Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Sampson 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 |
| Ambetter of North Carolina | 15 |
| UnitedHealthcare | 13 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 10 |
| Total | 56 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Sampson County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Sampson County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Sampson County, NC find and enroll in health insurance coverage that fits their needs and budget, with access to plans through Blue Cross NC serving the region anchored by Sampson Regional Medical Center. Whether you work for a major local employer like Smithfield Foods or Prestage Farms, run your own business, or are navigating coverage on your own, Health Plans of NC compares every available plan at no cost to you.
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 |
Sampson County is home to 59,245 residents across a largely rural region that has grown 0.4% since 2020, with 10.6% of the population being foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community with varied coverage needs. Residents have access to multiple types of health insurance depending on their employment status, household situation, and eligibility, with local employers like Smithfield Foods, Prestage Farms, Hog Slat, Sampson County Schools, and the County of Sampson each playing a role in shaping coverage options for working families. Sampson Regional Medical Center serves as the county's primary health system, and selecting the right type of coverage ensures residents can continue accessing care there and at surrounding community providers.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Sampson County residents who do not have access to qualifying employer-sponsored insurance, including those employed by smaller businesses not affiliated with major local employers.
Medicaid coverage is an option for qualifying low-income Sampson County adults, children, and families following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, with eligibility checked at no cost through Health Plans of NC.
Employer-sponsored plans are offered by major Sampson County employers including Smithfield Foods, Sampson County Schools, and the County of Sampson, providing group coverage to a significant portion of the local workforce.
Short-term health plans may serve as a temporary bridge for Sampson County residents between jobs or waiting for an enrollment period, though they do not provide full ACA-compliant benefits.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Sampson County residents who lose employer-sponsored insurance, such as from positions at Prestage Farms or Hog Slat, to temporarily maintain their existing group plan.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans allow Sampson County small business owners to offer ACA-compliant group coverage to their employees, helping smaller operations compete with larger local employers for workforce retention.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC offers plans in Sampson County under two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, each providing access to local providers including Sampson Regional Medical Center and affiliated clinics throughout the region. Blue Advantage is a PPO network covering more than 95% of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO network covering more than 95% of NC doctors in-network, giving Sampson County residents meaningful flexibility in how they access care. Both networks connect residents to local facilities such as Sampson Family Medicine, the Sampson Cancer Center, and the Sampson Regional Wound Care Center, as well as behavioral health services at the Sampson County Behavioral Health Center.
Blue Advantage, a PPO network, includes the largest nationwide provider network with more than 95% of NC doctors in-network, connecting Sampson County residents to Sampson Regional Medical Center and a broad range of specialty providers.
Blue Care, an HMO network, covers more than 95% of NC doctors in-network and provides Sampson County residents with broad statewide access including local facilities like the Sampson Cancer Center and Sampson Regional Wound Care Center.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Sampson County residents to see specialists such as those at Sampson Regional Medical Center without requiring a referral, unlike plan structures.
Blue Advantage plans are well suited for Sampson County residents who travel frequently or seek care at larger regional facilities beyond southeastern North Carolina, given the network's nationwide breadth.
Blue Care plans serve Sampson County residents who primarily use local and statewide providers, offering strong in-network access to clinics like Sampson Family Medicine, Clinton Medical Clinic, and Harrells Family Practice.
Health Plans of NC agents can compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care plan options side by side to help Sampson County residents identify which network aligns with their specific local providers and care patterns.
Bronze plans in Sampson County start at approximately $427.27/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $53,159, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Sampson County start at $427.27 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles, best suited for generally healthy individuals.
Silver plans start at $549.92 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Sampson County households.
Gold plans start at $587.73 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, making them a strong fit for residents who use medical services frequently throughout the year.
Residents earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly ACA plan costs, with Sampson County's median household income of $53,159 placing many families in an eligible range.
Households earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for both premium tax credits and cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, significantly lowering both premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
Health Plans of NC calculates exact subsidy amounts at no cost, helping Sampson County residents identify whether a Bronze, Silver, or Gold plan delivers the best value after all available federal assistance is applied.
For the 2026 plan year, Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Sampson County, with 18 plans available across multiple coverage tiers. These 18 plans are structured across two provider networks, Blue Advantage (PPO) and Blue Care (HMO), neither of which requires referrals, though only Blue Advantage gives Sampson County residents out-of-network coverage beyond emergencies and urgent care. Blue Advantage connects residents to the largest nationwide provider network, while Blue Care offers broad statewide HMO coverage, and both networks include access to Sampson Regional Medical Center and local specialty facilities in Clinton and surrounding communities. Choosing between Blue Advantage and Blue Care affects which providers Sampson County residents can see at in-network rates, making it important to verify that preferred local clinics and specialists participate in the selected network before enrolling. Health Plans of NC agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side by side at no cost, helping Sampson County residents select the plan that best matches their healthcare needs and preferred local providers.
Blue Cross NC, offering 18 ACA Marketplace plans in Sampson County for 2026 across Blue Advantage PPO and Blue Care network options, covering a range of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and catastrophic coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, which opened eligibility to thousands of previously uninsured Sampson County residents. Currently 16.0% of Sampson County residents, approximately 9,000 people, remain uninsured, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or heavily subsidized Marketplace coverage without realizing it. Children in families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost comprehensive coverage for kids across Sampson County. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Medicaid and CHIP so Sampson County residents can quickly find out whether they qualify before the next enrollment period.
Working adults in Sampson County earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under North Carolina's December 2023 expansion, including those in part-time or seasonal employment.
Children in Sampson County families qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP coverage if household income falls at or below 210% of the federal poverty level, providing comprehensive pediatric benefits at low or no cost.
Pregnant women in Sampson County may qualify for Medicaid coverage at higher income thresholds than standard adult eligibility, ensuring access to prenatal and maternity care through local providers.
Sampson County seniors with low income may qualify for dual eligibility under both Medicare and Medicaid, which can eliminate most out-of-pocket costs for medical and prescription drug coverage.
With a poverty rate of 20.2% in Sampson County, a significant share of residents, including adults with disabilities, may qualify for Medicaid, and a free eligibility check through Health Plans of NC can confirm coverage options quickly.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Sampson County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment so you get the right coverage for your household. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who knows the Sampson County market and can help you find a plan that works with your local providers and your 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 Sampson 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 |
|---|---|---|
Sampson Regional Medical Center | 607 Beaman St, Clinton, NC 28328 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Comm Well Health of Newton Grove/Spivey's Corner - Dental | 1508 Maple Grove Church Rd, Unit A, Dunn, NC 28334 | |
CommWell Health Discount Pharmacy | 3261 Easy St, Dunn, NC 28334 | |
CommWell Health of Harrells | 194 Tomahawk Hwy, Harrells, NC 28444 | |
CommWell Health of Newton Grove / Spivey's Corner - Medical | 1480 Maple Grove Church Rd, Dunn, NC 28334 | |
CommWell Health of Newton Grove/Spivey's Corner | 3331 Easy St, Dunn, NC 28334 | |
CommWell Health of Newton Grove/Spivey's Corner - Behavioral Health | 1508 Maple Grove Church Rd, Unit B, Dunn, NC 28334 | |
CommWell Health of Salemburg | 500 S Fayetteville St, Salemburg, NC 28385 | |
Goshen Medical Center - Clinton | 906 N US 421 Hwy, Clinton, NC 28328 | |
Goshen Medical Center - Clinton Dental Services | 908 N US 421 Hwy, Clinton, NC 28328 | |
Goshen Medical Center - Fairview | 408 Fairview Street, Clinton, NC 28328 | |
Goshen Medical Center - Garland | 105 Lisbon Ave, Garland, NC 28441 |
Sampson County ZIP Codes include: 28318, 28328, 28329, 28334, 28344, 28366, 28382, 28385, 28393, 28441, 28444, and 28447
