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Affordable Health Insurance
North Carolina

Looking to enroll in a health insurance plan or simply get insights on North Carolina’s health insurance landscape?

Breathe easy, because you’ve stumbled upon the perfect spot. Here, we’ve laid out a space for you to explore Marketplace insurance plans, grab a free quote, and start your enrollment process.

Additionally, we’ve illuminated key details: from vital enrollment dates and deadlines, to the best insurance carriers in NC, insights on what you can expect to pay, and more.


To shop and compare the most affordable health insurance options in North Carolina, click the button below:

Smiling family because of affordable health insurance

1 out of 2 people looking for healthcare coverage pay under $30/month!

North Carolina Health Insurance Options

The importance of reliable health insurance coverage in North Carolina cannot be understated. With options that range from short-term health insurance to comprehensive major medical coverage, it’s essential for you to understand and choose the right plan for your needs.

Benefits of a Marketplace Plan (Obamacare)

Marketplace insurance plans, align with the requirements of the Affordable Care Act (ACA), ensuring you receive minimum essential coverage.

With options like ACA-compliant plans and other plans, the Marketplace offers health coverage options tailored for North Carolina residents.

NC Open Enrollment and Financial Savings

The annual open enrollment period is a specific time when you can sign up for healthcare coverage. The dates change each year, but have always started on November 1st.

Man checking the open enrollment dates

Enrollment Periods for 2024 Coverage

Open Enrollment Period: November 1st – January 15th

Special Enrollment Period: January 16th – October 31st

If you miss Open Enrollment, you might have to wait til next year unless you qualify due to certain Qualifying Life Events (QLE).

Let’s look at a few QLE examples:

  • Getting married, having a baby, or adopting a child
  • Losing your healthcare coverage from:
  • your employer, a divorce, or legal separation
  • Moving to a new county or ZIP code
  • Plus more! See the complete list.

On average, people are paying
$92/month in North Carolina. [1]

Financial Assistance (Affordable Care Act)

  • Premium Tax Credits or Premium Subsidies: Financial payments to you in the form of a tax credit are available for those who qualify based on household income and family size, making it easier to find affordable health insurance. In effect, premium subsidies decrease the monthly amount you pay for your health care coverage.
  • Cost-Sharing Reductions: Offers savings on out-of-pocket costs, like doctor visits or prescriptions on Silver plans found in the Marketplace.

Shop the Marketplace and discover how you can benefit from financial assistance options! Everyone deserves to be able to find affordable health insurance.

To shop, compare plans and see how much financial savings you qualify for in North Carolina

Essential Health Benefits & Affordable Care Act

Every insurance plan under the Affordable Care Act offers essential health benefits such as hospital visits, prescription drugs, preventive care, x-rays, and doctor office visits.

  • Affordable Care Act plans ensure that no one is denied insurance based on preexisting conditions.

Exploring Health Coverage Options in North Carolina

  • Health Plans with Essential Health Benefits: All-inclusive plans covering doctor visits, prescription drugs, hospital visits, and other critical services. Plus, regardless of your preexisting conditions, you can secure coverage through the Marketplace.
  • Short-Term Plans: These short-term health insurance plans generally have limited benefits and limited coverage since they typically do not cover preexisting conditions. As the name implies, short-term health insurance offers coverage for shorter periods, typically less than 12 months, and often has lower premiums.
  • Major Medical Plans: Comprehensive plans covering a range of health services. It’s your traditional health coverage offering maximum protection. Typically, offered through your employer.

Additional Coverage Options

  • Dental insurance: Helps offset the costs of oral care procedures and check-ups.
  • Vision Insurance: Crucial for those requiring regular eye check-ups or have vision issues.
  • Accident Insurance: Provides cash benefits in the case of an accident, helping cover unforeseen costs.
  • Critical Illness: Offers financial benefits if you’re doctor diagnoses you with a specified illness.

Choosing the Right Health Insurance Company

  • Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, United Healthcare, formerly known as Golden Rule Insurance Company, and other insurance companies provide a variety of ACA-Compliant plan(s). Be sure to shop plans efficiently and effectively by consulting an insurance agency for guidance.
  • Always look into the fine print like deductibles, coverage limitations, waiting periods, exclusions, and the complete details that can be found in the summary of benefits.

Affordable Health Plans from:

Aetna CVS Health

Ambetter of North Carolina

AmeriHealth Caritas Next

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC

CareSource

Cigna Health and Life Insurance Company/Cigna HealthCare of North Carolina, Inc.

Oscar Health Plan of North Carolina, Inc.

WellCare of North Carolina

Affordable Dental Plans from:

BEST Life and Health Insurance Company

Delta Dental Insurance Company

Dominion Dental Services, Inc.

Humana

The Guardian Life Insurance Company

Truassure Insurance Company

Join The Zero-Premium Club

77% of North Carolina Healthcare.gov enrollees had access to $0 premium health plans. [2]

Zero premiums mean zero stress.
Find out if you can get zero/low-cost health insurance.

The Role of an Insurance Agent

A licensed insurance agent isn’t just about selling. They guide, educate, and ensure that every individual finds the health plan aligning with their needs, be it from the major medical coverage options or specific plans like dental or vision insurance.

Your Health Care Plans, Our Priority

Health is priceless. Whether you’re exploring health insurance, seeking options, or just need information about enrolling, our commitment is to provide clarity, options, and unwavering support.

For more insights, tips, and details on health plans, deductibles, benefits, and more, continue exploring our website or reach out to our expert team.

FAQ: North Carolina Health Insurance

How Much is Health Insurance in North Carolina Per Month?

The monthly cost of health insurance coverage in North Carolina varies based on factors such as the type of plan, age, location, and health status. On average, residents can expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $600 per individual. Financial assistance or premium subsidies decrease the monthly amount you pay for your coverage. For a quick estimate of your financial savings, consider visiting marketplaceamerica.org.

he average cost of health insurance in North Carolina per month in 2023 is $482 for an individual and $2,130 for a family of four. However, the actual cost of your health insurance will vary depending on a number of factors, including your age, health status, tobacco use, location, and the type of plan you choose.

For example, a 26-year-old non-smoker in good health living in Raleigh, NC can expect to pay an average of $333 per month for a Bronze plan on the Health Insurance Marketplace. A 65-year-old smoker with chronic health conditions in the same city can expect to pay an average of $1,200 per month for a Silver plan.

Here is a breakdown of the average monthly premiums for different types of health insurance plans in North Carolina, according to eHealthInsurance.com:

The average monthly cost of health insurance in North Carolina by metal tier in 2023 is as Metal tier

 

Monthly premium for an individual

Monthly premium for a family of four

Catastrophic

$250

$630

Bronze

$333

$1,420

Silver

$482

$2,130

Gold

$699

$3,050

Platinum

$1,200

$4,900

What Health Insurance Companies Are in North Carolina?

North Carolina hosts several insurance providers. Notable companies include Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, Aetna, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare, formerly known as Golden Rule Insurance Company. It’s always a good idea to shop around and compare policies before making a decision. For a complete list and plan comparisons, check out marketplaceamerica.org.

Does North Carolina Offer State Health Insurance?

Yes, North Carolina offers state-sponsored insurance plans through programs such as Medicaid and the North Carolina Children’s Health Insurance Program (CHIP). Eligibility for these programs is determined by income, family size, and other criteria. You can also explore additional options on marketplaceamerica.org.

Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina Good Insurance?

Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina is one of the leading insurance providers in the state and is highly regarded for its comprehensive coverage options and network of healthcare providers. As with any insurer, customer satisfaction can vary, so it’s essential to read reviews and compare plans.

What is the Best Healthcare in North Carolina?

Determining the “best” healthcare in North Carolina depends on individual needs. However, some of the most highly rated hospitals in the state include:

  • Duke University Hospital
  • UNC Hospitals
  • Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center
  • UNC Rex Hospital
  • Moses Cone Memorial Hospital

These hospitals are known for their excellent care, state-of-the-art facilities, and experienced staff. They also offer a wide range of services, from primary care to specialized procedures.

What is Considered Low Income in North Carolina?

According to the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD), low income in North Carolina is defined as a household income that is less than 80% of the area median income. The median income is the midpoint of the income distribution, meaning that half of the households in an area earn more than the median and half earn less.

According to HUD, the median income for a household of four in North Carolina is $60,516. This means that a household of four with an income of less than $48,412.80 would be considered low income.

However, there are other factors that can also be considered when defining low income, such as the cost of living in a particular area. For example, the cost of living in Charlotte is significantly higher than the cost of living in rural North Carolina. As a result, a household of four with an income of $48,412.80 may be considered low income in Charlotte, but not in rural North Carolina.

Is There Free Health Care in North Carolina?

While North Carolina doesn’t offer entirely free healthcare, there are state-sponsored programs like Medicaid and CHIP that provide healthcare at reduced or no cost for eligible individuals and families based on income and other criteria.

What is the Maximum Income to Qualify for Medicaid in NC?

The income threshold for Medicaid in North Carolina varies by household size. For example, a family of four typically needs an income of less than about $38,280 to qualify. Always check the current guidelines or consult with a local agency, as these figures can change.

What is the Cheapest Health Insurance in North Carolina?

The cheapest health insurance plans will depend on individual factors such as age and plan type. It’s advisable to shop around, compare quotes, and consider both monthly premiums and out-of-pocket expenses when determining cost.

 

How to Get Free Health Insurance in North Carolina?

Eligible residents can apply for free or reduced-cost medical insurance through state programs like Medicaid or CHIP. To determine eligibility, one can consult with the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, depending upon your household income you may be able to secure Marketplace coverage at no cost utilizing premium subsidies and/or tax credit. Check marketplaceamerica.org to see how much savings you are entitled to.

Self-employed Health Insurance in North Carolina?

Self-employed individuals can purchase major medical insurance through the Marketplace. There might be specific plans tailored to the self-employed, offering flexibility and coverage suitable for entrepreneurs. You can explore individual plans suited for you on marketplaceamerica.org.

What Does Health Insurance in North Carolina Cost?

The cost of health insurance varies. Factors influencing price include:

  • Age
  • Location
  • Health status
  • Type of plan
  • Level of coverage
  • Deductible
  • Copayments
  • Out-of-pocket maximums

To get an accurate estimate of how much health insurance will cost you, it’s important to compare quotes from multiple providers. You can do this through the Health Insurance Marketplace or by working with a licensed insurance agent.

 

What is the Health Insurance Marketplace?

The health insurance marketplace, also known as the exchange, is an online platform where individuals, families, and small businesses can compare and purchase health insurance plans. It provides a centralized location to find information about different insurance options, check eligibility for cost assistance, and enroll in a plan that suits your needs. The marketplace is accessible through Healthcare.gov in most states, while some states operate their own exchanges.

Medicare Choices in North Carolina

Medicare, health coverage for those 65 and older, offers two main choices in North Carolina. Beneficiaries can either opt for Original Medicare, which encompasses Part A (covering hospital services) and Part B (for medical services), or they can select Medicare Advantage plans, known as Part C. These plans are provided by private insurers and often feature added perks like prescription drug coverage, and dental, and vision benefits.

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