Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Martin 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 Martin County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Martin County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Martin County residents find affordable, comprehensive health coverage, connecting families served by Vidant Martin Hospital and employers like Flagstone Foods to the right plan for 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 |
Martin County's 21,773 residents, a population that has declined by 1.2% since 2020, have access to multiple health coverage pathways including ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, and employer-sponsored insurance through major local employers such as Flagstone Foods, Martin County Schools, Walmart, the County of Martin, and Martin Community College. Health systems including Vidant Martin Hospital and ECU Health anchor local medical care, making plan network compatibility an important consideration when selecting coverage. The county's 1.7% foreign-born resident population can also access enrollment assistance through Health Plans of NC, where agents are available to guide residents through every available option.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Martin County residents who do not have access to qualifying employer coverage, connecting enrollees to local providers including Vidant Martin Hospital and ECU Health facilities.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Martin County residents, including many workers employed by smaller businesses or part-time positions with employers like Walmart or Martin Community College who lack employer-sponsored benefits.
Employer-sponsored health plans cover many Martin County residents working for major local employers such as Flagstone Foods, Martin County Schools, and the County of Martin, offering group rates negotiated through the employer.
Short-term health plans may serve as a temporary bridge for Martin County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though they do not meet ACA minimum essential coverage standards.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Martin County residents who have recently lost employer-sponsored insurance, such as former employees of Martin County Schools or other local employers, to maintain their existing plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Martin County small business owners who want to offer group coverage to employees and potentially qualify for the small business health care tax credit.
For 2026, Martin County residents can choose from 18 Blue Cross NC plans structured across Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, with plan types that include PPO and HMO options giving enrollees flexibility in how they access care at local facilities. The Blue Advantage network is a PPO covering more than 95% of North Carolina doctors in-network, while the Blue Care network is an HMO covering more than 95% of North Carolina doctors, both connecting Martin County policyholders to providers at Vidant Martin Hospital and nearby ECU Health locations. Health Plans of NC agents review every available 2026 plan structure to match Martin County residents with the network and coverage tier that best fits their provider relationships.
Blue Advantage, PPO network, connects Martin County enrollees to the largest nationwide provider network with more than 95% of NC doctors in-network, including access to Vidant Martin Hospital and ECU Health facilities.
Blue Care, HMO network, provides broad statewide coverage with more than 95% of NC doctors in-network, giving Martin County residents strong access to local providers at Vidant Martin Hospital and regional ECU Health locations.
Bronze-tier plans within Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks offer lower monthly premiums with higher deductibles, suited for Martin County adults who want financial protection without high ongoing costs.
Silver-tier plans are available under both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can significantly lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Martin County enrollees.
Gold-tier plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks carry higher monthly premiums in exchange for lower out-of-pocket costs, benefiting Martin County residents who regularly use services at Vidant Martin Hospital or ECU Health specialist locations.
Catastrophic plans are available to Martin County adults under age 30 or those with a qualifying hardship exemption, providing a lower-cost safety net for major medical events through the Blue Cross NC network.
Bronze plans in Martin County start at approximately $403.47/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $46,793, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Martin County start at $403.47 per month for a 35-year-old before any federal premium tax credit is applied, offering the lowest monthly premium with a higher deductible structure.
Silver plans start at $518.72 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles, copays, and out-of-pocket maximums for qualifying residents.
Gold plans start at $536.24 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for a higher monthly premium, which can benefit residents with frequent medical needs.
Martin County residents with a household income between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits that reduce the monthly cost of any metal-tier plan on the Marketplace.
Some Martin County households with income just above the Medicaid threshold may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after enhanced subsidies are applied, making comprehensive coverage available at no monthly cost.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA plans cap the total annual cost a Martin County enrollee pays for in-network covered services, providing financial protection against large medical expenses at facilities like Vidant Martin Hospital.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers serving Martin County for 2026, offering a total of 18 individual and family health plans across multiple coverage tiers and structures. These plans are built on two available networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plans that give Martin County enrollees broad in-network access without requiring referrals for specialist visits. The Blue Advantage network connects policyholders to the largest nationwide provider footprint, while Blue Care delivers broad statewide coverage, and both networks include access to local facilities such as Vidant Martin Hospital and regional ECU Health locations. Choosing between these two networks matters in a rural county like Martin County, where in-network access to the nearest specialist or hospital directly affects both care quality and out-of-pocket costs. Health Plans of NC licensed agents compare every Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost to Martin County residents, ensuring each family selects the structure that best matches their providers and coverage needs.
Blue Cross NC, offering plans under the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, with 18 total health plans available in Martin County for 2026 across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic 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, a threshold that makes many Martin County residents newly eligible who may not yet be enrolled. Currently 7.7% of Martin County residents, approximately 2,000 people, remain uninsured, and a significant share of these individuals may qualify for Medicaid or heavily subsidized Marketplace coverage they are not yet receiving. The county's 19.6% poverty rate means a substantial portion of the local population falls within or near Medicaid eligibility guidelines, making an eligibility check a critical first step. Children in families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, and Health Plans of NC can conduct a free eligibility review for any Martin County household.
Working adults in Martin County earning at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full NC Medicaid coverage following the December 2023 expansion, even if they were previously denied.
Children in Martin County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the CHIP program, which provides comprehensive pediatric coverage at little or no cost.
Pregnant women in Martin County are eligible for Medicaid coverage with an expanded income threshold, ensuring access to prenatal care and delivery services at local and regional facilities.
Martin County's 19.6% poverty rate means a large share of county residents are likely income-eligible for Medicaid or CHIP, and many may benefit from a free eligibility review with Health Plans of NC.
People with disabilities and low-income seniors in Martin County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that coordinates with Medicare, helping reduce out-of-pocket costs for medical services and prescription drugs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Martin County residents at absolutely no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side-by-side to find the best fit for your budget, providers, and coverage needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who can guide you through enrollment and ensure you receive every subsidy or benefit you qualify for.
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 Martin County
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
No cost, no pressure. Health Plans of NC agents work for you, not the carrier.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-6600 |
ECU Health Chowan Hospital | 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-8451 |
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital | 111 Hospital Dr, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 641-7700 |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-8011 |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hosp | 500 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3000 |
Martin General Hospital | 310 S Mccaskey Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 | (252) 809-6300 |
Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 449-4500 |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Ctr | 1144 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 335-0531 |
Washington Regional Med Ctr | 958 US Highway 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-4135 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahsk | 226 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3991 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1124 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-2946 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1385 Medical Center Dr # 4942, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9176 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 220 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9268 |
ECU Health Internal Medicine | 104 Mark Dr, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5171 |
ECU Health Multispecialty | 113 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-3047 |
ECU Health Neurology-Edenton | 203 Earnhart Dr # B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5868 |
ECU Health Orthopedics-Roanoke | 171 N Carolina 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-5631 |
ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie | 222 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3440 |
ECU Health Sleep Medicine | 240 Smith Church Rd # A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Halifax Regional Med Ctr Inc | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870, Not AvailableIsland Medical Ctr, 715 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-2500 |
Sentara Vascular Specialists | 5200 N Croatan Hwy # 6, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-6125 |
Signature Healthcare | 305 E 14th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-6181 |
Vidant Sleep Medicine-Roanoke | 240 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Martin County ZIP Codes include: 27825, 27840, 27841, 27846, 27857, 27861, 27871, and 27892
