Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Pender 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.
Limited statewide network
Blue Value℠ is a Blue Cross NC plan offering a limited statewide network at a lower monthly premium than broader-network options. The network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance — but it does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Unlike the single-system Blue Home℠ plans, Blue Value spans several regional systems, but it's still a limited network built to keep premiums low. We recommend it for generally healthy individuals and families who prioritize the lowest premium and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals they use — as long as you confirm your providers are in the Blue Value network first.
Good fit if you're generally healthy and rarely need specialist care, prioritize the lowest possible premium over provider choice, and are flexible about which specific doctors and hospitals you use.
Poor fit if you're managing an ongoing condition and want a stable relationship with one large hospital system, or if your regular doctors are with the excluded parts of Atrium Health, Duke Health, or WakeMed.
Limited network – Limited statewide network
Network: A limited multi-system NC network.
Out-of-area care: Emergency services and urgent care outside of NC are covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency covered services are covered at the out-of-network benefit level.
Offered in Bronze, Silver, and Gold tiers.
Blue Value is available on and off Marketplace to residents of these North Carolina counties: Alexander, Brunswick, Burke, Caldwell, Catawba, Cleveland, Columbus, Duplin, Gaston, Iredell, Lincoln, New Hanover, Onslow, Pender, and Surry.
Blue Value trades network breadth for the lowest premium among Blue Cross NC's individual plans. Unlike the single-system Blue Home and Blue Local℠ plans, it spans several regional health systems rather than just one — but the network is still limited. Care from providers outside the Blue Value network is covered only at the higher-cost out-of-network benefit level, so you pay the least by staying with the specific systems in the network.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke LifePoint Healthcare (including Lake Norman Regional Medical Center), Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health — so a provider being “Atrium” or “Duke” isn't enough to confirm coverage; the specific facility matters.
Because the network mixes several systems rather than centering on one, this plan works best for people who don't have an established relationship with a specific health system and are comfortable confirming coverage facility-by-facility.
Blue Value is generally the lowest-premium option Blue Cross NC offers, which makes it attractive if you're healthy and expect to use care infrequently. 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 15 counties, mostly in the western Piedmont and southeastern coastal areas of the state.
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 providers are in the Blue Value network, check your subsidy, and compare this plan against the others — at no cost. Call 800-797-0327.
Blue Value is positioned as a lower-premium option because it uses a limited network. Whether it’s actually the cheapest for you depends on your age, county, and subsidy eligibility, so get a personalized quote to confirm.
The Blue Value network includes Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist, CaroMont Health, Duke Health Lake Norman Regional Medical Center, Duke LifePoint Healthcare, Novant Health, and UNC Health Alliance. It does not include the rest of Atrium Health, the rest of Duke Health, or WakeMed Health.
Emergency and urgent care are covered at the in-network rate anywhere. All other care outside North Carolina is covered only at the higher out-of-network benefit level, so Blue Value is best for people who get their care in NC.
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 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 65 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Pender County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Pender County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Pender County, NC find and enroll in the right health insurance plan at no cost, with access to coverage options that connect to local providers like Novant Health Pender Medical Center. Whether you work for Pender Memorial Hospital, Pender County Schools, or are self-employed, licensed agents can compare every available plan side by side to match your needs and budget.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage® | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care® | HMO | Broad statewide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Value℠ | POS | Value-focused HMO with lower premiums |
Pender County is home to 63,475 residents and has grown 5.4% since 2020, reflecting a community with expanding healthcare coverage needs across a range of employment situations and life circumstances. Major local employers such as Pender County Schools, Pender County government, Walmart, RC Creations, and Pender Memorial Hospital provide a foundation for employer-sponsored coverage, while Novant Health Pender Medical Center anchors the local health system for residents seeking network-based individual plans. With 4.1% of residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC ensures that all community members can access guidance on the coverage type that best fits their situation.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Pender County residents who are self-employed, gig workers, or employees of smaller businesses not offering group benefits, including those working independently near Novant Health Pender Medical Center.
Medicaid coverage is available to income-qualifying Pender County adults and families following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, offering comprehensive benefits at little or no cost for eligible residents.
Employer-sponsored group health insurance is offered by major Pender County employers including Pender County Schools and Pender Memorial Hospital, typically providing broad coverage with shared premium costs between employer and employee.
Short-term health plans may provide temporary coverage for Pender County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, though these plans offer more limited benefits than ACA-compliant options.
COBRA continuation coverage allows former employees of Pender County employers such as Walmart or RC Creations to maintain their existing group plan benefits for a limited period after leaving a job.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Pender County small business owners who want to offer group health benefits to their employees through a structured, ACA-compliant enrollment process.
For 2026, Pender County residents can choose from plans offered under three Blue Cross NC networks, including Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, each providing different levels of provider access and plan structure across HMO and PPO formats. Blue Advantage and Blue Care are plans that allow broader access to regional providers, while Blue Value is a POS designed for residents who prefer lower premiums through a more coordinated care model. All three networks connect Pender County enrollees to local and regional facilities, including Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw, New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington, and Novant Health New Hanover.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes the largest nationwide provider access and connects Pender County residents to in-network care at Pender Memorial Hospital, New Hanover Regional Medical Center, and Novant Health facilities.
Blue Care, an HMO network, offers broad statewide coverage and allows Pender County enrollees to access regional providers such as Novant Health New Hanover and New Hanover Regional Medical Center without referrals.
Blue Value, a POS network, provides value-focused coverage with lower premiums for Pender County residents who are comfortable receiving care through a coordinated primary care provider model.
Plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care give Pender County residents flexibility to visit specialists at facilities like Pender Memorial Hospital or regional Wilmington-area health systems without needing prior authorization.
POS plans under Blue Value let Pender County enrollees choose a primary care provider to help coordinate care without requiring referrals, making them well-suited for residents who primarily use one local clinic or health system.
All three Blue Cross NC networks available in Pender County for 2026 include access to area hospitals and clinics, and Health Plans of NC can help residents identify which network includes their preferred local providers.
Bronze plans in Pender County start at approximately $463.63/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $76,838, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Pender County start at $463.63 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who want protection against major medical costs.
Silver plans start at $593.60 per month before tax credits and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Pender County households.
Gold plans start at $626.35 per month before subsidies and provide lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong choice for residents who use medical services frequently.
Pender County residents with a household income near the county median of $76,838 often qualify for partial premium tax credits that reduce the effective monthly cost of Silver or Gold plans substantially.
Households earning up to 150% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for enhanced premium tax credits that bring Silver plan monthly premiums down to $0 in Pender County.
Health Plans of NC provides free personalized quotes with exact subsidy calculations so Pender County residents know their actual monthly cost before enrolling in any ACA plan.
Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers offering individual and family health insurance plans in Pender County for 2026, with 27 total plans available during open enrollment. These 27 plans are offered across three distinct networks, Blue Advantage, Blue Care, and Blue Value, spanning PPO, HMO and POS plan types to give residents flexibility in how they access care. Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks connect Pender County enrollees to a broad range of local and regional providers, including Pender Memorial Hospital at 507 E Fremont St in Burgaw and Novant Health facilities in Wilmington, while Blue Value's POS structure is designed for residents seeking lower premiums through coordinated care. The network a Pender County resident chooses directly affects whether providers like Pender Primary Care, Rocky Point Family Medicine, or Coastal Horizons Center are covered at in-network rates, making carrier and network selection a critical step. Health Plans of NC compares all 27 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping every Pender County resident identify the right fit based on their preferred providers and budget.
Blue Cross NC: offers plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, and a plan under Blue Value, with 27 total individual and family plans available in Pender County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults in Pender County who earn up to 138% of the federal poverty level. Currently, 9.7% of Pender County residents, approximately 6,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of these individuals may now be eligible for Medicaid or subsidized Marketplace coverage. Children in Pender County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing comprehensive pediatric coverage at little or no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks so Pender County residents can quickly determine whether Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan is their best option.
Working adults in Pender County who earn at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Medicaid expansion coverage, which became available statewide in December 2023.
Children in Pender County whose families earn up to 210% of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, the CHIP program, which covers preventive care, dental, and vision services.
Pregnant women in Pender County may qualify for Medicaid coverage with an expanded income threshold that provides prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care at little or no cost.
Pender County residents with disabilities or low fixed incomes may qualify for Medicaid based on eligibility criteria related to both income and medical need, separate from the expansion pathway.
With a poverty rate of 10.7% in Pender County, a meaningful share of residents may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, and Health Plans of NC can conduct a free eligibility screening to identify the right program.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Pender County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 plan side by side to help you find the coverage that fits your providers, budget, and health needs. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent and get personalized help enrolling in the right plan.
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 Pender 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 |
|---|---|---|
Novant Health Pender Medical Center | 507 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Black River Family Practice | 301 S Campbell St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | |
Black River Health Center | 109 W Church St, Atkinson, NC 28421 | |
Black River Health Services | 301 S Campbell St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | |
CommWell Health of Penderlea | 5531 Eleanor Roosevelt Ln, Willard, NC 28478 | |
Maple Hill Medical Center | 4811 NC Hwy 50, Maple Hill, NC 28454 | |
Burgaw Medical Center | 311 S McNeil St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | |
Coastal Primary Health Specialists | 407 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | |
Destiny Total Healthcare | 407 Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | |
Hampstead Family Medicine | 25 N Hampstead Village Dr, Hampstead, NC 28443 | |
Hampstead Internal Medicine | 16747 US Hwy 17, Hampstead, NC 28443 |
Pender County ZIP Codes include: 28421, 28425, 28435, 28443, 28457, and 28478
