Update on CarolinaEast’s decision to no longer accept Blue Medicare Advantage at its hospital
Why is CarolinaEast Medical Center leaving the network?
CarolinaEast Medical Center has decided to no longer take Blue Medicare Advantage for its hospital facility, beginning July 1, 2026. They have indicated that the hospital will be out-of-network for all Medicare Advantage plans, not just Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) Medicare Advantage plans.
This change only impacts members with Blue Medicare Advantage plans, including Healthy Blue + Medicare. It's important to know that CarolinaEast Physicians will remain in-network and is not affected by CarolinaEast Medical Center's decision.
This is a disappointing outcome, but we value our long-standing relationship with CarolinaEast and remain open to welcoming the hospital back into our network in the future if they change their decision.
What this means for Medicare Advantage members
This change is a result of CarolinaEast's decision to stop accepting Blue Medicare Advantage at its hospital.
For Medicare Advantage and Healthy Blue + Medicare members:
- Members may have higher out-of-pocket costs for non-emergency care at CarolinaEast Medical Center.
- CarolinaEast Physicians remain in network.
Emergency care and urgently needed services are covered as an in-network benefit at the nearest appropriate hospital.
This means that if you are having a medical emergency and CarolinaEast Medical Center is the closest hospital, your emergency care will still be covered there. Prior authorization is not required for emergency care.
Here are in-network hospitals that you can ask your CarolinaEast doctor to send you to:
Support to help you find a new facility
Doctors affiliated with CarolinaEast Physicians will still be in-network after July 1 even though the hospital facility will be out-of-network.
We understand that to avoid additional facility costs, this still means you might need to find a new doctor for your care, and that can feel frustrating.
We’re here to make the process easier. Our tools and resources can help you find a new nearby doctor who fits your needs and can continue your care.