Health care may change. Your peace of mind shouldn’t.
Whether you’re new to the Health Insurance Marketplace® (Marketplace) or considering your next coverage option, we’re here to help you prepare for what’s ahead. As Open Enrollment approaches, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) can help you understand your choices and access a plan that fits your health needs and budget.
Health insurance is about more than just coverage. It’s about knowing you’re protected when the unexpected happens, and having the confidence that your health, finances, and future are in good hands when it matters most.
Open Enrollment is for a limited time only
Get help paying for coverage:
Federal subsidies,2 also called premium tax credits, may lower your monthly cost. The federal government offers two types of subsidies for those who qualify:
- Advanced Premium Tax Credit (APTC) - Lowers monthly premiums
- Cost-Sharing Reductions (CSRs) - Lowers deductibles, copays, and coinsurance (available only on Silver plans)
You may qualify for both, significantly reducing your costs. More information about subsidies
Protect yourself from the unexpected
With a Blue Cross NC plan, you know there’s a limit to how much you pay in a year, and you get the advantage of special rates we’ve negotiated with doctors, specialists, and hospitals.
Our unwavering commitment to you includes:
- A not-for-profit mission focused on serving North Carolinians rather than shareholders
- A commitment to improving access, affordability, and the health of our communities
- Coverage in all 100 North Carolina counties
- Support from experts and customer service teams
- Tools that help members understand and manage care
Who can enroll?
You may qualify to enroll in a Marketplace plan if you:
- Live in the U.S. (in one of the 50 states or Washington, D.C.)
- Are a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, or lawfully present immigrant
Marketplace plans are not available for people who already have health insurance from an employer, Medicaid, Medicare, or for those who are currently incarcerated.
What to know before you enroll
There’s a lot to know and understand for the upcoming year. That’s why we created this detailed checklist to help you feel more prepared and confident as you shop for coverage.
- Understand what’s changing in 2027
- Know whether my doctors and prescriptions are covered
- Understand the difference between Bronze, Silver, and Gold plans
- Have an estimate of my household income
- Think about my expected health care needs next year
- Know where to go for help if I have questions
Already a member?
What could change for 2027?
The health insurance market continues to evolve. While final 2027 details may still be developing, there are several factors you may want to pay attention to as Open Enrollment approaches.
Financial assistance may look different
Federal subsidy programs continue to evolve. Changes to premium assistance could affect what some consumers pay each month for coverage. Reviewing your options during Open Enrollment can help ensure you’re receiving all available savings.
Health care costs continue to rise
The cost of medical care, prescriptions, hospital services, and specialty treatments continues to increase nationwide, influencing health plan pricing across the market.
Your current plan may not be your best option
Even if you’re happy with your current coverage, benefits, provider networks, costs, and available savings can change from year to year. Reviewing your options annually can help you find the coverage that best fits your needs.
What will continue to stay the same?
Choose what’s most important to you in a plan
- You rarely visit the doctor
- You want lower monthly premiums
- You're prepared for higher costs if you need care
- You expect to use medical services throughout the year
- You may qualify for financial assistance
- You want a balance between monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs
- You visit doctors regularly
- You take ongoing medications
- You value lower costs when receiving care
Don’t forget to consider:
- Your doctors
- Hospitals near you
- Prescription coverage
- Virtual care options
- Deductibles
- Copays
- Out-of-pocket maximums
Once you find your plan, have these on hand when you enroll
Having the right information at your fingertips can help you make your final decision faster. Here’s what you’ll want to have ready when it’s time to enroll.
Remember, once Open Enrollment begins, on Nov. 1 having the right information ready can help make the process faster and easier.
- Names and dates of birth for everyone applying
- Social Security numbers (if applicable)
- Immigration documentation (if applicable)
- Household income information
- Recent tax documents
- Employer coverage information, if available
- A list of doctors and specialists you want to keep
- A list of medications you currently take
Don’t just renew. Reevaluate.
Many allow their health coverage to automatically renew each year. But life changes.
Maybe you’ve:
- Started taking new prescriptions
- Changed doctors
- Had a baby
- Changed jobs
- Seen your income change
- Experienced new health concerns
Taking time to review your options each year can help ensure you’re getting the coverage and value that’s right for your current situation.
Still have questions?
- Schedule a virtual visit with Blue Cross NC
- Get face-to-face support at a Beyond Blue Neighborhood Center
- Reach out to your trusted authorized Blue Cross NC agent