Blue Care HMO Health product for IU65 expanding to additional counties for 2026

Last year, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) introduced the Blue Care HMO health product for individuals under 65 (IU65). Starting in 2026, Blue Care will expand to 18 additional counties, making it available in most regions and counties across North Carolina, excluding the Triangle area. This expansion provides a lower cost option for customers who want access to a broad statewide network.

Blue Care will now be offered in all regions except Region 11 (Durham) and Region 13 (Raleigh).

Additional counties:

Anson, Cabarrus, Cleveland, Davidson, Davie, Forsyth, Gaston, Guilford, Lincoln, Mecklenburg, Nash, Randolph, Rowan, Stanly, Stokes, Union, Wilkes, and Yadkin.

Additional non-standardized plans:

This expansion not only expands the footprint but also includes the introduction of non-standardized plan options. All ninety (90) counties will now offer the following plan options to allow greater flexibility and affordability for members seeking a broad, statewide network.

• Bronze Basic
• Bronze Complete
• Bronze HSA
• Bronze Standard (currently offered)
• Silver Choice + CSR
• Silver Preferred + CSR
• Silver Standard + CSR (currently offered)
• Silver Access (Off-Exchange only)
• Gold Premier
• Gold Standard (currently offered)