Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Northampton 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 Northampton County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Northampton County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Northampton County, NC find and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage, with local ties to employers like Northampton County Schools and health systems such as ECU Health serving the region. Whether you are exploring your first plan or switching coverage, our licensed agents guide you through every option at no cost.
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 |
Northampton County is home to 17,212 residents, with a population that has shifted by -1.5 percent since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 1.6 percent, reflecting a largely stable, rooted community where access to reliable health coverage is an everyday priority. Major local employers such as Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical, Lowe's Home Centers, the County of Northampton, Northampton County Schools, and KIPP ENC Public Schools anchor the workforce, and residents also rely heavily on health systems including ECU Health and its network of regional facilities. Coverage options in Northampton County span multiple programs and plan types, ensuring that individuals, families, and workers across different life situations can find a path to insured care.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Northampton County residents who are self-employed, work for smaller employers like Meherrin Agricultural and Chemical, or do not have access to job-based coverage.
Medicaid coverage through NC Medicaid Managed Care may be available to qualifying low-income adults and families in Northampton County, with ECU Health facilities participating in managed care networks.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by larger Northampton County employers such as Northampton County Schools and the County of Northampton government, covering many full-time employees and their dependents.
Short-term health plans can serve as a temporary bridge for Northampton County residents between jobs or waiting for an open enrollment period to begin, though they offer limited benefits compared to ACA plans.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Northampton County residents who recently left a job at an employer like KIPP ENC Public Schools or Lowe's Home Centers to temporarily maintain their existing group health plan.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are an option for small employers in Northampton County who want to offer group health benefits to their employees through a structured ACA-compliant program.
For 2026, Northampton County residents have access to 18 health insurance plans through the ACA Marketplace, offered across two Blue Cross NC plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents a meaningful choice in how broadly they can access providers across the region. Blue Advantage is a PPO network with nationwide reach, while Blue Care is an HMO network with broad statewide coverage, and both connect Northampton County enrollees to key local facilities including ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie. Health Plans of NC agents help Northampton County residents evaluate which network aligns best with their preferred hospitals, specialists, and clinics before they enroll.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, provides access to the largest nationwide provider network, with over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, including ECU Health North Hospital in Roanoke Rapids and ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital in Ahoskie.
Blue Care, an HMO plan, offers broad statewide network coverage with over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, connecting Northampton County residents to regional facilities such as Halifax Regional Medical Center and ECU Health specialty clinics.
Blue Advantage PPO plans allow Northampton County enrollees to see out-of-network providers at a higher cost, giving flexibility to those who travel, while Blue Care HMO plans cover out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care.
Northampton County residents who rely on ECU Health Family Medicine in Roanoke Rapids or Signature Healthcare on East 14th Street should verify in-network status under their specific chosen network before enrolling.
Plan types within the 18 available options include structures such as PPO and Catastrophic plans, giving Northampton County residents choices based on how they prefer to use and access their health care.
Residents who see specialists like ECU Health Cardiology, ECU Health Orthopedics in Roanoke Rapids, or ECU Health Neurology should confirm provider participation in either the Blue Advantage or Blue Care network before selecting a plan.
Bronze plans in Northampton County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $47,935, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Northampton County start at $522.41 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who want basic catastrophic protection.
Silver plans start at $671.42 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Northampton County households.
Gold plans start at $694.31 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, making them a strong fit for residents who use medical services frequently throughout the year.
Northampton County residents with household incomes between roughly 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level are eligible for ACA premium tax credits on a sliding scale, and enhanced subsidies may extend further up the income range.
Households near or below the county median income of $47,935 are likely to qualify for meaningful premium tax credits that reduce the Bronze, Silver, or Gold starting prices considerably each month.
Some Northampton County residents with lower incomes may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, providing mid-tier coverage at no monthly cost through the ACA Marketplace.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Northampton County, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families across the county. These plans are offered under two distinct networks, Blue Advantage, a PPO that also covers out-of-network care at a higher cost, and Blue Care, an HMO that covers out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care. Blue Advantage connects Northampton County residents to the largest nationwide provider network, while Blue Care provides broad statewide HMO access, and both networks include key regional health systems such as ECU Health and its affiliated hospitals and clinics throughout northeastern North Carolina. The network you select directly affects which local hospitals, clinics, and specialists you can visit at the lowest cost, making it essential to verify that your preferred providers, such as ECU Health North Hospital or ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital, participate in your chosen network. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost, helping Northampton County residents make a confident, well-informed enrollment decision.
Blue Cross NC offers 18 ACA Marketplace plans in Northampton County for 2026, available as plan types across the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, covering a range of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic benefit levels.
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, and Northampton County residents who were previously uninsured may now qualify under this expansion. With an uninsured rate of 9.9 percent representing approximately 2,000 residents without coverage, and a county poverty rate of 20.0 percent, a substantial share of Northampton County individuals and families may be eligible for NC Medicaid at little to no monthly cost. 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 comprehensive dependent coverage even when parents are enrolled in a separate Marketplace plan. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Northampton County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or another low-cost coverage option.
Working adults in Northampton County who earn at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full NC Medicaid coverage following the December 2023 expansion.
Children in Northampton County families may qualify for NC Health Choice (CHIP), providing comprehensive pediatric coverage for households that earn too much for Medicaid but still need assistance with insurance costs.
Pregnant women in Northampton County are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care, often with little to no out-of-pocket cost during and after pregnancy.
Seniors with low income in Northampton County may qualify for Medicaid as a supplement to Medicare, helping to cover premiums, copays, and services not fully paid by Medicare alone.
Northampton County residents with disabilities who meet income requirements may qualify for NC Medicaid, and with the county's poverty rate at 20.0 percent, many in this group may be eligible but not yet enrolled.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Northampton County residents at absolutely no cost, comparing all 18 available plans side-by-side and walking you through every step of enrollment so you get the right coverage for your situation. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to speak with a local agent who understands your community and your options.
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 Northampton 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.
Northampton County does not have a hospital within its borders. The hospitals below are located in neighboring counties and serve Northampton County residents.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hospital | 500 S Academy St, Ahoskie, NC 27910 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Rural Health Group Dental at Jackson | 9409 NC Highway 305, Jackson, NC 27845 | |
Rural Health Group at Jackson | 9425 NC Highway 305, Jackson, NC 27845 | |
Rural Health Group at Rich Square | 200 S Main St, Rich Square, NC 27869 | |
Woodland Primary Care | 108 West Main Street, Woodland, NC 27897 | |
Boykins Family Practice | 111 E Main St, Conway, NC 27820 | |
Northampton County Health Department | 9495 NC Hwy 305, Jackson, NC 27845 | |
Wildwood Medical Clinic | 2053 River Rd, Henrico, NC 27842 |
Northampton County ZIP Codes include: 27820, 27831, 27832, 27842, 27845, 27853, 27854, 27862, 27866, 27867, 27869, 27876, 27877, and 27897
