Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Scotland 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 Scotland County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Scotland County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Scotland County residents find affordable health insurance coverage, connecting families and individuals with plans that work alongside trusted local employers like Scotland Memorial Hospital and Scotland County Schools.
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 |
Scotland County is home to 34,353 residents across communities like Laurinburg, Gibson, and Wagram, with the county's population growing 0.5 percent since 2020 and 2.8 percent of residents being foreign-born, reflecting a diverse community with varied coverage needs. Major employers including Scotland Memorial Hospital, Scotland County Schools, the NC Department of Adult Corrections, the County of Scotland, and Pilkington North America anchor the local economy and offer employer-sponsored insurance to many workers, while the Scotland Health Care System serves as the primary regional health network. For those outside employer coverage, Health Plans of NC helps Scotland County residents explore every available option, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid and short-term alternatives.
ACA Marketplace coverage through Blue Cross NC provides Scotland County individuals and families with comprehensive plan options suited to those working at employers like Pilkington North America who do not receive employer-sponsored benefits.
Medicaid coverage is available at little to no cost for qualifying Scotland County residents, particularly those connected to lower-wage positions in sectors supported by the County of Scotland or community service organizations.
Employer-sponsored insurance is available to many Scotland County workers through major local employers such as Scotland Memorial Hospital, Scotland County Schools, and the NC Department of Adult Corrections.
Short-term health coverage may serve Scotland County adults in transition between jobs at employers like Pilkington North America or those awaiting eligibility for employer-sponsored plans.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Scotland County residents who leave employment at major local employers like Scotland County Schools or the County of Scotland to temporarily maintain their existing group health benefits.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans allow Scotland County small employers to offer ACA-compliant group coverage to their employees, supporting workforce retention in the Scotland Health Care System's broader service area.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC offers 18 plans in Scotland County across two distinct provider networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents meaningful choice in how they access care at local facilities like Scotland Memorial Hospital at 500 Lauchwood Dr in Laurinburg. Blue Advantage operates as a PPO with the largest nationwide network, covering 95 percent or more of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO with broad statewide reach covering 95 percent or more of NC doctors. Health Plans of NC can help Scotland County residents verify that their preferred providers, including specialists at FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital in Pinehurst or Rockingham and Hoke Hospital in Raeford, are included in whichever network they choose.
Blue Advantage, PPO, offers the largest nationwide network with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, including access to Scotland Memorial Hospital and FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital locations.
Blue Care, HMO, provides broad statewide network coverage with 95 percent or more of NC doctors in-network, connecting Scotland County residents to providers at Hoke Hospital in Raeford and Cape Fear Valley Medical Center in Fayetteville.
Blue Advantage PPO plans allow Scotland County residents to access out-of-network providers with greater flexibility than HMO or EPO structures such as Blue Care, which is valuable for those who travel for specialty care.
Scotland County residents who regularly use Scotland Memorial Hospital should confirm in-network status under their chosen network, either Blue Advantage or Blue Care, before completing enrollment.
Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans are both available across multiple coverage tiers, giving Scotland County shoppers the ability to match their preferred provider network with a Bronze, Silver, or Gold cost structure.
Health Plans of NC agents compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans side by side at no cost, helping Scotland County residents identify which network best fits their provider relationships and care patterns.
Bronze plans in Scotland County start at approximately $476.59/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $43,500, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Scotland County start at $476.59 per month for a 35-year-old before tax credits, offering the lowest available premium with a higher deductible structure.
Silver plans start at $612.52 per month before tax credits and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which can lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Scotland County households.
Gold plans start at $633.41 per month before tax credits and feature lower out-of-pocket costs at the point of care, making them well suited for residents with frequent healthcare needs.
Scotland County households earning between 100 and 400 percent of the federal poverty level qualify for ACA premium tax credits that can reduce monthly premiums well below the published starting prices.
Residents earning between 100 and 150 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for a zero-dollar or near-zero-dollar premium Silver plan through enhanced federal subsidies.
Scotland County's median household income of $43,500 means a substantial share of working families sit in the subsidy-eligible range, making it essential to calculate credits before selecting a plan tier.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers serving Scotland County, offering 18 plans across the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks. Blue Advantage is structured as a PPO with the largest nationwide network, connecting Scotland County residents to over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO providing broad statewide access to over 95 percent of NC doctors. Both networks include key local providers such as Scotland Memorial Hospital in Laurinburg and regional facilities including FirstHealth Moore Regional Hospital locations and Hoke Hospital, making network fit a critical factor in plan selection. The choice between Blue Advantage and Blue Care affects which hospitals, specialists, and clinics a Scotland County resident can access at in-network cost levels, so comparing network directories carefully is an important step before enrolling. Health Plans of NC licensed agents compare every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost to Scotland County consumers, ensuring residents select the plan that best matches their provider relationships and coverage needs.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Scotland County for 2026 across 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 percent of the federal poverty level, a change that opened eligibility to thousands of previously uninsured residents across the state. In Scotland County, 11.8 percent of residents, representing approximately 4,000 people, remain uninsured, and many may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized coverage they have not yet claimed. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, also known as CHIP, providing low-cost pediatric coverage for families who earn too much for Medicaid but still need affordable options. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks to help Scotland County residents determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Scotland County who earn at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level are now eligible for full Medicaid coverage following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Scotland County families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP, covering routine care, dental, and vision at little to no cost.
Pregnant women in Scotland County may qualify for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than standard adult eligibility, ensuring prenatal and postpartum care remains accessible.
Scotland County's poverty rate of 26.6 percent indicates that a significant share of the county's population may be eligible for Medicaid or enhanced cost-sharing reductions on Marketplace plans.
Scotland County residents with disabilities or seniors with low income may qualify for dual eligibility under both Medicare and Medicaid, substantially reducing out-of-pocket healthcare costs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Scotland County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side by side and guiding you through enrollment so you get the right coverage at the best available price. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who understands the Scotland County market and can help you find the plan that fits your needs and budget.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about plans available in Scotland 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 |
|---|---|---|
Scotland Memorial Hospital | 500 Lauchwood Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Access Medical Clinic North Carolina | 18901 Ida Mill Rd, Laurel Hill, NC 28351 | |
Laurinburg Family Practice and Urgent Care | 101 Plaza Rd, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Scotland Health Center | 507 Lauchwood Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Scotland Urgent Care Center | 500 Lauchwood Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Wagram Family Practice | 24420 Marlboro St, Wagram, NC 28396 | |
Wolonick Family Practice Center | 106 McAlpine Ln, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Carolina Family Clinic | 1707 Berwick Dr Ste B, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Carolina Medical Clinic | 1601a Medical Dr, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Carolina's Medical & Wellness Clinic | 821a S Main St, Laurinburg, NC 28352 | |
Everwell Health Clinic | 200 Atkinson St, Laurinburg, NC 28352 |
Scotland County ZIP Codes include: 28343, 28351, 28352, 28353, and 28396
