North Carolina residents have a wide range of options for health insurance. There are many options to choose from, whether you are currently uninsured or have no coverage. You don't have to risk your health without coverage. Having health insurance can prevent you from being stranded with massive medical bills.
North Carolina's cost of health insurance
Although North Carolina's cost for health insurance is lower than other states, it can vary from one county to the next. North Carolina's average cost for health insurance is $6,352 per individual and $25,408 per household. This is $629 lower than 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.
Blue Cross Blue Shield controls almost 97% of North Carolina’s individual insurance market. According to federal data, North Carolinians paid a lower premium in 2021 compared to 2019. North Carolina is also home to the highest percentage of enrollees, who received premium tax credit and subsidies. In fact, 93% of North Carolina residents received some form of subsidy to help lower the cost of their coverage. North Carolinians received an average of $568 in monthly subsidies, which is higher than what was available for the rest. North Carolina received $568 per month in subsidies, compared with the national average of $491.
Exclusions from pre-existing conditions
Pre-existing conditions are exempt from individual health insurance policies in North Carolina. These exclusions may be lessened if the policyholder has prior creditable health coverage. Prior coverage is considered creditable if it covers a pre-existing condition within six months of the time of the policy start date.
Prior to the Affordable Care Act insurance companies could deny coverage or charge higher rates for people who had certain health conditions. This was not always the case. A national survey revealed that almost a third were declined for or charged more to insure due to preexisting conditions. 54% of individuals with individual market insurance expressed concern about losing coverage because of pre-existing conditions.
Premiums
In North Carolina, the 2018 average premium to purchase a family plan for health insurance was $18,211. This compares to $12,000 in 2008. However, premiums are not equally distributed between counties. North Carolinians who had employer-sponsored health insurance spent nearly 14 percent of their state’s median income. This is compared to just under eleven percent in 2008. In comparison, the average American spends 8 percent on their health care costs in 2008 and 11 percent in 2018.
The Affordable Care Act has made health insurance more affordable for Americans. The Affordable Health Act's Health Insurance Marketplace allows individuals in North Carolina to purchase health insurance for less that $600 per calendar month. You can either purchase health insurance through a private company or the Marketplace. You can enroll in North Carolina's health insurance plans from November 1 through January 15, but you must have a qualifying event before you can enroll in an Exchange Plan.
Short-term plans
These plans can be used to bridge gaps between short-term coverage and regular health insurance. They are great for those who are recently separated, are retiring early, or just want to supplement their current coverage. Short-term plans typically have fewer requirements than standard health insurance, so it's important to compare the features of each plan. To make the best choice, compare premiums.
North Carolina residents are able to get temporary coverage with short-term health insurance plans. These policies can replace individual health insurance policies. They last up to 36 month. These plans may be renewed for longer periods in some cases. These plans are affordable, especially if they don't come with coverage from an employer.
Medicare coverage
Medicare coverage is possible for senior citizens in North Carolina. There are many plans you can choose from. Many of them are tiered and provide different levels coverage. There are many supplemental options available, some even offering 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 cover prescription drugs. But, Medicare Part D provides prescription drug coverage. Or, you can choose one of the Medicare Advantage Plans. These plans include HMOs (PPOs), Private Fee-For Service plans, Special Needs Plans, and other private fees-for-service plans. These plans may include vision and hearing coverage and fitness programs.