Find an Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Tyrrell 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 Tyrrell County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Tyrrell County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Tyrrell County, NC residents find and enroll in affordable health insurance coverage for 2026, connecting families and individuals to plans that fit their needs and budgets. Whether you work for Tyrrell County Schools, the NC Dept of Adult Corrections, or another local employer, our licensed agents compare every available option 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 |
Tyrrell County is home to 3,376 residents, a community that has grown 4.0% since 2020 and includes an 8.5% foreign-born resident share, reflecting a diverse population with varied coverage needs. Major employers in the county include Tyrrell County Schools, Skanska USA, the NC Dept of Adult Corrections, the County of Tyrrell, and Food Lion, each representing a different coverage pathway for local workers. Health systems serving the area, including ECU Health, provide the clinical infrastructure that residents rely on when choosing a plan that keeps their preferred providers in-network.
ACA Marketplace plans through Blue Cross NC give Tyrrell County residents who are self-employed, between jobs, or working for smaller employers like Food Lion access to comprehensive individual and family coverage.
Medicaid coverage is available to eligible low-income Tyrrell County adults and families following North Carolina's Medicaid expansion, connecting them to ECU Health facilities and other local providers at little or no cost.
Employer-sponsored insurance through large local employers such as Tyrrell County Schools and the NC Dept of Adult Corrections provides group coverage options for eligible full-time employees and their dependents.
Short-term health plans offer a temporary coverage bridge for Tyrrell County residents experiencing gaps between jobs at employers like Skanska USA or awaiting the start of new group coverage.
COBRA continuation coverage allows Tyrrell County workers who leave positions with the County of Tyrrell or other qualifying employers to maintain their existing group health plan for a limited period.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Tyrrell County small business owners and employers who want to offer group health coverage to their teams through a federally facilitated option.
For 2026, Tyrrell County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both structured as plan types that give members flexibility to access care across a broad range of providers. Blue Advantage connects policyholders to the largest nationwide PPO network, while Blue Care offers a broad statewide HMO network with strong coverage across northeastern North Carolina. Both networks link Tyrrell County residents to key regional facilities including Washington Regional Medical Center in Plymouth, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City, Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head, and the full ECU Health system spanning Edenton, Ahoskie, and Roanoke Rapids.
Blue Advantage, PPO, includes 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network and connects Tyrrell County residents to Washington Regional Medical Center in Plymouth and ECU Health facilities throughout the region.
Blue Advantage, PPO, provides access to Sentara Albemarle Medical Center in Elizabeth City and Outer Banks Hospital in Nags Head for Tyrrell County members needing care in surrounding counties.
Blue Advantage, PPO, covers specialty care at ECU Health clinics in Edenton, Ahoskie, and Roanoke Rapids, including cardiology, orthopedics, neurology, and pulmonology services.
Blue Care, HMO, includes 95% or more of North Carolina doctors in-network and gives Tyrrell County residents broad statewide access while keeping regional providers like ECU Health Chowan Hospital in Edenton in-network.
Blue Care, HMO, connects Tyrrell County policyholders to Martin General Hospital in Williamston and ECU Health Bertie Hospital in Windsor as part of its broad northeastern North Carolina provider footprint.
Blue Advantage allows Tyrrell County members to see out-of-network providers at higher cost-sharing, providing additional flexibility for those who travel beyond the immediate region for care, while Blue Care covers out-of-network care only for emergencies and urgent care.
Bronze plans in Tyrrell County start at approximately $443.10/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $43,952, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans start at $443.10 per month for a 35-year-old in Tyrrell County before premium tax credits, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher deductibles and out-of-pocket costs.
Silver plans start at $569.49 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Tyrrell County households.
Gold plans start at $588.91 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket maximums, making them a strong fit for Tyrrell County residents who use medical services frequently.
Tyrrell County households earning between 100% and 400% of the federal poverty level, roughly up to $58,320 for a single adult, qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly plan costs.
Residents earning between 100% and 250% of the federal poverty level may qualify for enhanced cost-sharing reductions on Silver plans, lowering deductibles and copays well beyond the premium savings alone.
Some Tyrrell County enrollees with lower incomes may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, making comprehensive coverage available at no monthly cost.
Blue Cross NC is one of two ACA Marketplace carriers offering plans in Tyrrell County for 2026, with 18 total plans available to residents shopping on or off the exchange. These 18 plans are offered across two networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving Tyrrell County residents meaningful choice in how broadly they can access providers across northeastern North Carolina and beyond. Blue Advantage, with 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, and Blue Care, with 95% or more of NC doctors in-network, both connect Tyrrell County policyholders to regional anchor hospitals including Washington Regional Medical Center, Sentara Albemarle Medical Center, and the ECU Health system. The network a Tyrrell County resident selects directly determines which hospitals, specialists, and clinics are covered at in-network rates, making it critical to align plan choice with the facilities used most often. Health Plans of NC agents compare all 18 Blue Cross NC plans side-by-side at no cost to Tyrrell County residents, ensuring every family finds the right fit before enrollment deadlines close.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available to Tyrrell County residents for 2026 across multiple coverage tiers.
North Carolina expanded Medicaid in December 2023, extending free or low-cost coverage to adults in Tyrrell County earning up to 138% of the federal poverty level, opening eligibility to thousands of previously uninsured residents across the state. In Tyrrell County, 12.8% of residents, approximately 432 people based on the county population, currently lack health insurance coverage, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid under the expansion. Children in Tyrrell County families earning up to 210% of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, which provides comprehensive coverage including dental and vision at little or no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Tyrrell County residents who want to determine whether they or their children qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized Marketplace plan.
Working adults in Tyrrell County who are employed part-time or seasonally and earn below 138% of the federal poverty level may now qualify for full Medicaid coverage under NC's expansion.
Children in Tyrrell County whose families have incomes up to 210% of the federal poverty level can enroll in NC Health Choice, receiving dental, vision, and medical benefits at minimal cost.
Pregnant women in Tyrrell County are eligible for Medicaid at higher income thresholds than the standard adult expansion limit, ensuring prenatal and delivery care is accessible throughout pregnancy.
Tyrrell County's poverty rate of 20.8% means a substantial share of the county's population may qualify for Medicaid or CHIP, making a free eligibility review with Health Plans of NC especially valuable.
Seniors and people with disabilities in Tyrrell County with limited income and assets may qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid simultaneously, known as dual eligibility, which can eliminate most out-of-pocket costs.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Tyrrell County residents at no cost, comparing all available 2026 plans side-by-side to help you find the right coverage for your budget and healthcare needs. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to get personalized plan recommendations and complete your enrollment with expert guidance.
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 Tyrrell 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.
Tyrrell County does not have a hospital within its borders. The hospitals below are located in neighboring counties and serve Tyrrell County residents.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
The Outer Banks Hospital | 4800 S Croatan Hwy, Nags Head, NC 27959 | |
Sentara Albemarle Medical Center | 3050 Halstead Blvd Ext, Elizabeth City, NC 27909 | |
Washington County Hospital | 958 US Hwy 64 E, Plymouth, NC 27962 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Columbia Medical Center | 208 N Broad St, Columbia, NC 27925 |
Tyrrell County ZIP Codes include: 27925
