Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Pitt 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 Pitt County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Pitt County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Pitt County residents find affordable health insurance by comparing every available plan at no cost, with local access to major providers like ECU Health Medical Center and East Carolina University serving as the backbone of the county's healthcare community.
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 |
Pitt County is home to 172,279 residents, with a population that has grown 1.2 percent since 2020 and a foreign-born resident share of 5.6 percent, reflecting a diverse community with varied coverage needs. Major employers including ECU Health, East Carolina University, Pitt County Schools, Patheon Manufacturing Services, and Walmart each create different insurance pathways for working residents, from employer-sponsored group plans to individual marketplace coverage. Health Plans of NC helps every type of Pitt County household identify the right coverage option, whether through the ACA marketplace, Medicaid, or other available programs.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Pitt County residents who are self-employed, work for employers that do not offer group benefits, or work part-time at employers like Walmart.
Medicaid provides free or low-cost coverage to qualifying low-income Pitt County adults, children, and families, with eligibility connected to the county's extensive safety-net services at ECU Health Medical Center.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is the most common coverage pathway for Pitt County residents employed by large organizations such as East Carolina University, ECU Health, and Pitt County Schools.
Short-term health plans are available to Pitt County residents who need temporary coverage between jobs or during life transitions, providing basic protection while awaiting access to a full marketplace or employer plan.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Pitt County residents who leave jobs at employers like Patheon Manufacturing Services to maintain their existing group health plan temporarily while securing new coverage.
Small business SHOP marketplace plans are available to Pitt County small business owners who want to offer group health benefits to employees, with Health Plans of NC agents available to assist with plan selection and enrollment.
For 2026, Pitt County residents have access to health insurance plans through Blue Cross NC offered under two plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each connecting enrollees to local providers including ECU Health Medical Center, Vidant Medical Center, the East Carolina Heart Institute, and affiliated outpatient clinics throughout Greenville and eastern North Carolina. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors, while Blue Care is an HMO network with broad statewide coverage reaching 95 percent or more of NC providers, giving Pitt County residents flexibility when choosing between specialists and primary care providers. Health Plans of NC helps residents compare every available plan under both networks side by side at no cost, ensuring the right fit for those who depend on specific local facilities.
Blue Advantage, PPO network, covers 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, including ECU Health Medical Center, the East Carolina Heart Institute, and affiliated specialty clinics on Moye Boulevard in Greenville.
Blue Care, HMO network, covers 95 percent or more of NC doctors statewide, connecting Pitt County residents to ECU Health Gastroenterology, the ECU Health Sleep Center, and other local outpatient facilities.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks allow Pitt County residents to see specialists without a referral, which is particularly useful for accessing the ECU Health Gamma Knife Center and ECU Health Maynard Children's Hospital.
Blue Advantage provides the broadest nationwide network coverage, making it well suited for Pitt County residents who travel frequently or need care outside of the Greenville area.
Blue Care offers broad statewide HMO access, keeping ECU Health facilities, Vidant Medical Center outpatient services, and community clinics like Med Center 1 on East Arlington Boulevard accessible and in-network.
Bronze plans in Pitt County start at approximately $491.92/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $58,851, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $491.92 per month for a 35-year-old in Pitt County before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premium with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans start at $644.87 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Pitt County residents.
Gold plans start at $669.68 per month before subsidies, providing lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, which benefits Pitt County residents who use specialty services frequently.
Pitt County households earning between 100 percent and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that can significantly reduce the monthly cost of any ACA marketplace tier.
Residents near or below 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for zero-dollar-premium Silver plans, providing comprehensive coverage with access to ECU Health and local clinics at little to no monthly cost.
Out-of-pocket maximums vary by plan, and Pitt County residents who regularly use high-volume services at facilities like the East Carolina Heart Institute should carefully compare cost-sharing structures before enrolling.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA marketplace carriers serving Pitt County for 2026, offering 18 individual and family plans across multiple coverage tiers and two distinct plan networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care. The Blue Advantage PPO network connects Pitt County enrollees to over 95 percent of North Carolina doctors, while the Blue Care HMO network reaches more than 95 percent of in-state providers, both covering key local facilities including ECU Health Medical Center and Vidant Medical Center. Network choice directly affects which Pitt County providers, including specialty clinics at ECU Health Gastroenterology at 521 Moye Boulevard and the ECU Health Sleep Center at 4 Doctors Park Medical Drive, are accessible at in-network rates. Selecting the right network is especially important for Pitt County residents who rely on the East Carolina Heart Institute or the James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital for ongoing care. Health Plans of NC agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping every Pitt County household make an informed enrollment decision.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 individual and family plans available in Pitt County for 2026.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults in Pitt County earning up to 138 percent of the federal poverty level who were previously ineligible. Currently 10.0 percent of Pitt County residents, approximately 17,000 people, are uninsured, and many of these individuals may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage. Children in Pitt County households earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides low-cost pediatric coverage including access to the James and Connie Maynard Children's Hospital at ECU Health. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks and enrollment assistance so Pitt County residents can quickly determine whether Medicaid, CHIP, or a marketplace plan is the right path.
Working adults in Pitt County who earn low wages and previously lacked coverage may now qualify for Medicaid under North Carolina's December 2023 expansion, regardless of whether they have children.
Children in Pitt County families that earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable coverage may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP, which covers preventive visits, immunizations, and specialist care.
Pregnant women in Pitt County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult limit, providing prenatal and delivery coverage through ECU Health Medical Center and affiliated providers.
Pitt County residents aged 65 and older with limited income and resources may qualify for dual eligibility, receiving both Medicare and Medicaid benefits to cover costs not addressed by Medicare alone.
With a poverty rate of 19.4 percent in Pitt County, a significant portion of the population may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, and the Pitt County Health Department provides additional support services including immunizations, maternal health, WIC nutrition assistance, and family planning programs.
People with qualifying disabilities in Pitt County may be eligible for Medicaid regardless of age, covering home health services, long-term care, and specialty visits at local facilities.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Pitt County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment from start to finish. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who understands the local coverage landscape and can help you find the right plan for your household.
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 Pitt 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 Medical Center | 2100 Stantonsburg Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
Walter B. Jones Center | 2577 W Fifth St, Greenville, NC 27834 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Contentnea Health Bernstein | 261 Belvoir Rd, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
Contentnea Health Diabetology | 2609 West Arlington Blvd, #106, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
Amazing Grace Healthcare | 2573 Stantonsburg Rd Ste B, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
Bethel Health Care Center | 7439 Main St, Bethel, NC 27812 | |
Carolina Clinic for Health and Wellness | 2414 Emerald Pl Ste 102, Greenville, NC 27834 | |
Carolina East Family Medicine | 3282 Charles Blvd, Greenville, NC 27858 | |
Carolina East Medical Associates | 505 Greenville Blvd SE, Greenville, NC 27858 | |
Downeast Primary Care | 2800 E 10th St Ste 117, Greenville, NC 27858 | |
Dr... Duck Family Medicine | 6487 NC Hwy 11 N, Bethel, NC 27812 | |
ECU Physicians Med-Peds Clinic | 517 Moye Blvd, Greenville, NC 27834 |
Pitt County ZIP Codes include: 27811, 27812, 27827, 27828, 27829, 27833, 27834, 27835, 27836, 27837, 27858, 27879, 27884, 28513, 28530, and 28590
