Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Mitchell County
in North Carolina
Mitchell County residents can compare 16 health insurance options for 2026.
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 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 Mitchell County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Mitchell County, North Carolina find affordable health insurance coverage, with local connections to Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and the broader Mission Health HCA network serving the Spruce Pine area and surrounding mountain communities.
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 |
Mitchell County is home to 14,973 residents across communities like Spruce Pine, Bakersville, Penland, and Little Switzerland, with the county growing at 0.5% since 2020 and 3.1% of residents identifying as foreign-born. Major employers including Mitchell County Schools, Walmart, Sibelco North America, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, and the County of Mitchell offer varying levels of employer-sponsored coverage, while health systems such as Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA anchor the local care landscape. Residents without employer coverage can explore ACA Marketplace plans, Medicaid, CHIP, COBRA, short-term coverage, or small business SHOP plans depending on their situation.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Mitchell County residents who do not receive coverage through employers like Mitchell County Schools or Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and need individual or family coverage.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income Mitchell County adults and families, with Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA facilities accessible to enrolled members.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by several major Mitchell County employers including Sibelco North America, Walmart, and the County of Mitchell, often covering a significant share of employee premiums.
Short-term health plans may serve Mitchell County residents in coverage gaps, such as those transitioning between jobs at local employers or awaiting open enrollment periods.
COBRA continuation coverage is an option for Mitchell County workers who recently left employment with organizations like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital or Mitchell County Schools and need temporary coverage.
Small business SHOP plans through the ACA Marketplace are available to Mitchell County small employers looking to offer group coverage to employees across the county's mountain communities.
For 2026, Mitchell County residents can choose from 16 plans offered by Blue Cross NC through the ACA Marketplace, spanning Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic coverage tiers across two distinct plan networks. The Blue Advantage network is a PPO structure offering the largest nationwide network with more than 95% of North Carolina doctors participating in-network, while the Blue Care network is also a PPO with broad statewide reach covering more than 92% of NC doctors. Both networks connect Mitchell County enrollees to key local facilities including Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, the Toe River Health District, Mission Community Orthopedics, and Mission Women's Care, with access to larger regional systems like Mission Hospital in Asheville for specialty care.
Blue Advantage, PPO, connects Mitchell County residents to the largest nationwide provider network with more than 95% of NC doctors in-network, including Blue Ridge Regional Hospital and Mission Health HCA facilities.
Blue Care, PPO, provides broad statewide network access covering more than 92% of NC doctors in-network, with participation from local providers like the Toe River Health District and specialty clinics in Spruce Pine.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care PPO plans allow Mitchell County enrollees to access out-of-network providers, giving flexibility for referrals to specialists at Mission Hospital in Asheville or Charles A. Cannon Jr. Memorial Hospital in Newland.
Bronze-tier plans under both networks offer lower monthly premiums with higher deductibles, suited for Mitchell County adults who primarily need coverage for major medical events at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
Silver-tier plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care are eligible for cost-sharing reductions, making them a strong choice for Mitchell County families who regularly use primary care services at Blue Ridge Medical Center Mayland.
Gold-tier plans within both networks feature lower out-of-pocket costs in exchange for higher premiums, benefiting Mitchell County residents managing ongoing conditions at Mission Community Orthopedics or Mission Women's Care in Spruce Pine.
Bronze plans in Mitchell County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $58,089, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old in Mitchell County before premium tax credits, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher cost-sharing when care is needed.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Mitchell County households.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month for a 35-year-old before tax credits, providing lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year for Mitchell County residents who use medical services frequently.
Mitchell County households earning up to 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can bring monthly costs well below the published starting prices for Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans.
Some Mitchell County residents with incomes near 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify for a zero-dollar or near-zero-dollar premium Silver plan after enhanced ACA subsidies are applied.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA plans cap annual spending, protecting Mitchell County families from catastrophic medical bills even on lower-tier Bronze plans used at local facilities.
Blue Cross NC is the sole ACA Marketplace carrier offering health insurance plans in Mitchell County for 2026, with 16 plans available to individuals and families across multiple coverage tiers. These plans are structured around two PPO networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of network breadth and flexibility for Mitchell County enrollees. Blue Advantage connects members to the largest nationwide PPO network with more than 95% of NC doctors participating, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide PPO network reaching more than 92% of NC providers, including local facilities in and around Spruce Pine. The network a Mitchell County resident selects will determine access to providers like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital, the Toe River Health District, and specialty clinics such as Mission Community Orthopedics, as well as referral pathways to larger systems like Mission Hospital in Asheville. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Mitchell County residents identify the right combination of network, tier, and coverage structure for their needs.
Blue Cross NC, PPO plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 16 plans available in Mitchell County for 2026 across 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 eligibility to many previously uninsured Mitchell County residents. Currently, 10.0% of Mitchell County residents are uninsured, representing approximately 1,000 individuals who may now qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or subsidized Marketplace coverage. Children in households earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing comprehensive low-cost coverage for minors across Mitchell County. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks and enrollment assistance to help Mitchell County residents determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or an ACA Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Mitchell County who earn at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Medicaid expansion coverage at little to no monthly cost.
Children in Mitchell County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level are potentially eligible for NC Health Choice, the state CHIP program, with low-cost premiums and comprehensive benefits.
Pregnant women in Mitchell County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through local providers connected to Mission Health HCA and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital.
Mitchell County residents with disabilities or very low fixed incomes may qualify for full Medicaid benefits covering doctor visits, hospital stays, prescriptions, and long-term care services.
With a poverty rate of 13.0% in Mitchell County, a meaningful share of the local population may be eligible for Medicaid or cost-sharing reductions and is encouraged to check eligibility with a licensed agent at no cost.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Mitchell County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side to match your providers, prescriptions, and budget with the right coverage. Call 800-797-0327 today to get a free personalized quote or check your eligibility for Medicaid, CHIP, or ACA subsidies.
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 Mitchell 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 |
|---|---|---|
Adventhealth Hendersonville | 100 Hospital Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 684-8501 |
Asheville Specialty Hospital | 428 Biltmore Ave # 4, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5400 |
Asheville VA Medical Ctr | 1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 | (828) 298-7911 |
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Broughton Hospital | 1000 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-2111 |
Caldwell UNC Health Care | 321 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 757-5100 |
Charles A Cannon Jr Meml Hosp | 434 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 737-7000 |
Forum Health Asheville | 1312 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 252-9833 |
Mission Children's Hospital | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Hospital Mcdowell | 430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5000 |
Mission Hospital | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Pardee UNC Health Care | 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 696-1000 |
St Luke's Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
St Lukes Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
UNC Health Blue Ridge | 2201 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-5000 |
UNC Health Care Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Valdese, NC 28690 | (828) 580-7640 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
AMCHC | 225 Patton Ave # 200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 412-5315 |
Apex Brain Ctr | 600 Julian Ln # 650, Arden, NC 28704 | (828) 708-5274 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc-MRN | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-0005 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 589 Peniel Rd, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Children's Med Ctr | 7 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 100a, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 258-0969 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 252-7331 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 782-9330 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Atrium Health At Hm-Hm Med | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 879-9050 |
Atrium Health At Home | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6450 |
Atrium Health Shelby Women's | 446 N Carolina 108, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (980) 487-2570 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Mayland | , Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4113 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Yancy Cmps | 800 Medical Campus Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714 | (828) 682-0200 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr-Yancey Cmps | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 255-7776 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst Blue | 1766 Connelly Springs Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 728-8224 |
Carolinas Medical Ctr At Hm | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6441 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 309 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 326-3803 |
Fastmed Family Medicine | 160 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 210-2835 |
Gastroenterology-Mission | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 2, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Happy Valley Medical Ctr | 1345 NC Highway 268, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 754-6850 |
Keys Of Hope Medical Ctr | 295 Carson St # K, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-6334 |
Levine Cancer Inst-Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 | (828) 580-7536 |
Mars Hill Medical Ctr | 119 Mountain View Rd, Mars Hill, NC 28754 | (828) 689-3507 |
Mauzy-Phillips Ctr | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Children's Outpatient | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Children's Specialists | 11 Vanderbilt Prk Dr # 2ndfloor, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Community Medicine-Brk | 149 W Parker Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-4933 |
Mission Community Medicine-Nb | 339 Nebo School Rd, Nebo, NC 28761 | (828) 652-6326 |
Mission Community Orthopedics | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Community Urological | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Ctr Highway 70 | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-6386 |
Mission Health Ctr Sugar Hill | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-7776 |
Mission Health Mauzy-Phillips | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Partners | 50 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-3250 |
Mission Hospital-Smoking | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5527 |
Mission Hospital-St Joseph | 428 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Mission Medical Oncology | 430 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (800) 506-2550 |
Mission Neurology Svc | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1439 |
Mission Neurology-Outpatient | 1 Hospital Dr # 3200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-9530 |
Mission Orthopedic Trauma Svc | 1 Hospital Dr # 4200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1994 |
Mission Outpatient Svc Sugar | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd # Entranceb, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Mission St Joseph's Health | 890 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 274-7026 |
Mission Urology-Asheville | 1 Hospital Dr # 4100, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 254-8883 |
Mission Urology-Mcdowell | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5700 |
Mission Weight Management | 1 Hospital Dr # 3400, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-4100 |
Mission Women's Care-Spruce Pn | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Workwell-Medical Park | 2 Medical Park Dr # 102, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-9600 |
Occupational Medicine Ctr | 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (828) 286-5508 |
Sloop Medical Office Plaza | 436 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 733-0280 |
Stonecreek Health & Rehab LLC | 455 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 225-3829 |
Surgical Specialist-Carolina | 1998 Hendersonville Rd # 40, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 585-2575 |
Valdese Patient Svc Ctr | 730 Malcolm Blvd # 160, Rutherford College, NC 28671 | (828) 580-7456 |
Mitchell County ZIP Codes include: 28705, 28765, and 28777
