Why it’s time to consider a local network plan

Health insurance helps you prepare for when life doesn’t go as planned, giving you confidence that you’re covered for both the expected and the unexpected. From helping you stay on top of your health to protecting you from the financial impact of unforeseen medical needs, the right coverage can make a real difference. For some North Carolinians, a local network plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) can be a smart way to get that peace of mind through access to high-quality, coordinated care at a lower cost.

How are local network plans different?

Many of the health insurance plans you may be aware of offer members access to a broad network of health care providers and facilities. Often, it’s a network that extends across a wide region or even the entire state – and can encompass multiple large health care systems and many independent medical practices. And many may offer out-of-network coverage, out-of-state coverage, or both.

This kind of network can give you more flexibility in choosing doctors and other health care providers and in choosing where you receive care. But it can also mean higher premiums and less integration of your care.

On the other hand, local networks may mean a smaller – but still comprehensive – choice of high-quality doctors, specialists, and hospitals, as well as premiums that may be lower.

Take a closer look at local network plans

Our local network health insurance plans, Blue Home ℠ and Blue Local ℠ , limit the number of in-network providers – such as doctors, specialists, and hospitals – to a more select group. Since the majority of doctors in each of our Blue Home and Blue Local plans are in the same health care system, it’s easier for them to work together on your behalf. This coordinated approach can help create a more seamless health care experience and support higher-quality care.

Blue Cross NC collaborates with leading health care systems

While each of the Blue Cross NC local network plans covers different counties in North Carolina, they all offer members:

• $0 preventive services (e.g., annual exams, diabetes screenings, and mammograms)¹
• $0 telehealth services from Teladoc Health²
• Online member tools through our Blue Cross NC member portal³
• Comprehensive customer service and support
• In-person help at Beyond Blue Neighborhood Centers and Blue Stores across NC
• Coordinated care from high-quality doctors affiliated with leading health care systems

And each of the plans is affiliated with one of North Carolina’s leading health care systems.

What if you must go out-of-network?

With the Blue Cross NC local network plans, emergency services are covered the same whether received in- or out-of-network. There’s also out-of-network coverage for medically necessary covered services when an in-network provider is not reasonably available. (In accordance with Blue Cross NC access-to-care standards.)

Why choose Blue?

For more than 90 years, Blue Cross NC has been providing health coverage for people across North Carolina and beyond. With a focus on quality care and personalized support, Blue Cross NC offers plans that help you stay on top of your health through access to trusted providers, preventive care, and helpful resources.

We’re committed to our purpose: To improve the health and well-being of our customers and communities – we won't stop until health care is better for all.