Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Nash 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.
Triangle area
Blue Home℠ with UNC Health Alliance is a Blue Cross NC plan built around UNC Health's provider network, including more than 1,900 primary care providers, UNC Medical Center (nationally ranked in 4 adult and 9 pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report), and UNC Rex Hospital (rated high-performing in 1 adult specialty and 21 adult procedures and conditions).
Like the other Blue Home plans, this is a single-system regional network offered at a lower premium than broad-network options — only UNC Health Alliance providers are in-network. We recommend it for Triangle-area residents who already rely on a UNC Health doctor, especially for complex or pediatric care.
Good fit if you have an ongoing relationship with a UNC Health specialist, especially for a complex or chronic condition, prefer pediatric care coordinated through UNC's academic health system, or live in one of the eligible Triangle-area counties.
Poor fit if your regular doctors are with Cone Health, Duke Health, or WakeMed — all three are out-of-network here.
Regional network – Triangle area
Network: UNC Health Alliance only1 (incl. UNC Medical Center).2
Out-of-area care: Emergency / urgent only.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Notes
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.
UNC Health, www.unchealthcare.org/health-alliance/ (Accessed August 2024).
U.S. News and World Report, www.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nc/university-of-north-carolina-hospitals-6360260 (Accessed August 2024).
U.S. News and World Report, www.usnews.com/best-hospitals/area/nc/rex-healthcare-6361210 (Accessed August 2024).
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.
This plan is built around a single system, UNC Health Alliance, which keeps the premium lower than Blue Cross NC's broad-network plans. Only UNC Health Alliance providers are in-network — outside of emergency and urgent care, Duke Health and WakeMed are not covered, even though both operate in the same Triangle-area counties.
The network includes more than 1,900 primary care providers, UNC Medical Center — nationally ranked in four adult and nine pediatric specialties by U.S. News & World Report — and UNC Rex Hospital, rated high-performing in one adult specialty and 21 adult procedures and conditions.
For members managing a complex or chronic condition, or families needing pediatric specialty care, having that care coordinated through one academic health system is often the main draw of this plan over a broader but less integrated network.
The lower premium is the trade-off for narrowing to one system. It's offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers, and most applicants qualify for a premium tax credit based on income and household size.
This plan is available across 11 Triangle-area counties, including Wake, Durham, and Orange. If your doctors are with Duke Health or WakeMed instead, this plan won't cover them outside of an emergency.
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 UNC Health providers are in-network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against Blue Advantage® and Blue Care® — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Yes — UNC Medical Center, nationally ranked by U.S. News & World Report in several adult and pediatric specialties, is part of this network, along with more than 1,900 primary care providers across the Triangle.
No. Duke Health and WakeMed are out-of-network on Blue Home℠ with UNC Health Alliance, along with their affiliated providers. If your regular doctors are with Duke or WakeMed, this isn’t the right plan.
No. UNC Health is an independent company solely responsible for its physicians and facilities. Blue Cross NC partners with UNC Health to offer this plan design, but UNC Health does not sell Blue Cross or Blue Shield products.
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 | 27 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 37 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Nash County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Nash County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Nash County residents find and enroll in the right health insurance plan for 2026, connecting families and individuals with coverage that works alongside local providers like Nash UNC Health Care and major employers such as Pfizer and Consolidated Diesel Company.
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 |
Blue Home℠ with UNC Health Alliance | EPO | UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers |
Nash County's 95,451 residents have access to a full range of health coverage options, from ACA Marketplace plans to employer-sponsored benefits through major local employers like Pfizer, Nash County Schools, Consolidated Diesel Company, the County of Nash, and Nash UNC Health Care. The county has grown 0.5 percent since 2020, and approximately 4.0 percent of residents are foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community with varying coverage needs. Health Plans of NC helps every resident navigate these options at no cost, whether they work for a large local employer or are shopping for individual coverage on their own.
ACA Marketplace coverage through Blue Cross NC connects Nash County residents to local providers including Nash UNC Health Care for comprehensive individual and family plans.
Medicaid coverage serves income-qualifying Nash County adults and children, with enrollment support available through Health Plans of NC at no cost.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is available to employees of major Nash County employers such as Pfizer, Consolidated Diesel Company, Nash County Schools, and the County of Nash.
Short-term health coverage provides temporary protection for Nash County residents between jobs or transitioning away from an employer-sponsored plan at a major local company.
COBRA continuation coverage allows eligible Nash County workers who leave employers like Nash UNC Health Care or Pfizer to temporarily extend their existing group health benefits.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans give Nash County small employers a structured way to offer competitive health benefits and attract talent in the local workforce.
For 2026, Nash County residents can choose from 27 plans offered by Blue Cross NC across three distinct provider networks, each designed to connect enrollees with different combinations of local and statewide providers. The available networks include Blue Advantage, a PPO with the broadest nationwide reach, Blue Care, an HMO with strong statewide coverage, and Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, an EPO centered on UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers including Nash UNC Health Care. Selecting the right network is essential for Nash County families who rely on specific local facilities, and Health Plans of NC agents review every option side by side at no cost.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, offers the largest nationwide provider access with more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, including Nash UNC Health Care specialists.
Blue Care, an HMO network, provides broad statewide coverage with more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, connecting Nash County residents to regional and local providers.
Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, an EPO network, is built around UNC Health hospitals and affiliated providers, making it a natural fit for Nash County residents who rely on Nash UNC Health Care.
Plan networks like Blue Advantage and Blue Care give Nash County enrollees the flexibility to see specialists and out-of-area providers without requiring a primary care referral.
The Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance EPO network coordinates care through UNC Health affiliated facilities, which may lower out-of-pocket costs for Nash County members using in-network services.
All three networks are available through Blue Cross NC's 27 plans in Nash County, spanning Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic coverage tiers to fit a wide range of household needs.
Bronze plans in Nash County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $60,704, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Nash County start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest premiums available with higher deductibles for those who rarely need routine care.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Nash County households.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month and provide lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, making them valuable for residents who use Nash UNC Health Care services frequently.
Households earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for advance premium tax credits that reduce monthly Silver and Bronze plan costs well below the listed starting prices.
Some Nash County residents with incomes between 100 and 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a zero-dollar-premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied.
Out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan tier, and Gold plans typically offer the lowest annual caps, reducing financial risk for Nash County families managing ongoing or complex health needs.
Blue Cross NC is one of two carriers offering ACA Marketplace individual and family health insurance plans in Nash County for 2026, with a total of 27 plans available to county residents. These plans are structured across three provider networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance, giving shoppers a choice among PPO flexibility, statewide HMO access, and a local EPO network. Blue Advantage and Blue Care are networks that give Nash County enrollees access to a wide range of in-network doctors and hospitals across North Carolina and the nation, while Blue Home with UNC Health Alliance is an EPO that centers care around UNC Health hospitals and affiliated facilities including Nash UNC Health Care. The network type a resident selects directly affects which local providers, specialists, and facilities are accessible without referral requirements or out-of-network cost penalties, making network review a critical step before enrollment. Health Plans of NC licensed agents compare every Blue Cross NC plan in Nash County side by side at no cost, ensuring residents find the plan that best fits their provider relationships and coverage needs.
Blue Cross NC: PPO, HMO and EPO plans across three networks, offering 27 individual and family health insurance plans in Nash County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level, which has opened eligibility to many Nash County residents who previously had no affordable coverage option. Currently, 11.8 percent of Nash County's population, roughly 11,000 people, remain uninsured, and a significant portion of those individuals may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for pediatric care. Health Plans of NC conducts free eligibility checks for Nash County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Nash County earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for full Medicaid coverage at little to no monthly cost following North Carolina's expansion.
Children in Nash County households earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for NC Health Choice, the state CHIP program, which covers pediatric visits and preventive care.
Pregnant women in Nash County may qualify for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery services, and postpartum support through the Nash County Health Department and affiliated providers.
Nash County residents with disabilities or seniors with low incomes may qualify for Medicaid programs that cover long-term services, home health, and specialized medical care.
With a poverty rate of 14.0 percent in Nash County, a meaningful share of households falls at or near eligibility thresholds, making a free eligibility check with Health Plans of NC an important first step.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Nash County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side and guiding enrollees through the full application and enrollment process. Call 800-797-0327 today to get personalized plan recommendations and find out exactly what you will pay after any subsidies or Medicaid benefits are applied.
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 Nash 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 |
|---|---|---|
UNC Health Nash | 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Bailey Primary Care | 6321 Deans St, Bailey, NC 27807 | |
Carolina Family Dental Center | 8282 NC 58 S, Elm City, NC 27822 | |
Harvest Family Health Center | 8250 South NC 58, Elm City, NC 27822 | |
OIC Family Medical Center at Community Health Plaza | 1041 Noell Ln, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
OIC Family Medical Center at Happy Hill | 300 N Grace St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
Opportunities Industrialization Center - OIC FMC Guardian Court | 90 Guardian Ct, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
Opportunities Industrialization Center - OIC Sunset Avenue | 2309 Sunset Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
Agape' Adult Day Care Center | 412 S Grace St, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
Boice-Willis Clinic | 901 N Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | |
Clinic Services | 214 S Barnes St, Nashville, NC 27856 |
Nash County ZIP Codes include: 27557, 27802, 27803, 27804, 27807, 27809, 27815, 27816, 27856, 27868, 27878, 27882, and 27891
