Cheapest Health Insurance in North Carolina (2024 Plans)

Selecting metal tiers besides Silver may alter costs. In North Carolina, AmeriHealth offers affordable Bronze, while Blue Cross Blue Shield provides the lowest premiums for Catastrophic, Expanded Bronze, Silver and Gold tiers.

If you are looking to balance monthly premiums with quality claims and coverage, you can learn more from MoneyGeek's analysis of the best health insurance in North Carolina.

Blue Home Silver Preferred from Blue Cross Blue Shield stands out as the most cost-effective option in the popular Silver tier for residents of North Carolina, with a monthly price tag of $485. Silver plans are typically the most common choice among consumers. Bronze tier plans like AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze Classic can be a more affordable alternative for those willing to trade lower monthly premiums for potentially higher out-of-pocket costs.

Health insurance premiums are based on metal tiers, with each tier representing a balance between monthly costs and the extent of coverage, where higher premiums typically mean lower out-of-pocket expenses and deductibles.

Here are the most affordable health insurance plans from each metal tier:

• Catastrophic: Blue Home Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance ($233 per month) - Available only to individuals under 30 or with a qualifying hardship exemption.
• Bronze: AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals ($351 per month)
• Expanded Bronze: Blue Home Bronze | HSA Eligible | Integrated | with Novant Health ($360 per month)
• Silver: Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance ($485 per month)
• Gold: Blue Home Gold | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | with UNC Health Alliance ($503 per month)

For more options and to find cheap health insurance that meets your needs, be sure to explore various plans and providers.

The most cost-effective Silver tier health insurance plan in North Carolina is the Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, at a monthly cost of $485.

Here are the three most affordable Silver plans in North Carolina:

• Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($485 per month)
• AmeriHealth Caritas Next Silver Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals from AmeriHealth ($491 per month)
• Blue Home Silver Standard | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($492 per month)

Silver plans are ideal for individuals who anticipate needing moderate health care services, prefer lower deductibles and do not want to pay high premiums. Customers with lower income might be eligible for cost-sharing reductions, which reduce out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments and co-insurance. These reductions make care and treatment more accessible and affordable when services are needed.

The most economical Gold tier health plan in North Carolina is the Blue Home Gold | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | with UNC Health Alliance offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield at $503 per month.

Here are the three most cost-effective Gold health plans in North Carolina:

• Blue Home Gold | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($503 per month)
• Blue Home Gold Standard | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($503 per month)
• Blue Local Gold | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | with Atrium Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($513 per month)

Gold plans are suited for customers who anticipate needing frequent health care services. These plans tend to have higher monthly premiums but lower out-of-pocket costs when accessing care. Gold plans are often preferred by those who want the security of more predictable health care spending and are willing to pay a higher premium for this predictability.

The most affordable Bronze plan in North Carolina is the AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals from AmeriHealth at a monthly cost of $351.

The three most affordable Bronze plans in North Carolina are:

• AmeriHealth Caritas Next Bronze Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals from AmeriHealth ($351 per month)
• UHC Bronze Essential from UnitedHealthcare ($442 per month)
• Connect Bronze 9450 Indiv Med Deductible from Cigna ($536 per month)

Bronze plans are typically well-suited for individuals who desire lower monthly premiums and are healthy enough not to require frequent medical care. These plans offer essential health benefits and provide coverage for major medical events. However, customers should be prepared for higher out-of-pocket costs when accessing care, making these plans a good fit for those who prefer lower monthly costs and the financial ability to manage higher costs for actual medical services.

The most affordable option in the Expanded Bronze tier in North Carolina is the Blue Home Bronze | HSA Eligible | Integrated | with Novant Health plan, offered by Blue Cross Blue Shield for $360.

The top three most cost-effective Expanded Bronze plans in North Carolina are:

• Blue Home Bronze | HSA Eligible | Integrated | with Novant Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($360 per month)
• Blue Local Bronze | HSA Eligible | Integrated | with Atrium Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($363 per month)
• Blue Home Bronze | 3 Free PCP | $20 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($367 per month)

Expanded Bronze plans are designed for individuals who want lower monthly premiums while still receiving substantial coverage for major medical events. These plans typically come with higher out-of-pocket maximums, making them a strategic choice for those who are generally healthy and do not expect frequent medical care. People who prefer to pay less on a monthly basis and can manage higher expenses when they do utilize health care services might find these plans to be a suitable option.

The most affordable Catastrophic plan in North Carolina is the Blue Home Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a monthly cost of $233.

The three most affordable Catastrophic plans in North Carolina are:

• Blue Home Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($233 per month)
• Blue Local Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with Atrium Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($238 per month)
• Blue Home Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with Novant Health from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($249 per month)

Catastrophic plans like the Blue Home Catastrophic | 3 PCP $35 | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance are ideal for individuals under 30 or those with a hardship exemption, as they primarily provide protection in worst-case scenarios. They feature low monthly premiums and a high deductible, meaning they cover essential health benefits after you've paid a significant amount out of pocket. These plans are suitable for those seeking coverage for severe or unexpected illnesses or injuries while maintaining lower monthly costs.

In North Carolina, individuals earning less than 250% of the Federal Poverty Level can benefit from cost-sharing reductions (CSRs) on Silver plans. These CSRs help by decreasing deductibles and out-of-pocket expenses, making health care more accessible.

The most affordable Silver plan for those earning between $14,580 and $21,870 a year is the Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield, with a Maximum Out-of-Pocket cost of $1,150.

The two cheapest Silver plans with their maximum out-of-pocket costs are:

• Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield (Monthly Cost: $485, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $1,150)
• AmeriHealth Caritas Next Silver Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals from AmeriHealth (Monthly Cost: $491, Maximum Out-of-Pocket: $1,800)

In North Carolina, CSRs are only available with Silver plans, and the mentioned annual income figures are for a single individual. Household size will affect these income thresholds.

In North Carolina, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans are the most popular type of health insurance plan.

The most affordable HMO health plan in North Carolina is the AmeriHealth Caritas Next Silver Classic from AmeriHealth, which costs $491 per month.

• HMO: AmeriHealth Caritas Next Silver Classic + $0 Virtual Care 24/7 + $0 Preventive Care + No-Referrals from AmeriHealth ($491 per month)
• EPO: Blue Home Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | with UNC Health Alliance from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($485 per month)
• POS: Blue Value Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Statewide Doctors from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($543 per month)
• PPO: Blue Advantage Silver Preferred | 3 Free PCP | $10 Tier 1 Rx | Integrated | Nationwide Doctors from Blue Cross Blue Shield ($620 per month)

In addition to HMO plans, North Carolinians can also choose from EPO (Exclusive Provider Organization), POS (Point of Service) and PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans. EPO plans offer a balance of flexibility and cost. They typically require patients to stay within a network of doctors, but you do not need referrals for specialists.

POS plans combine elements of HMO and PPO plans, giving you the option to pay less if you use doctors within the network. However, you will still have coverage if you go outside of the network.

PPO plans afford the most freedom to see any doctor or specialist without a referral, which makes them a good choice for those desiring maximum flexibility. Note that this comes at a higher cost.

These diverse plan types cater to a range of health care needs and preferences among residents across the state.

Health insurance rates and availability of certain plans vary by county in North Carolina.

Comparing the most affordable plans in the largest and smallest counties by population shows this variation:

• Wake: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 from Aetna ($452 per month)
• Tyrrell: Silver S: Aetna network of doctors & hospitals + $0 MinuteClinic + $0 CVS Health Virtual Care 24/7 from Aetna ($645 per month)

The following table displays all available plans in each county in North Carolina.

In North Carolina, health insurance rates go up with age. A Silver plan costs an 18-year-old $409, while a 60-year-old pays $1,215 for the same plan. That's a $806 difference, showing how costs increase for older adults.

Metal tiers show how much coverage a plan gives. A Bronze plan for a 40-year-old costs $470, but a Gold plan with more coverage is higher at $594. That makes the Gold plan cost more by $124 per month.

MoneyGeek analyzed all the health insurance options in North Carolina. We cover private insurance in the marketplace with its Bronze, Expanded Bronze, Silver, Gold and Catastrophic plans. We also explain Medicaid and Medicare. We aim to help users understand their choices for health care. By giving clear information, we make it easier for people to decide what insurance is best for them.

In North Carolina, the open enrollment period for private health insurance through the Health Insurance Marketplace typically starts on November 1 and ends on December 15 each year. During this window, residents can shop for, compare and purchase health insurance plans. If individuals miss this deadline, they may have to wait until the next open enrollment unless they qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). You can be eligible for the SEP if you experience certain life events such as marriage, having a baby or losing other health coverage. Outside of these periods, one cannot usually enroll in or change a marketplace health insurance plan.

Medicaid is a health care assistance program jointly funded by the federal and state governments to help low-income individuals and families afford medical services. In North Carolina, eligibility for Medicaid is determined by various factors, including income level, family size and categories such as being pregnant, a parent or caretaker of a dependent child, elderly, blind or disabled. Some low-income adults without children may also qualify under expanded coverage options. Applicants must meet citizenship or legal residency requirements and reside in North Carolina to receive benefits under the state’s specific eligibility rules.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for individuals aged 65 or older. It is also available to younger people with disabilities or specific diseases like End-Stage Renal Disease. In North Carolina, eligibility follows the same federal guidelines. Medicare is composed of different parts: Part A covers hospital stays and some skilled nursing care; Part B covers doctors' services and outpatient care; Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative that bundles A, B and usually D; and Part D covers prescription drug costs.

MoneyGeek found the best Medicare Advantage Plans in North Carolina and the best Medicare Supplement plans in North Carolina.

When looking for health insurance, you may have questions about cost and availability. MoneyGeek responded to frequently asked questions about cheap private health insurance in North Carolina to help you learn more.