Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Jones 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 Jones County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Jones County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Jones County, NC residents compare and enroll in health insurance plans from Blue Cross NC, connecting local families and workers, including those employed by Jones County Schools and Carolina East Health System, to coverage that fits their needs and budget.
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 |
Jones County is a close-knit rural community of approximately 9,245 residents, with a population that has grown 0.8% since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 2.3%, reflecting a diverse mix of households who all need reliable health coverage options. Major employers in the county include Jones County Schools, the County of Jones, AM Health Care Services, Carolina East Health System, and Smithfield Foods, each representing a different coverage situation for workers and their families. Whether a resident receives care through Vidant Jones Hospital or CarolinaEast Medical Center, Health Plans of NC helps match every Jones County household to the right type of coverage.
ACA Marketplace coverage: available to Jones County residents who are not offered employer-sponsored insurance through employers like Smithfield Foods or Jones County Schools.
Medicaid coverage: provides low-cost or no-cost health coverage to eligible low-income Jones County residents, including workers at smaller local employers without group benefits.
Employer-sponsored insurance: Jones County Schools, the County of Jones, and Carolina East Health System may offer group health plans to full-time employees and their dependents.
Short-term health plans: a temporary coverage option for Jones County residents between jobs or waiting for employer-sponsored benefits to begin at a local workplace.
COBRA continuation coverage: allows Jones County workers who lose employer-sponsored coverage, such as from AM Health Care Services or a county government position, to temporarily extend their existing plan.
Small business SHOP coverage: Jones County small business owners, including those in agriculture or local services near Vidant Jones Hospital, can use SHOP marketplace options to offer group coverage to employees.
For 2026, Jones County residents can choose from 18 plans offered by Blue Cross NC across two distinct plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving individuals and families meaningful flexibility in how they access care. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95% or more of NC doctors, while Blue Care is an HMO network covering 95% or more of NC doctors, both connecting Jones County policyholders to regional facilities including CarolinaEast Medical Center in New Bern and ECU Health Medical Center in Greenville. Health Plans of NC helps residents compare every available 2026 plan side-by-side to identify which network best aligns with their preferred local providers.
Blue Advantage, PPO network: covers 95% or more of NC doctors and connects Jones County residents to CarolinaEast Medical Center, ECU Health Medical Center, and UNC Lenoir Health Care in Kinston.
Blue Care, HMO network: covers 95% or more of NC doctors and provides broad statewide access for Jones County residents who use providers in New Bern, Greenville, or Kinston.
Blue Advantage PPO plan tiers: available in Bronze, Silver, and Gold coverage levels, allowing Jones County residents to choose the deductible and premium combination that fits their medical usage.
Blue Care HMO plan tiers: also available across multiple coverage levels, giving Jones County families a second network option with strong statewide access to specialists and hospitals.
Both networks include access to regional health systems: Vidant Jones Hospital and CarolinaEast Medical Center are key facilities for Jones County residents, and network compatibility should be confirmed before enrollment.
Plan type flexibility: Blue Advantage is a PPO, so Jones County residents who choose it have the freedom to see out-of-network providers when needed, though in-network care will always cost less; Blue Care is an HMO and covers out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care.
Bronze plans in Jones County start at approximately $401.70/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $55,659, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $401.70 per month: lowest available monthly premium for a 35-year-old in Jones County before tax credits are applied, paired with a higher annual deductible.
Silver plans start at $516.45 per month: mid-range option that qualifies for cost-sharing reductions for eligible Jones County residents, lowering out-of-pocket costs at the point of care.
Gold plans start at $533.89 per month: higher monthly premium with a lower deductible and reduced out-of-pocket costs, well-suited for Jones County residents with frequent medical needs.
Premium tax credits reduce monthly costs significantly: Jones County residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, and in some cases above, may qualify for credits that substantially lower the starting premiums above.
Some residents may qualify for a $0 or near-zero premium plan: depending on household size and income relative to the federal poverty level, enhanced subsidies can eliminate the monthly premium entirely for qualifying Jones County households.
Out-of-pocket maximums provide financial protection: all 2026 ACA Marketplace plans in Jones County include a federal cap on annual out-of-pocket costs, protecting residents from catastrophic medical bills even on lower-tier Bronze plans.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering health insurance plans to Jones County residents for 2026, with a total of 18 plans available across multiple coverage tiers. These plans are structured around two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing Jones County policyholders with broad access to physicians and facilities across North Carolina. Blue Advantage connects residents to 95% or more of NC doctors and reaches key regional systems serving Jones County, while Blue Care covers 95% or more of NC doctors with strong statewide access for those who travel to Greenville, New Bern, or Kinston for care. The choice between these two networks matters in a rural county like Jones, where provider proximity and in-network access to nearby hospitals can directly affect both convenience and cost. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Jones County residents select the network and coverage tier that works best for their providers and financial situation.
Blue Cross NC: one of two ACA Marketplace carriers in Jones County for 2026, offering 18 plans across structures under 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, which has opened the door to coverage for many Jones County residents who were previously uninsured. Currently, 10.6% of Jones County residents, approximately 1,000 people, remain uninsured, and a meaningful share of them may now be eligible for Medicaid under expansion. Children in Jones 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 coverage for kids who do not qualify for full Medicaid. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks to help Jones County residents determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults with low incomes: Jones County adults employed in part-time or seasonal roles, including those in agriculture or food processing, may qualify for Medicaid if their income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Children in low-to-moderate income households: Jones County families with children may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage, which provides comprehensive pediatric benefits at little or no cost.
Pregnant women: Jones County residents who are pregnant may qualify for Medicaid coverage with an income threshold higher than the standard adult threshold, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is covered.
Jones County's poverty rate of 21.3% means a substantial share of county households may qualify for Medicaid or other assistance programs, making eligibility screening an important first step for many families.
People with disabilities: Jones County residents who receive Supplemental Security Income or meet certain disability criteria may qualify for Medicaid regardless of age, providing access to ongoing medical and specialty care.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Jones County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side-by-side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who understands the Jones County market and can help you find the right coverage for your household.
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 Jones 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 |
|---|---|---|
Carolina East Medical Ctr | 2000 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (252) 633-8111 |
Carteret Health Care | 3500 Arendell St, Morehead City, NC 28557 | (252) 499-6000 |
Cherry Hospital | 1401 W Ash St, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 947-7000 |
ECU Health Beaufort Hosp A | 628 E 12th St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4100 |
ECU Health Maynard Children's | 2102 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-3714 |
ECU Health Medical Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-4100 |
UNC Lenoir Health Care | 100 Airport Rd, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 522-7000 |
Walter B Jones Alcohol & Drug | 2577 W 5th St, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 830-3426 |
Wayne MEMORIAL Hospital | 2605 Medical Office Pl, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 731-6112 |
Wayne UNC Health Care | 2700 Wayne Memorial Dr, Goldsboro, NC 27534 | (919) 736-1110 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Abhishek K Mishra MD | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Acupuncture Of Eastern NC | 1425 S Glenburnie Rd # 6, New Bern, NC 28562 | (252) 665-3294 |
Audit-Tel | , Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-3331 |
Cape Carteret Family Medicine | 1057d Cedar Point Blvd # D, Cedar Point, NC 28584 | (252) 764-2121 |
Community Care Plan-Eastern | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0830 |
East Carolina Heart Inst | 526 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-5755 |
East Carolina Univ Family Med | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-4611 |
East Coast Onsite Medical Care | 505 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 754-2273 |
Ecu Department-Family Medicine | 101 Heart Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 744-2607 |
ECU Health Bover Hospital | 1209 Brown St, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 975-4308 |
ECU Health Family Medicine-LA | 101 S Carey St, La Grange, NC 28551 | (252) 566-4021 |
ECU Health Gamma Knife Ctr | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-2611 |
ECU Health Gastroenterology | 521 Moye Blvd # C, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 816-0800 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 701 Doctors Dr # B, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
ECU Health Sleep Ctr-Grnvll | 4 Doctors Park Medical Dr, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-7500 |
Goshen Medical Ctr-Fremont | 109 S Sycamore St, Fremont, NC 27830 | (919) 242-4382 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 2001 Neuse Blvd, New Bern, NC 28560 | (910) 219-1082 |
Goshen Medical Ctr | 325 N Carolina Highway 55, Mount Olive, NC 28365 | (919) 658-5900 |
Healthfirst Medical Ctr Inc | 1201 Carolina Ave, Washington, NC 27889 | (252) 833-0365 |
Lindsey Roberson FNP | 701 Doctors Dr, Kinston, NC 28501 | (252) 559-2200 |
Med Center 1 | 1688 E Arlington Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 353-1464 |
Miracles In Sight | 620 Red Banks Rd, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 751-0785 |
Snow Hill Medical Ctr | 1106 Kingold Blvd, Snow Hill, NC 28580 | (252) 747-2921 |
UNC Family Medicine At Rswd | 2600 US Highway 70 W, Goldsboro, NC 27530 | (919) 739-4808 |
Vidant Medical Ctr | 3900 E 10th St, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 847-4325 |
Vidant Outpatient Rehab | 2310 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | (252) 847-6603 |
Vitality Health & Wellness | 1429 E Fire Tower Rd # 104, Greenville, NC 27858 | (252) 364-2802 |
Westcare Innovative Healthcare | 2710 Beddard Rd, Grimesland, NC 27837 | (252) 754-0920 |
Jones County ZIP Codes include: 28522, 28573, and 28585
