Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Perquimans 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 Perquimans County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Perquimans County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Perquimans County, NC find affordable health coverage for 2026, working with local employers like Perquimans County Schools and connecting families to plans that fit their needs. Our licensed agents compare every available plan at no cost and guide you through enrollment from start to finish.
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 |
Perquimans County, home to approximately 13,146 residents and growing at 1.1% since 2020, offers a range of health coverage options through ACA Marketplace plans, employer-sponsored insurance, and government programs. Major local employers including Perquimans County Schools, Perquimans County, Food Lion, FedEx, and Boeing Aerospace Operations provide the backbone of employer-sponsored coverage in the area, while Sentara Albemarle Medical Center serves as the primary regional health system connecting insured residents to care. With 2.3% of residents being foreign-born, Health Plans of NC helps all community members, regardless of background, navigate their coverage choices across Hertford, Winfall, and Belvidere.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC are available to Perquimans County residents who do not receive coverage through an employer like Perquimans County Schools or Boeing Aerospace Operations.
Medicaid and NC Medicaid Expanded coverage is available to qualifying low-income adults and families in Perquimans County, with eligibility determined through the state program.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by major Perquimans County employers including Food Lion, FedEx, and Perquimans County government, covering many working residents and their dependents.
Short-term health plans may provide temporary coverage for Perquimans County residents between jobs or waiting for open enrollment, offering limited benefits outside the ACA Marketplace.
COBRA continuation coverage allows residents who recently left employment with Perquimans County Schools, Boeing Aerospace Operations, or other qualifying employers to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to eligible small employers in Perquimans County who want to offer group health coverage to their employees through the ACA framework.
For 2026, Perquimans County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks: Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both operating as plan types that allow access to a broad range of in-network providers across the region. Blue Advantage connects residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, with more than 95% of North Carolina doctors participating in-network, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide HMO network covering more than 95% of NC physicians. Both networks include access to key regional providers such as Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City and ECU Health facilities serving Perquimans County communities.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes more than 95% of NC doctors in-network and connects Perquimans County residents to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City and ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers more than 95% of NC physicians statewide and provides Perquimans County residents access to ECU Health Family Medicine at 1124 Harvey Point Rd in Hertford.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Perquimans County residents to see specialists at facilities like ECU Health Neurology in Edenton without requiring a primary care referral.
Blue Advantage PPO plan structures are available across Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Catastrophic coverage tiers, giving Perquimans County residents flexibility in balancing monthly premiums with out-of-pocket costs.
Blue Care HMO plans are available across multiple coverage tiers, offering Perquimans County residents an alternative network option with broad access to providers across northeastern North Carolina.
Perquimans County residents selecting either the Blue Advantage or Blue Care network should verify that their preferred providers, including those at ECU Health Internal Medicine in Edenton, participate before enrolling.
Bronze plans in Perquimans County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $61,224, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Perquimans County start at $522.41 per month for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles for those who want protection against major medical events.
Silver plans start at $671.42 per month and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Perquimans County residents.
Gold plans start at $694.31 per month and feature lower out-of-pocket costs throughout the year, making them a strong fit for residents who use medical services frequently.
Perquimans County residents with household incomes between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits that can reduce monthly costs well below the published starting prices.
Households earning up to 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and copays beyond what the premium tax credit alone provides.
Some Perquimans County residents at lower income levels may qualify for a $0 premium Silver plan after premium tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage accessible even on a limited budget.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering health insurance plans in Perquimans County, with a total of 18 plans available to county residents across multiple coverage tiers and plan types. Blue Cross NC offers plans through two networks in Perquimans County, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing different levels of statewide and nationwide provider access. Blue Advantage connects Perquimans County residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care provides broad statewide HMO coverage, both including regional providers like Sentara Albemarle Medical Center that serve the county. The network you select directly determines which doctors, clinics, and hospitals you can visit at in-network rates, making it important to confirm that your preferred providers in Hertford, Winfall, or Belvidere participate before you enroll. Health Plans of NC compares all 18 available Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping Perquimans County residents identify the right carrier and network for their specific healthcare needs.
Blue Cross NC: one of two ACA Marketplace carriers in Perquimans County for 2026, offering 18 plans across plan types through the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, and Perquimans County residents with household incomes at or below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for free or very low-cost Medicaid coverage. With an uninsured rate of 10.2% in Perquimans County, representing approximately 1,000 residents without health coverage, many individuals who gained new eligibility through Medicaid expansion may not yet be enrolled. Children in Perquimans 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 that Perquimans County residents can quickly determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or an ACA Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Perquimans County who earn low wages and do not have access to affordable employer coverage may now qualify for NC Medicaid Expanded coverage following the December 2023 expansion.
Children in Perquimans County families qualify for NC Health Choice (CHIP) when household income falls within program guidelines, providing access to doctors, dental care, and preventive services.
Pregnant women in Perquimans County are eligible for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal care, delivery services, and postpartum support at no or very low cost throughout their pregnancy.
Seniors in Perquimans County with limited income may qualify for dual Medicare and Medicaid enrollment, helping cover premiums, copays, and services not fully paid by Medicare alone.
With a poverty rate of 11.4% in Perquimans County, a meaningful share of residents may qualify for full Medicaid benefits covering medical visits, prescriptions, and specialist care with no monthly premium.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Perquimans County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side by side and walking you through every step of the enrollment process. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get a free personalized quote and find the plan that fits your budget and healthcare needs.
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 Perquimans 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 |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Bertie Hospital | 1403 S King St, Windsor, NC 27983 | (252) 794-6600 |
ECU Health Chowan Hospital | 211 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-8451 |
ECU Health Edgecombe Hospital | 111 Hospital Dr, Tarboro, NC 27886 | (252) 641-7700 |
ECU Health North Hospital | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-8011 |
ECU Health Roanoke-Chowan Hosp | 500 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3000 |
Martin General Hospital | 310 S Mccaskey Rd, Williamston, NC 27892 | (252) 809-6300 |
Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | (252) 449-4500 |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Ctr | 1144 N Road St, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | (252) 335-0531 |
Washington Regional Med Ctr | 958 US Highway 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 | (252) 793-4135 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
ECU Health Endocrinology-Ahsk | 226 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3991 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1124 Harvey Point Rd, Hertford, NC 27944 | (252) 426-2946 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1385 Medical Center Dr # 4942, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9176 |
ECU Health Heart-Vascular Care | 220 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-9268 |
ECU Health Internal Medicine | 104 Mark Dr, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5171 |
ECU Health Multispecialty | 113 Virginia Rd, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-3047 |
ECU Health Neurology-Edenton | 203 Earnhart Dr # B, Edenton, NC 27932 | (252) 482-5868 |
ECU Health Orthopedics-Roanoke | 171 N Carolina 125, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-5631 |
ECU Health Pulmonology-Ahoskie | 222 Academy St S, Ahoskie, NC 27910 | (252) 209-3440 |
ECU Health Sleep Medicine | 240 Smith Church Rd # A, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Halifax Regional Med Ctr Inc | 250 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC, 27870, Not AvailableIsland Medical Ctr, 715 US Highway 64, Manteo, NC 27954 | (252) 473-2500 |
Sentara Vascular Specialists | 5200 N Croatan Hwy # 6, Kitty Hawk, NC 27949 | (252) 255-6125 |
Signature Healthcare | 305 E 14th St, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 537-6181 |
Vidant Sleep Medicine-Roanoke | 240 Smith Church Rd, Roanoke Rapids, NC 27870 | (252) 535-1082 |
Perquimans County ZIP Codes include: 27919, 27930, 27944, and 27985
