide access to in-network providers through BlueCard®2

  • Emergency services covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of where you go for care

Notes

  1. Blue Cross NC Provider Internal Data; percentages indicated represent the Blue Cross NC PPO Network as of April 7, 2025.

  2. 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.

Availability

Blue Advantage Availability Map

Blue Advantage is available on and off Marketplace to residents in all North Carolina counties EXCEPT the following, where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wake, and Yadkin.

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Johnston County

in North Carolina

johnston

Find affordable health insurance in Johnston County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Johnston County residents find and compare health insurance coverage for 2026, working with local employers like Novo Nordisk and health systems like UNC Health Johnston to ensure every family has access to a plan that fits their needs and their local providers.

Plan Network

Type

Network Coverage

Blue Advantage

PPO

Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network (off-Marketplace only)

Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance

HMO

UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers


What health insurance options are available in Johnston County?

Johnston County, with a population of 226,623 residents growing at 4.9% since 2020, has a diverse coverage landscape shaped by major employers such as Johnston County Schools, Novo Nordisk, Amazon, UNC Rex Healthcare, and Grifols Therapeutics, all of which influence the mix of employer-sponsored and individual market options available to local families. Health systems including Johnston Health UNC and WakeMed serve county residents across Smithfield, Clayton, and surrounding communities, making network compatibility a key consideration when choosing a plan. With 8.5% of residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC offers multilingual support and personalized guidance to help every household navigate their coverage options.

  • ACA Marketplace coverage through Blue Cross NC gives Johnston County residents access to plans that work with Johnston Health UNC facilities in Smithfield and Clayton for comprehensive individual and family protection.

  • Medicaid and NC Medicaid Managed Care coverage is available to eligible low-income Johnston County residents, connecting them to services at Johnston County Public Health Department including immunizations and prenatal care.

  • Employer-sponsored insurance is a primary coverage source for employees of major Johnston County employers such as Novo Nordisk, Amazon, Johnston County Schools, and Grifols Therapeutics, often including access to WakeMed and UNC Health Johnston networks.

  • Short-term health plans may serve Johnston County residents in transition between jobs at employers like Amazon or UNC Rex Healthcare, providing temporary protection while permanent coverage is arranged.

  • COBRA continuation coverage allows Johnston County workers who separate from employers such as Grifols Therapeutics or Johnston County Schools to maintain their existing plan for a limited period after leaving their job.

  • Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Johnston County small business owners who want to offer their employees group health coverage connected to local providers at Johnston Health UNC and WakeMed.


What health insurance plans are available in Johnston County for 2026?

For 2026, Johnston County residents can choose from 16 plans offered through Blue Cross NC, structured across HMO, PPO, EPO, and Catastrophic plan types, each connecting to different local and regional provider networks depending on the coverage tier selected. Two primary plan networks are available: Blue Advantage, a PPO available off-Marketplace, and Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, an HMO built around UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers including UNC Health Johnston. Health Plans of NC helps residents compare each plan structure side by side to determine which network best fits their pattern of care and their preferred local facilities.

  • Blue Advantage, a PPO network available off-Marketplace only, provides the largest nationwide network coverage and connects Johnston County residents to the broadest range of in-network physicians and facilities across North Carolina and beyond.

  • Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, an HMO network, centers care around UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers, making it a strong fit for Johnston County residents who primarily use UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield and Clayton.

  • HMO plan structures within the Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance network typically require referrals to see specialists, which Johnston County residents should factor in when evaluating access to cardiology, oncology, and orthopedic services.

  • PPO plan structures within the Blue Advantage network offer Johnston County residents greater flexibility to access out-of-county facilities such as WakeMed and Rex Hospital without requiring a primary care referral.

  • EPO plan options available through Blue Cross NC in Johnston County combine lower premiums with a defined provider network, requiring residents to confirm that their preferred local clinics and specialists are included before enrolling.

  • Catastrophic plans are available to Johnston County residents under age 30 or those qualifying for a hardship exemption, offering low monthly premiums with high deductibles for protection against major medical events.


How much does health insurance cost in Johnston County?

Bronze plans in Johnston County start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $79,838, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.

  • Bronze plans in Johnston County start at $463.63 per month before subsidies for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest available monthly premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when care is used.

  • Silver plans start at $593.60 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying Johnston County households.

  • Gold plans start at $626.35 per month before subsidies, providing lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year and making them cost-effective for Johnston County residents who use healthcare services frequently.

  • Johnston County households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits, with the county's median household income of $79,838 placing many families within the eligible range.

  • Households earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions, making a Silver plan the highest-value option for many Johnston County families.

  • Some Johnston County residents with incomes near the lower end of the subsidy range may qualify for $0-premium Silver plans, meaning comprehensive mid-tier coverage at no monthly cost after tax credits are applied.


Which health insurance companies offer ACA Marketplace plans in Johnston County for 2026?

Blue Cross NC is the sole ACA Marketplace carrier offering health insurance plans in Johnston County for 2026, with 16 total plans available across HMO, PPO, EPO, and Catastrophic coverage structures. These plans are organized under two primary networks: Blue Advantage, a PPO available off-Marketplace, and Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, an HMO centered on UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers. The Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance network connects Johnston County residents directly to UNC Health Johnston in Smithfield and Clayton, while the Blue Advantage network opens access to a broader statewide and national provider base including WakeMed facilities. Network selection has a direct impact on whether Johnston County residents can access out-of-county specialists at facilities like Duke Raleigh Hospital or Rex Hospital without incurring out-of-network costs, making the choice between plan types a meaningful financial and clinical decision. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost, helping Johnston County residents select the right network and coverage level for their household.

  • Blue Cross NC, offering 16 ACA Marketplace plans in Johnston County for 2026, including HMO plans through the Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance network and PPO plans through the Blue Advantage network available off-Marketplace.


Who qualifies for Medicaid and CHIP in Johnston County, North Carolina?

North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to Johnston County adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level and significantly broadening eligibility across the county. Johnston County currently has an uninsured rate of 11.1%, representing approximately 25,000 residents without coverage, many of whom may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace plans and may not yet be aware of their options. Children in Johnston County households earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost comprehensive coverage for minors. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Johnston County residents who want to know whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.

  • Working adults in Johnston County earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level are now eligible for NC Medicaid following the December 2023 expansion, including many employed in part-time or seasonal roles.

  • Children in Johnston County families may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage up to 210% of the federal poverty level, providing access to pediatric care at local clinics and Johnston Health UNC facilities.

  • Pregnant women in Johnston County are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery services, and postpartum support through the Johnston County Public Health Department.

  • Johnston County residents with disabilities or chronic conditions may qualify for Medicaid based on both income and disability status, providing ongoing access to specialist care and long-term services in the county.

  • With a poverty rate of 11.2%, a meaningful share of Johnston County residents may qualify for full Medicaid benefits covering primary care, behavioral health through Alliance Health, and pharmacy services at no cost.


Get free help choosing a health plan in Johnston County

Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Johnston County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side and walking families through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to get a free personalized quote and find out exactly what you will pay for coverage in Johnston County.


What hospitals are in Johnston County?

Hospital

Address

Phone

Central Regional Hospital

300 Veazey Dr, Butner, NC 27509

(919) 764-2000

Duke Raleigh Hospital

3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 954-3000

Granville Health System

1010 College St, Oxford, NC 27565

(919) 690-3000

Holly Hill Hospital

3019 Falstaff Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610

(919) 250-7000

Nash General Hospital

2460 Curtis Ellis Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

(252) 962-8000

PAM Specialty Hosp Of Rocky Mt

1051 Noell Ln, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

(252) 451-2300

Rex Hospital

4420 Lake Boone Trl, Raleigh, NC 27607

(919) 784-3100

Strategic Behavioral Ctr Rlgh

3200 Waterfield Dr, Garner, NC 27529

(919) 800-4400

UNC Health Johnston

509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577

(919) 934-8171

UNC Hospitals At Wakebrook

111 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610

(984) 974-4800

WakeMed Cary Hospital

1900 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518

(919) 350-8000

WakeMed North Hospital

10000 Falls Of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614

(919) 350-8000

WakeMed Raleigh Campus

3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610

(919) 350-8000

Wilson Medical Ctr

1705 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893

(252) 399-8040


What clinics are in Johnston County?

Clinic

Address

Phone

Angier Pediatric & Adult Med

441 Lakestone Commons Ave, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(919) 577-0481

Benson Area Medical Ctr Inc

11801 Vogel St, Raleigh, NC 27617

(919) 207-4403

Beverly Medical Ctr

6008 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 844-4552

Brier Creek Medical Pavilion

10207 Cerny St, Raleigh, NC 27617

(919) 634-6269

Carolina Neuropsychology Svc

3900 Barrett Dr # 102, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 859-9040

Carolinas Center For Med

3600 Glenwood Ave # 120, Raleigh, NC 27612

(919) 461-5500

Clayton Dialysis Ctr

86 Healthpark Way, Clayton, NC 27520

(919) 550-7456

Clinton Dialysis Unit

545 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577

(919) 934-2826

Duke Raleigh Hosp Palliative

3404 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 862-5400

Duke Raleigh Hosp Pre

3300 Executive Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 954-3940

Duke Raleigh Hosp

3404 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 862-5718

Duke Rheumatology Raleigh

3480 Wake Forest Rd # 414, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 613-2243

Duke Spine-Pain Mgmt-Raleigh

3480 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609

(919) 862-5367

Duke Women's Health Heritage

3000 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587

(919) 385-2940

Eastern Carolina Pathology

2693 Forest Hills Rd SW # B, Wilson, NC 27893

(252) 234-2841

ECU Health Family Medicine

1704 Glendale Dr. SW, Wilson, NC 27893

(252) 246-8960

Fastmed Family Medicine

11491 US 70 Business Hwy W, Clayton, NC 27520

(919) 550-2484

Fastmed Family Medicine

5156 N Carolina 42, Garner, NC 27529

(919) 329-5000

Goshen Medical Ctr Inc

1624 White Oak Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523

(941) 267-2042

Granville Medical Ctr

1010 College St, Oxford, NC 27565

(919) 690-3000

Karissa Binkley

1021 W Williams St # 105, Apex, NC 27502

(919) 961-9885

Meso & Beyond Medical Ctr

1000 N Main St # 100, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(919) 285-4373

Pai Wellness Group

9380 Falls Of Neuse Rd # 101, Raleigh, NC 27615

(919) 529-3355

Rocky Mt Medical Park

901 N Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804

(252) 937-8507

Siemens Medical Solutions

209 Gregson Dr, Cary, NC 27511

(919) 461-0132

Smithfield Pulmonology

706 Wilkins St # A, Smithfield, NC 27577

(919) 989-1800

Southern Wake Medical Ctr

415 Wake Chapel Rd, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526

(919) 552-9143

Synchrony Energetics Incl

3201 Nash St NW # A, Wilson, NC 27896

(252) 373-4722

UNC Fertility

7920 Acc Blvd # 300, Raleigh, NC 27617

(919) 908-0000

Voyage Anesthesia PC

101 Forest Dr # D, Knightdale, NC 27545

(919) 341-0188

Wake Health Svc

, Franklinton, NC 27525

(919) 494-5246

WakeMed Brier Creek Healthplex

8001 T W Alexander Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617

(919) 350-8000


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Johnston County ZIP Codes include: 27504, 27520, 27524, 27527, 27528, 27542, 27555, 27568, 27569, 27576, 27577, and 27593

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