Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Lincoln County
in North Carolina
Lincoln County residents can compare 18 health insurance options for 2026.
Blue Value is a good fit if you are flexible about which doctors you see – or if your doctor or hospital is part of this smaller network. The network is statewide, making it easy to get in-network care if you travel or have a child away at college within North Carolina.
Limited statewide network for savings
Network includes, but is not limited to, Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health and UNC Health Alliance.
The following doctor/hospital networks are considered out-of-network for Blue Value: Atrium Health (not including Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist), Duke Health and WakeMed. Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network. 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 covered services will be covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
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 Advantage 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.
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
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 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.
Blue Local with Atrium Health is a good option if you wish to get care from Atrium Health and its affiliated doctors and hospitals. Since the majority of doctors in this plan are in the same health care system, it’s easier for them to work together on your behalf.
A provider network that includes: Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center – named “Best Hospital” in the Charlotte metro region.2
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist (pre-eminent academic health system).3
Two children’s hospitals: Levine Children’s Hospital (nationally ranked in eight specialties)4 and Brenner Children’s Hospital.
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Comprehensive Cancer Center – one of only three comprehensive cancer centers in North Carolina.5
26 hospitals and more than 650 care locations in NC and SC.6
All doctors outside the Atrium Health provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered for Blue Local with Atrium Health, including: CaroMont Health, Cone Health, Novant Health and their affiliated providers. 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
Blue Cross NC has collaborated with Atrium Health to bring you Blue Local with Atrium Health, a health insurance plan offered by Blue Cross NC that provides access to Atrium Health’s comprehensive network of providers. Atrium Health is an independent company and is solely responsible for the physicians and medical facilities it owns/operates. Atrium Health does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services.
Atrium Health, atriumhealth.org/about-us/newsroom/news/atrium-health-earns-multiple-us-news-and-world-report-honors (Accessed September 2023).
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, www.wakehealth.edu/about-us (Accessed August 2022).
Atrium Health, www.atriumhealth.org/about-us (Accessed August 2022).
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, www.wakehealth.edu/locations/facilities/comprehensive-cancer-center (Accessed September 2023).
Atrium Health, https://2023yir.advocatehealth.org/ (Within the full report) (Accessed September 2024).
Blue Local with Atrium Health is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Randolph, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Wilkes and Yadkin.
Blue Care gives you access to our largest statewide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.
More than 92% of doctors and 97% of hospitals in North Carolina are in-network.1
All doctors outside the Blue Care provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered. 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.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Lincoln County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Lincoln County, NC residents find and enroll in health insurance coverage that fits their needs and budget, with access to local providers like Atrium Health Lincoln and employers such as Lincoln County Schools. Whether you are self-employed, between jobs, or exploring your options for the first time, Health Plans of NC compares every available plan at no cost.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | PPO | Broad statewide network, 92%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Value | HMO | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Blue Local with Atrium Health | PPO | Available in Lincoln County |
Lincoln County is home to 90,359 residents, a population that has grown 4.1 percent since 2020, and 5.1 percent of residents were born outside the United States, reflecting a diverse community with a wide range of coverage needs. Major employers such as Lincoln County Schools, Atrium Health Lincoln, Lincoln County government, Walmart, and The Timken Company create a mix of employer-sponsored and individually purchased coverage arrangements across the county. Residents who do not have access to job-based coverage can explore ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, CHIP, short-term coverage, COBRA continuation, or small business SHOP plans through Health Plans of NC.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Lincoln County residents who are not offered qualifying employer-sponsored insurance through workplaces like Walmart or The Timken Company.
Medicaid coverage serves qualifying low-income Lincoln County adults and families, including those employed part-time or seasonally by local employers such as Lincoln County government.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by major Lincoln County employers including Lincoln County Schools and Atrium Health Lincoln, covering a significant portion of the local workforce.
Short-term coverage can bridge gaps for Lincoln County residents between jobs or waiting for employer benefits to begin, though these plans do not meet ACA minimum standards.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Lincoln County workers who leave positions at employers like The Timken Company or Walmart to maintain their existing group health benefits temporarily.
Small business SHOP plans are available to Lincoln County employers with fewer than 50 employees who want to offer group health coverage to their staff through the ACA marketplace.
For 2026, Lincoln County residents can choose from plans offered across four Blue Cross NC networks, including both PPO and HMO plan structures that connect enrollees to local and regional care. The Blue Local with Atrium Health network is specifically available in Lincoln County, making it a strong option for residents who primarily use Atrium Health Lincoln for their care. Health Plans of NC can walk Lincoln County residents through each network option to identify which plan structure aligns with their preferred providers and coverage needs.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, gives Lincoln County residents access to the largest nationwide network, with more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors included as in-network providers.
Blue Care, a PPO plan, offers broad statewide network coverage with more than 92 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, suitable for Lincoln County residents who see specialists across the region.
Blue Value, an HMO plan, provides a value-focused coverage structure with lower monthly premiums, designed for Lincoln County residents who want cost-efficient access to essential care.
Blue Local with Atrium Health, a PPO plan, is available specifically in Lincoln County and centers coverage around the Atrium Health system, including Atrium Health Lincoln at 433 McAlister Road in Lincolnton.
HMO plans like Blue Value require Lincoln County residents to select a primary care provider and obtain referrals for specialist visits, which can streamline care coordination for those using local providers.
PPO plans like Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Local with Atrium Health offer Lincoln County residents more flexibility to see specialists and out-of-area providers without a referral requirement.
Bronze plans in Lincoln County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $78,490, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Lincoln County start at $522.41 per month before subsidies for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest premiums with higher deductibles for residents who want catastrophic cost protection.
Silver plans start at $671.42 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying residents.
Gold plans start at $694.31 per month before subsidies and feature higher premiums paired with lower out-of-pocket costs, making them well-suited for residents who use care frequently throughout the year.
Lincoln County residents with household incomes between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs well below the listed starting prices.
Residents with incomes between 100 and 250 percent of the federal poverty level may also qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and annual out-of-pocket maximums.
Some Lincoln County enrollees may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan depending on their household income and size, making comprehensive coverage available at no monthly cost.
Blue Cross NC is the ACA Marketplace carrier serving Lincoln County for 2026, offering a total of 18 individual and family plans across multiple network and plan-type options. These 18 plans span four networks, including Blue Advantage, Blue Care, Blue Value, and Blue Local with Atrium Health, available as PPO and HMO plan structures. The Blue Local with Atrium Health network connects Lincoln County enrollees directly to Atrium Health Lincoln and the broader Atrium Health regional system, while broader PPO networks like Blue Advantage extend access to providers statewide and nationwide. The network a Lincoln County resident selects directly determines which local providers, specialists, and urgent care facilities are accessible in-network, making plan-to-network matching a critical step in the enrollment process. Health Plans of NC compares every Blue Cross NC plan available in Lincoln County side-by-side at no cost, helping residents find coverage that aligns with both their provider preferences and financial situation.
Blue Cross NC, offering 18 ACA Marketplace plans for Lincoln County residents in 2026, including PPO and HMO options across the Blue Advantage, Blue Care, Blue Value, and Blue Local with Atrium Health networks.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, and Lincoln County adults with household incomes at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for free or very low-cost coverage. Lincoln County currently has an uninsured rate of 9.2 percent, representing approximately 8,000 residents without coverage, many of whom may be newly eligible under Medicaid expansion. Children in Lincoln County families with incomes up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing affordable pediatric coverage to households that earn too much for Medicaid. Health Plans of NC provides free eligibility checks for Medicaid and CHIP so Lincoln County residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for these programs before exploring Marketplace options.
Working adults in Lincoln County who are employed part-time or in lower-wage positions and whose income falls at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for Medicaid at no premium cost.
Children in Lincoln County families can access NC Health Choice coverage if household income is too high for Medicaid but still creates affordability barriers for private insurance premiums.
Pregnant women in Lincoln County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult threshold, ensuring access to prenatal and delivery care through the local Atrium Health system.
Lincoln County seniors with low incomes may qualify for dual eligibility, receiving both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, which can eliminate most out-of-pocket costs for medical and prescription services.
Residents with disabilities in Lincoln County may qualify for Medicaid regardless of age, and Lincoln County's 9.0 percent poverty rate means a meaningful share of the population may meet income-based eligibility criteria for these programs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Lincoln County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side and guiding you through the full enrollment process from eligibility to activation. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who knows the Lincoln 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 Lincoln 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 |
|---|---|---|
Atrium Health Cabarrus | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Atrium Health Cleveland | 201 E Grover St, Shelby, NC 28150 | (980) 487-3000 |
Atrium Health Kings Mountain | 706 W King St, Kings Mountain, NC 28086 | (980) 487-5000 |
Atrium Health Lincoln | 433 Mcalister Rd, Lincolnton, NC 28092 | (980) 212-2000 |
Atrium Health Pineville | 10628 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-1000 |
Atrium Health Stanly | 301 Yadkin St, Albemarle, NC 28001 | (704) 984-4000 |
Atrium Health Union West Hosp | 1000 Healing Way, Matthews, NC 28104 | (800) 821-1535 |
Atrium Health Union | 600 Hospital Dr, Monroe, NC 28112 | (980) 993-3100 |
Atrium Health University City | 8800 N Tryon St, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-6000 |
Atrium Health Waxhaw | 2700 Providence Rd S, Waxhaw, NC 28173 | (704) 667-6800 |
Atrium Health's Carolinas Med | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-2000 |
Carolinas Continue Care Hosp | 10648 Park Rd, Charlotte, NC 28210 | (704) 667-8050 |
Carolinas Continuecare Hosp | 8800 N Tryon St # 4, Charlotte, NC 28262 | (704) 863-8300 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst | 501 Billingsley Rd, Charlotte, NC 28211 | (704) 444-2400 |
Carolinas Rehabilitation | 1100 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 355-4300 |
Caromont Regional Medical Ctr | 2525 Court Dr, Gastonia, NC 28054 | (704) 834-2000 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 810 Fairgrove Church Rd, Hickory, NC 28602 | (828) 326-3000 |
Davis Regional Medical Ctr | 218 Old Mocksville Rd, Statesville, NC 28625 | (704) 873-0281 |
Frye Regional Medical Ctr | 420 N Center St # 20, Hickory, NC 28601 | (828) 315-5000 |
Iredell Memorial Hospital | 557 Brookdale Dr, Statesville, NC 28677 | (704) 873-5661 |
Jeff Gordon Children's Ctr | 920 Church St N, Concord, NC 28025 | (704) 403-3000 |
Lake Norman Regional Med Ctr | 171 Fairview Rd, Mooresville, NC 28117 | (704) 660-4000 |
Levine Children's Hospital | 1000 Blythe Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28203 | (704) 381-2000 |
Novant Health Charlotte Ortho | 1901 Randolph Rd, Charlotte, NC 28207 | (704) 316-2000 |
Novant Health Hemby Children's | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4021 |
Novant Health Huntersville Med | 10030 Gilead Rd, Huntersville, NC 28078 | (704) 316-4000 |
Novant Health Matthews Med Ctr | 1500 Matthews Township Pkwy, Matthews, NC 28105 | (704) 384-6500 |
Novant Health Mint Hl Med Ctr | 8201 Healthcare Loop, Charlotte, NC 28215 | (980) 302-1000 |
Novant Health Presbyterian Med | 200 Hawthorne Ln, Charlotte, NC 28204 | (704) 384-4000 |
Novant Health Rowan Med Ctr | 612 Mocksville Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 210-5000 |
WG Hefner Salisbury Dept | 1601 Brenner Ave, Salisbury, NC 28144 | (704) 638-9000 |
Lincoln County ZIP Codes include: 28033, 28037, 28080, 28092, 28093, and 28168
