Find Your Most Affordable Health Insurance Plan in Watauga County
in North Carolina
Watauga County residents can compare 18 health insurance options for 2026.
Blue Advantage gives you access to our largest nationwide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.
More in-network providers in North Carolina, with over 95% of doctors and 98% of hospitals in-network1
Fewer restrictions on which providers you can see
Nationwide access to in-network providers through BlueCard®2
Emergency services covered at the in-network benefit level regardless of where you go for care
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 to residents in all North Carolina counties EXCEPT the following, where it is available only off Marketplace: Alamance, Anson, Cabarrus, Caswell, Chatham, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Durham, Forsyth, Franklin, Gaston, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Orange, Person, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Surry, Union, Wake, and Yadkin.
Blue Care gives you access to our largest statewide network. This is a good option if you want a broad choice of in-network doctors, specialists and hospitals.
More than 92% of doctors and 97% of hospitals in North Carolina are in-network.1
All doctors outside the Blue Care provider network are considered out-of-network and not covered. Out-of-network benefit coverage is not available except for emergency services, urgent care and for medically necessary covered services when an in-network provider is not reasonably available per the access to care standards of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC).
Out-of-state providers are also out-of-network and not covered. When traveling outside of North Carolina or the United States, only emergency services and urgent care will be covered at the in-network benefit level. All other non-emergency services will be out-of-network and not covered.
Blue Care is available in all North Carolina counties, except: Alamance, Caswell, Chatham, Durham, Franklin, Johnston, Lee, Orange, Person, and Wake.
in North Carolina
Find affordable health insurance in Watauga County, NC with Health Plans of NC. Health Plans of NC helps Watauga County residents find and enroll in the right health insurance plan at no cost, connecting individuals and families to coverage that works with local providers like Watauga Medical Center and Appalachian Regional Healthcare.
Plan Network | Type | Network Coverage |
|---|---|---|
Blue Advantage | PPO | Largest nationwide network, 95%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Blue Care | PPO | Broad statewide network, 92%+ of NC doctors in-network |
Watauga County is home to 54,607 residents, a population that has grown 1.0 percent since 2020 and includes 3.7 percent foreign-born residents, reflecting a diverse and growing community with varied coverage needs. Major employers such as Appalachian State University, Samaritan's Purse, Watauga County Schools, and Watauga County government offer employer-sponsored plans, while health systems like Watauga Medical Center and Appalachian Regional Healthcare anchor the local provider landscape. Health Plans of NC helps residents across all employment and income situations explore every available coverage pathway, from ACA Marketplace plans to Medicaid and small business options.
ACA Marketplace plans are available to Watauga County individuals and families who do not have employer coverage through major local employers like Appalachian State University or Samaritan's Purse.
Medicaid coverage is available to qualifying low-income Watauga County residents, with eligibility expanded in North Carolina to cover more working adults served by local health systems.
Employer-sponsored health insurance is offered by large Watauga County employers including Appalachian State University, Watauga County Schools, and Appalachian Regional Healthcare for their employees.
Short-term health plans may serve Watauga County residents in transitional employment situations, including those between jobs at local institutions like Samaritan's Purse or Watauga County government.
COBRA continuation coverage allows residents who recently left employment at a Watauga County employer to temporarily maintain their existing health plan while exploring new coverage options.
Small business SHOP plans through the ACA Marketplace give Watauga County small business owners a pathway to offer group health coverage to employees, supporting the local economy and workforce health.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC offers plans in Watauga County through two distinct networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents meaningful choices in how they access care at local facilities. Blue Advantage is a PPO network providing the largest nationwide coverage, connecting Watauga County residents to more than 95 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network, including providers at Watauga Medical Center and Appalachian Regional Healthcare. Blue Care is also a PPO network with broad statewide reach, covering more than 92 percent of North Carolina doctors in-network and supporting access to the county's regional clinics and specialty centers.
Blue Advantage, PPO network, connects Watauga County residents to over 95 percent of NC doctors in-network, including care at Watauga Medical Center at 336 Deerfield Rd in Boone.
Blue Advantage, PPO network, supports in-network access to specialty providers in Watauga County such as the Watauga Surgical Group, Boone Urology Center, and Harmony Center for Women.
Blue Care, PPO network, covers over 92 percent of NC doctors in-network, giving Watauga County residents broad access to Appalachian Regional Healthcare clinics and affiliated providers.
Blue Care, PPO network, supports access to regional facilities near Watauga County including Ashe Memorial Hospital in Jefferson and Alleghany Memorial Hospital in Sparta.
Both Blue Advantage and Blue Care PPO networks allow Watauga County residents to see out-of-network providers, offering flexibility when seeking care at specialty centers or referral facilities.
Health Plans of NC compares every 2026 Blue Advantage and Blue Care plan side by side to help Watauga County residents choose the network that best matches their preferred local providers.
Bronze plans in Watauga County start at approximately $522.41/month before subsidies. With a median household income of $51,367, many residents qualify for premium tax credits. Subsidies may reduce your monthly premium significantly based on income.
Bronze plans in Watauga County start at $522.41 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, offering the lowest premiums with higher out-of-pocket costs when care is needed.
Silver plans in Watauga County start at $671.42 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, and Silver plans are the only tier eligible for cost-sharing reductions that lower deductibles and copays.
Gold plans in Watauga County start at $694.31 per month for a 35-year-old before subsidies, providing lower out-of-pocket maximums that benefit residents with regular or complex healthcare needs.
Residents 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.
Some Watauga County households qualify for a zero-dollar monthly premium Silver plan after tax credits are applied, depending on household size and annual income relative to the federal poverty level.
Self-employed residents, gig workers, and part-time employees in Watauga County without employer coverage may qualify for subsidies based on projected annual income, making marketplace plans highly affordable.
Blue Cross NC is the ACA Marketplace carrier offering health insurance plans in Watauga County for 2026, with 18 total plans available to individuals and families in the area. These 18 plans are offered across two PPO networks, Blue Advantage and Blue Care, giving residents structured choices based on network breadth and provider access preferences. Blue Advantage connects Watauga County residents to the largest nationwide PPO network, supporting access to Watauga Medical Center, Appalachian Regional Healthcare, and a wide range of regional specialists. Blue Care provides a broad statewide PPO network that also serves the Watauga County provider landscape, including access to nearby regional hospitals and local clinic networks. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC plan side by side at no cost, helping residents identify the carrier option that fits their providers, budget, and coverage needs.
Blue Cross NC, offering PPO plans through the Blue Advantage and Blue Care networks, with 18 marketplace health insurance plans available in Watauga 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, which has opened eligibility to many Watauga County residents who previously fell into a coverage gap. Currently 10.7 percent of Watauga County residents, approximately 6,000 people, are uninsured, and a substantial portion of this group may now qualify for Medicaid or subsidized marketplace coverage without realizing it. Children in Watauga County families earning up to 210 percent of the federal poverty level may qualify for NC Health Choice, the state's CHIP program, providing low-cost coverage for pediatric care. Health Plans of NC offers free eligibility checks for Watauga County residents who want to find out whether they qualify for Medicaid, CHIP, or a subsidized marketplace plan.
Working adults in Watauga County who earn low wages or work part-time may now qualify for expanded Medicaid coverage following North Carolina's December 2023 expansion.
Children in Watauga County families with incomes above the Medicaid threshold may qualify for NC Health Choice CHIP, covering doctor visits, prescriptions, and preventive care at low cost.
Pregnant women in Watauga County are eligible for Medicaid coverage that includes prenatal, delivery, and postpartum care through providers like Harmony Center for Women in Boone.
Watauga County has a poverty rate of 24.7 percent, meaning a significant share of the local population may meet income thresholds for full Medicaid coverage or heavily subsidized marketplace plans.
Watauga County residents with disabilities or chronic conditions who have low incomes may qualify for Medicaid, providing comprehensive coverage for ongoing care and specialty services.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Watauga 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 needs and budget. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who knows the Watauga County market and can help you find the best plan available for 2026.
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 Watauga 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 |
|---|---|---|
Alleghany Memorial Hospital | 233 Doctors St, Sparta, NC 28675 | (336) 372-5511 |
Ashe Memorial Hospital | 200 Hospital Ave, Jefferson, NC 28640 | (336) 846-7101 |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Bapt | 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 713-4500 |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Bapt | 1 Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 716-2011 |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Bapt | 1370 W D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 | (336) 651-8100 |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Bapt | Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 716-2011 |
Atrium Health Wake Forrest | 250 Hospital Dr, Lexington, NC 27292 | (336) 248-5161 |
Davie Medical Ctr | 329 NC Highway 801 N, Bermuda Run, NC 27006 | (336) 998-1300 |
Hugh Chatham Memorial Hospital | 180 Parkwood Dr, Elkin, NC 28621 | (336) 527-7000 |
Lifebrite Community Hosp-Stks | 1570 NC 8 And 89 Hwy N, Danbury, NC 27016 | (336) 593-2831 |
Northern Regional Hospital | 830 Rockford St, Mount Airy, NC 27030 | (336) 719-7000 |
Novant Health Forsyth Med Ctr | 3333 Silas Creek Pkwy, Winston Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 718-5000 |
Novant Health Kernersville Med | 1750 Kernersville Medical Pkwy, Kernersville, NC 27284 | (336) 564-4000 |
Novant Health Med Park Hosp | 1950 S Hawthorne Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 718-0785 |
Novant Health Rehab Hosp An | 2475 Hillcrest Center Cir, Winston Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 754-3500 |
Novant Health Thomasville Med | 207 Old Lexington Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360 | (336) 472-2000 |
Old Vineyard Behavioral Health | 3637 Old Vineyard Rd, Winston Salem, NC 27104 | (336) 794-3550 |
Stokes Reynolds Meml Hosp Inc | , Danbury, NC 27016 | (336) 593-5356 |
Watauga Medical Ctr | 336 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 262-4100 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Appalachian Regional | 194 Doctors Dr, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 386-2663 |
Appalachian Regional | 200 Hospital Ave # 6, Jefferson, NC 28640 | (828) 386-2663 |
Atrium Health Wake Forest Bapt | 10 Medical Park Dr # 1, Lexington, NC 27292 | (336) 716-9253 |
Bethany Medical Ctr | 1908 Caudle Dr # 100, Mount Airy, NC 27030 | (336) 883-0029 |
Boone Urology Ctr | 400 Shadowline Dr # 103-104, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 264-5150 |
Cone Health Medcenter Krnrsvll | 1635 N Carolina Highway 66 S, Kernersville, NC 27284 | (336) 992-5100 |
Cone Health Medcenter Krnrsvll | 1635 NC 66 S, Kernersville, NC 27284 | (336) 992-5100 |
Cone Health Outpatient Rehab | 1635 N Carolina 66 # 255, Kernersville, NC 27284 | (336) 992-4820 |
Department Of Emergency Med | Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 716-4625 |
Harmony Center For Women | 381 Deerfield Rd, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 268-8970 |
Hoots Memorial Hospital | , Yadkinville, NC 27055 | (336) 679-6728 |
Lexington Medical Ctr | 811 W Main St, Lexington, NC 27293 | (803) 936-7203 |
Lung Center | 870 State Farm Rd # 100, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 386-2746 |
Novant Health Bariatric Sltns | 760 Highland Oaks Dr # 200, Winston Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 277-4380 |
Novant Health Ortho-Sports | 7138 Village Medical Cir, Clemmons, NC 27012 | (336) 893-2400 |
Sneak-A-Peek | 2501 Neudorf Rd, Clemmons, NC 27012 | (336) 247-5141 |
Thomasville Medical Ctr | 6233 Denton Rd, Thomasville, NC 27360 | (336) 476-2537 |
Wake Forest Bapt Health Davie | 329 N Carolina Highway 801 N, Bermuda Run, NC 27006 | (336) 998-1300 |
Watauga Medical Ctr Outpatient | 1200 State Farm Rd, Boone, NC 28607 | (828) 262-4153 |
WFU Baptist Medical Ctr | Medical Center Blvd, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 713-7700 |
WFU Baptist Medical Ctr | Orthopaedic Surgery, Winston Salem, NC 27157 | (336) 716-2093 |
WFUBMC | 1450 Professional Park Dr, Winston Salem, NC 27103 | (336) 659-2701 |
Wilkes Regional Med Ctr Axlry | 500 Courthouse Dr, Wilkesboro, NC 28697 | (336) 651-8100 |
Wilkes Regional Medical Ctr | 1370 W D St, North Wilkesboro, NC 28659 | (336) 651-8100 |
Watauga County ZIP Codes include: 28604, 28605, 28607, 28608, 28618, 28679, 28691, 28692, and 28698
