North Carolina residents can choose from a range of insurance plans. There are many options to choose from, whether you are currently uninsured or have no coverage. There's no reason to take a chance without any kind of coverage. A health insurance policy can protect you from getting stranded due to huge medical bills.
North Carolina health insurance costs
The cost of North Carolina health insurance is relatively low in comparison to other states. However, the costs vary from one county or another. North Carolina's average health insurance cost is $6,352 per household and $25.408 per person. This is $629 below the national average. The cost of North Carolina health insurance is just as variable as anywhere else. It varies based on what type of insurance and who you insure. The chart below will allow you to compare insurance costs in North Carolina.
North Carolina's individual health insurance market is dominated by Blue Cross Blue Shield, which controls nearly ninety-seven percent of the state's individual market. According to federal data, North Carolinians paid less for their health insurance in 2021 than in 2019. Furthermore, North Carolina is home to one of the highest percentages of enrollees who received premium tax credits and subsidies. 93% of North Carolina residents were eligible for some type of subsidy to lower their insurance costs. Furthermore, North Carolinians were granted larger average monthly subsidies than people in the rest of the country. North Carolina's average monthly subsidy amount was $568 in comparison to the $491 national median.
Exclusions from pre-existing conditions
Individual health insurance policies in North Carolina are subject to pre-existing condition exclusions. If the policyholder had creditable coverage in the past, this exclusion may be reduced. Prior coverage that covers a preexisting condition within the six-month period prior to the policy start date is considered creditable.
Prior to the Affordable Care Act, insurers could deny coverage or charge higher premiums for people with certain health conditions. In all cases, however, this was not the situation. A survey showed that almost a quarter of all individuals who had pre-existing conditions were denied insurance coverage or charged more. 54% of individuals with individual market insurance expressed concern about losing coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
Premiums
The average premium for a family health insurance plan in North Carolina was $18,211 in 2018 compared to just under $12,000 in 2008. Premiums are not evenly distributed across counties, though. North Carolinians covered by employer-sponsored medical insurance paid nearly 14 percent of the median income for their state, as compared to just over 11 percent in 2008. Comparatively, 8 percent of Americans spent their income on health care in 2008 and 11.5 percent in 2018, respectively.
Americans now have access to affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care act. The Affordable Health Act's Health Insurance Marketplace allows individuals in North Carolina to purchase health insurance for less that $600 per calendar month. The Marketplace or a private insurer can offer health insurance plans. The North Carolina Marketplace offers health insurance plans. However, enrollment is only open between November 1 and January 15. A qualifying event must be present before an Exchange plan can be enrolled.
Plans for the short term
These plans can be used to bridge gaps between short-term coverage and regular health insurance. These plans can be beneficial to people who have recently divorced or are looking to add to their existing coverage. Short-term plans are typically less restrictive than standard health insurance. This is why it's so important to compare features between each plan. To make the best choice, compare premiums.
North Carolina residents can get short-term coverage through their health insurance plan. These policies replace individual insurance policies and can last up 36 months. These plans may be renewed for longer periods in some cases. They are also very affordable, especially if you don't have coverage through an employer.
Medicare coverage
Medicare coverage may be available to seniors in North Carolina. There are many plans to choose from. They are often tiered and offer different levels of coverage. There are also different supplemental coverage options, and some plans even offer prescription drug coverage. Original Medicare is the most basic type of coverage. It allows you to select a provider from any part of the United States.
Original Medicare is the most basic type of Medicare. It covers doctor visits, medical equipment, mental health services, emergency services, and ambulance services. Original Medicare does not provide coverage for prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage can be obtained through Medicare Part D. Some plans include vision and/or hearing coverage, as well as fitness programs.