Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Vance 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 |
| AmeriHealth Caritas Next | 8 |
| Cigna Healthcare | 7 |
| Total | 48 |
Source: CMS QHP Landscape PY2026, Individual Market Medical, updated August 26, 2026 (data.healthcare.gov). Counts distinct Plan IDs offered on the Marketplace in Vance County, once per carrier.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Vance County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps residents of Vance County, NC find affordable health insurance coverage, connecting families and individuals in Henderson and surrounding communities with plans that fit their needs and budgets. Whether you work for Maria Parham Health, Vance County Schools, or another local employer, Health Plans of NC can guide you through every coverage option available in the county 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 |
Vance County is home to 42,361 residents, with a population that has declined by 0.5 percent in recent years, reflecting the economic pressures facing this rural northern North Carolina community where 4.9 percent of residents were born outside the United States. Major employers such as Walmart, Vance County Schools, Variety Wholesalers, Maria Parham Health, and the County of Vance anchor the local workforce, and the primary health system serving the area is UNC Health Vance in Henderson. Residents have access to several distinct coverage pathways depending on their employment status, income, age, and household situation, and Health Plans of NC can help identify the best fit at no charge.
ACA Marketplace coverage is available to Vance County residents who do not have access to qualifying employer-sponsored insurance, including self-employed workers and those between jobs in Henderson and surrounding towns.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income adults and families in Vance County, particularly those employed part-time or in lower-wage positions at local employers like Variety Wholesalers or Walmart.
Employer-sponsored insurance is offered by several major Vance County employers, including Vance County Schools and Maria Parham Health, and may cover employees and their eligible dependents at group rates.
Short-term health insurance plans may serve Vance County residents who are in a coverage gap between jobs or waiting for ACA open enrollment, providing temporary protection against unexpected medical events.
COBRA continuation coverage allows eligible Vance County residents who lose job-based insurance, such as former employees of the County of Vance or UNC Health Vance, to maintain their existing plan temporarily after a qualifying life event.
Small business SHOP Marketplace plans are available to Vance County employers with fewer than 50 full-time employees who want to offer group health coverage to their workers and potentially qualify for the Small Business Health Care Tax Credit.
For 2026, Vance County residents can choose from plans offered under two Blue Cross NC networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, both of which connect policyholders to local and regional providers in the Henderson area and beyond. Blue Advantage is a PPO network with the largest nationwide footprint, covering more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, while Blue Care is an HMO network with broad statewide reach covering more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors. Both networks include access to key regional hospitals and health systems that serve Vance County residents, and Health Plans of NC can help you confirm that your preferred providers are in-network before you enroll.
Blue Advantage, a PPO plan, provides access to the largest nationwide network and connects Vance County residents to UNC Health Vance, Maria Parham Health in Henderson, and a broad range of regional specialists.
Blue Advantage covers more than 95 percent of North Carolina physicians in-network, giving Henderson-area residents substantial flexibility in choosing primary care doctors and specialists without referrals.
Blue Care, an HMO plan, offers broad statewide network coverage and connects Vance County policyholders to local hospitals including Granville Health System in Oxford and Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount.
Blue Care covers more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, making it a strong option for Vance County residents who want reliable access to providers throughout the region.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans allow Vance County residents to seek care at major regional facilities, including those in the Raleigh-Durham area, without needing a primary care referral.
Health Plans of NC agents compare Blue Advantage and Blue Care plans side-by-side at no cost, helping residents in Kittrell, Middleburg, Townsville, and Henderson choose the network that best matches their provider preferences.
Bronze plans in Vance County start at approximately $482.73/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $46,943, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Vance County start at $482.73 per month before subsidies for a 35-year-old, offering the lowest monthly premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Silver plans start at $620.43 per month before subsidies and are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which lower deductibles and copays for qualifying Vance County households.
Gold plans start at $641.58 per month before subsidies and feature lower out-of-pocket maximums, making them a strong fit for residents who expect frequent medical visits throughout the year.
Vance County residents with household incomes near the county median of $46,943 will likely qualify for premium tax credits that reduce monthly marketplace plan costs well below standard list prices.
Some lower-income Vance County households may qualify for a zero-dollar premium Silver-equivalent plan through enhanced federal subsidies available under current ACA rules, dramatically lowering the barrier to comprehensive coverage.
Premium tax credits are calculated based on household income relative to the federal poverty level, and Health Plans of NC agents can determine your exact credit amount at no cost during a free consultation.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC is one of four ACA Marketplace carriers serving Vance County, offering 18 plans across the county's zip codes of 27536, 27537, 27549, and 27553. These plans are available under two network options, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents a choice between the largest nationwide provider network and a broad statewide network. Blue Advantage connects Vance County policyholders to UNC Health Vance and Maria Parham Health in Henderson, as well as a wide range of specialists and facilities across North Carolina and the country, while Blue Care provides broad in-state access including Granville Health System in Oxford and Nash General Hospital in Rocky Mount. Choosing between Blue Advantage and Blue Care directly affects which local doctors, hospitals, and specialists a Vance County resident can access at in-network rates, making network comparison an important step before enrollment. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Blue Cross NC plan side-by-side at no cost to help Vance County residents find the right fit for their medical needs.
Blue Cross NC, plans under Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, 18 plans available in Vance County for 2026.
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 coverage to thousands of previously uninsured residents across the state. In Vance County, approximately 5,000 residents, representing a 12.9 percent uninsured rate, remain without coverage, and many of them may now qualify for Medicaid or low-cost Marketplace plans. Children in families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing comprehensive pediatric coverage at little or no cost. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Vance County residents who want to determine whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or subsidized Marketplace coverage.
Working adults in Vance County who earn low wages, such as part-time or seasonal workers, may qualify for Medicaid under North Carolina's expansion if their income falls at or below 138 percent of the federal poverty level.
Children in Vance County households with incomes up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may be eligible for NC Health Choice, which provides dental, vision, and medical coverage with minimal cost sharing.
Pregnant women in Vance County are eligible for expanded Medicaid coverage throughout pregnancy and for a postpartum period, ensuring access to prenatal care and delivery services at Maria Parham Health and other local providers.
Vance County's poverty rate of 19.0 percent means a significant share of residents may qualify for Medicaid, making it essential for uninsured households to check their eligibility before assuming they must pay full marketplace premiums.
Adults with disabilities in Vance County may qualify for Medicaid through separate eligibility pathways tied to Social Security Disability Insurance or Supplemental Security Income status, and Health Plans of NC can help navigate the application process at no cost.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Vance County residents at no cost, comparing every available plan side-by-side to help you find the right coverage for your health needs and budget. Call 800-797-0327 today to get personalized guidance, a free subsidy calculation, and help completing your enrollment in the plan that works best for you and your family.
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 Vance 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 |
|---|---|---|
Central Regional Hospital | 300 Veazey Dr, Butner, NC 27509 | (919) 764-2000 |
Duke Raleigh Hospital | 3400 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 954-3000 |
Granville Health System | 1010 College St, Oxford, NC 27565 | (919) 690-3000 |
Holly Hill Hospital | 3019 Falstaff Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 | (919) 250-7000 |
Nash General Hospital | 2460 Curtis Ellis Dr, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | (252) 962-8000 |
PAM Specialty Hosp Of Rocky Mt | 1051 Noell Ln, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | (252) 451-2300 |
Rex Hospital | 4420 Lake Boone Trl, Raleigh, NC 27607 | (919) 784-3100 |
Strategic Behavioral Ctr Rlgh | 3200 Waterfield Dr, Garner, NC 27529 | (919) 800-4400 |
UNC Health Johnston | 509 N Brightleaf Blvd, Smithfield, NC 27577 | (919) 934-8171 |
UNC Hospitals At Wakebrook | 111 Sunnybrook Rd, Raleigh, NC 27610 | (984) 974-4800 |
WakeMed Cary Hospital | 1900 Kildaire Farm Rd, Cary, NC 27518 | (919) 350-8000 |
WakeMed North Hospital | 10000 Falls Of Neuse Rd, Raleigh, NC 27614 | (919) 350-8000 |
WakeMed Raleigh Campus | 3000 New Bern Ave, Raleigh, NC 27610 | (919) 350-8000 |
Wilson Medical Ctr | 1705 Tarboro St SW, Wilson, NC 27893 | (252) 399-8040 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Angier Pediatric & Adult Med | 441 Lakestone Commons Ave, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 | (919) 577-0481 |
Benson Area Medical Ctr Inc | 11801 Vogel St, Raleigh, NC 27617 | (919) 207-4403 |
Beverly Medical Ctr | 6008 Creedmoor Rd, Raleigh, NC 27612 | (919) 844-4552 |
Brier Creek Medical Pavilion | 10207 Cerny St, Raleigh, NC 27617 | (919) 634-6269 |
Carolina Neuropsychology Svc | 3900 Barrett Dr # 102, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 859-9040 |
Carolinas Center For Med | 3600 Glenwood Ave # 120, Raleigh, NC 27612 | (919) 461-5500 |
Clayton Dialysis Ctr | 86 Healthpark Way, Clayton, NC 27520 | (919) 550-7456 |
Clinton Dialysis Unit | 545 E Market St, Smithfield, NC 27577 | (919) 934-2826 |
Duke Raleigh Hosp Palliative | 3404 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 862-5400 |
Duke Raleigh Hosp Pre | 3300 Executive Dr, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 954-3940 |
Duke Raleigh Hosp | 3404 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 862-5718 |
Duke Rheumatology Raleigh | 3480 Wake Forest Rd # 414, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 613-2243 |
Duke Spine-Pain Mgmt-Raleigh | 3480 Wake Forest Rd, Raleigh, NC 27609 | (919) 862-5367 |
Duke Women's Health Heritage | 3000 Rogers Rd, Wake Forest, NC 27587 | (919) 385-2940 |
Eastern Carolina Pathology | 2693 Forest Hills Rd SW # B, Wilson, NC 27893 | (252) 234-2841 |
ECU Health Family Medicine | 1704 Glendale Dr. SW, Wilson, NC 27893 | (252) 246-8960 |
Fastmed Family Medicine | 11491 US 70 Business Hwy W, Clayton, NC 27520 | (919) 550-2484 |
Fastmed Family Medicine | 5156 N Carolina 42, Garner, NC 27529 | (919) 329-5000 |
Goshen Medical Ctr Inc | 1624 White Oak Church Rd, Apex, NC 27523 | (941) 267-2042 |
Granville Medical Ctr | 1010 College St, Oxford, NC 27565 | (919) 690-3000 |
Karissa Binkley | 1021 W Williams St # 105, Apex, NC 27502 | (919) 961-9885 |
Meso & Beyond Medical Ctr | 1000 N Main St # 100, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 | (919) 285-4373 |
Pai Wellness Group | 9380 Falls Of Neuse Rd # 101, Raleigh, NC 27615 | (919) 529-3355 |
Rocky Mt Medical Park | 901 N Winstead Ave, Rocky Mount, NC 27804 | (252) 937-8507 |
Siemens Medical Solutions | 209 Gregson Dr, Cary, NC 27511 | (919) 461-0132 |
Smithfield Pulmonology | 706 Wilkins St # A, Smithfield, NC 27577 | (919) 989-1800 |
Southern Wake Medical Ctr | 415 Wake Chapel Rd, Fuquay Varina, NC 27526 | (919) 552-9143 |
Synchrony Energetics Incl | 3201 Nash St NW # A, Wilson, NC 27896 | (252) 373-4722 |
UNC Fertility | 7920 Acc Blvd # 300, Raleigh, NC 27617 | (919) 908-0000 |
Voyage Anesthesia PC | 101 Forest Dr # D, Knightdale, NC 27545 | (919) 341-0188 |
Wake Health Svc | , Franklinton, NC 27525 | (919) 494-5246 |
WakeMed Brier Creek Healthplex | 8001 T W Alexander Dr, Raleigh, NC 27617 | (919) 350-8000 |
Vance County ZIP Codes include: 27536, 27537, 27544, 27556, and 27584
