Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Pasquotank 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 Pasquotank County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Pasquotank County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Pasquotank County, NC find and compare affordable health insurance plans for 2026, with local expertise that includes knowledge of Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and the surrounding Elizabeth City community. Whether you live in Elizabeth City, Nixonton, or Weeksville, our licensed agents compare every available plan at no cost.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage® | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care® | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Pasquotank County is home to 40,830 residents, with a population that has grown 0.6% since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 2.6%, reflecting a diverse community with varying coverage needs. Major employers including Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, the US Department of Homeland Security (US Coast Guard), Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools, Elizabeth City State University, and the County of Pasquotank provide a range of employment situations that shape how residents access health insurance. Health Plans of NC helps Pasquotank County individuals and families evaluate every coverage pathway available, from ACA Marketplace plans to employer-sponsored options.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Pasquotank County residents who are not covered through an employer such as Elizabeth City State University or the County of Pasquotank, providing individual and family plan options through the federal exchange.
Medicaid coverage through NC Medicaid Managed Care is available to eligible low-income Pasquotank County residents, including those who may not have access to employer-sponsored insurance through local employers like Elizabeth City-Pasquotank Schools.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by major Pasquotank County employers such as Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and the US Department of Homeland Security, providing group coverage to eligible full-time employees and their dependents.
Short-term health insurance plans offer Pasquotank County residents a temporary coverage bridge during gaps between jobs or outside open enrollment, such as when transitioning away from positions at Elizabeth City State University.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Pasquotank County residents who recently left employment with local employers like the County of Pasquotank to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period after separation.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Pasquotank County small business owners who want to offer group health coverage to employees, giving local employers a structured way to compete with larger county employers on benefits.
For 2026, Pasquotank County residents have access to plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both of which connect enrollees to providers in and around the Elizabeth City area, including Sentara Albemarle Medical Center. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO network covering 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, giving residents meaningful flexibility in how they access care across northeastern North Carolina. Health Plans of NC helps Pasquotank County residents compare both networks side by side to identify which plan structure best fits their provider relationships and care needs.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and connects Pasquotank County residents to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and regional facilities throughout northeastern North Carolina.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers 95% or more of NC doctors in-network and provides Pasquotank County enrollees with broad statewide access including Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City.
Both the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks allow Pasquotank County residents to see specialists without a primary care referral, which is important for those relying on area specialty clinics and hospital outpatient services.
The Blue Advantage network's larger nationwide footprint makes it a strong option for Pasquotank County residents who travel frequently or need access to out-of-area providers beyond the northeastern North Carolina region.
The Blue Care network offers a broad statewide HMO option that works well for Pasquotank County residents whose care is primarily centered around Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and nearby regional health facilities.
Health Plans of NC agents help Pasquotank County residents determine whether Blue Advantage or Blue Care better matches their preferred hospitals, clinics, and specialist relationships before enrolling in a 2026 plan.
Bronze plans in Pasquotank County start at approximately $401.70/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $63,912, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Pasquotank County start at $401.70 per month for a 35-year-old before any premium tax credit is applied, offering the lowest monthly premium with a higher deductible structure.
Silver plans start at $516.45 per month for a 35-year-old in Pasquotank County and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying households.
Gold plans in Pasquotank County start at $533.89 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, providing lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care in exchange for a higher monthly premium.
Pasquotank County households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level are likely eligible for Advance Premium Tax Credits that reduce monthly premiums well below the published starting prices.
Some Pasquotank County residents with incomes between 100% and 150% of the federal poverty level may qualify for a $0-premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage available at no monthly cost.
Out-of-pocket maximums for 2026 ACA plans cap the total annual cost-sharing exposure for Pasquotank County enrollees, providing financial protection for those who use Sentara Albemarle Medical Center or other area facilities frequently.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers in Pasquotank County for 2026, offering 18 plans across multiple coverage tiers to give residents a meaningful range of options. Those 18 plans are available through two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and nationwide provider access. Both networks include Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City as well as regional hospitals such as ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton and Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, ensuring Pasquotank County residents can access familiar providers. Choosing between Blue Advantage and Blue Care affects how broadly a Pasquotank County resident can access out-of-area specialists and facilities, making network selection an important decision alongside tier and premium. Health Plans of NC agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping every Pasquotank County household find the right combination of network, tier, and monthly premium.
Blue Cross NC, one of two Marketplace carriers in Pasquotank County for 2026, offers 18 plans across structures under the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, spanning Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending eligibility to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level and opening coverage to thousands of previously uninsured residents across the state. In Pasquotank County, 9.7% of residents, approximately 4,000 people, are currently uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for free or low-cost Medicaid coverage under the expansion. Children in Pasquotank County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for kids who do not qualify for full Medicaid. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Pasquotank County residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Pasquotank County who are between jobs or employed part-time without employer coverage may qualify for NC Medicaid if their income falls at or below 138% of the federal poverty level.
Children in Pasquotank County households that earn too much for Medicaid but still face affordability challenges may qualify for NC Health Choice (CHIP), which provides comprehensive pediatric coverage at low or no cost.
Pregnant women in Pasquotank County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard expansion limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible through Sentara Albemarle Medical Center and area providers.
Pasquotank County's poverty rate of 10.0% means a significant share of residents may qualify for Medicaid or enhanced subsidies, and a free eligibility check through Health Plans of NC can confirm coverage options quickly.
Adults with qualifying disabilities in Pasquotank County may be eligible for Medicaid coverage regardless of age, with Health Plans of NC agents able to guide them through the application and enrollment process at no cost.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Pasquotank County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized plan recommendations and find the coverage that fits your needs and budget.
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 Pasquotank 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 |
|---|---|---|
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center | 3050 Halstead Blvd Ext, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Chesapeake Regional Primary Care-Elizabeth City Rural Health Center | 1805 W City Dr Ste H, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Gateway Community Health Centers, Inc. Elizabeth City Site | 1134 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
A1 Family Multispecialty Care | 1507 N Rd St Ste 1, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Albemarle Family Practice | 1141 N Rd St Suite G, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Albemarle Medical Associates | 1507 N Rd St Ste 3, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Carter Medical Associates | 111 Medical Dr Ste A, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Community Family Practice Physicians | 107 Medical Dr, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Community Hospitalists of North Carolina | 1144 N Rd St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Doctor G Family Medical Services | 902b Roanoke Ave, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Gateway Community Health | 201 E Ehringhaus St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 |
Pasquotank County ZIP Codes include: 27906, 27907, and 27909
