North Carolina residents have a wide range of options for health insurance. You have many options, no matter if you don't have coverage or are unemployed. You don't have to risk your health without coverage. The ability to have health insurance can help prevent you from being left without cover and incurring huge medical bills.
North Carolina's cost of health insurance
While the cost of health insurance in North Carolina is low compared to other states, there is some variation from county to county. The average cost of health insurance in North Carolina is $6,352 per person and $25,408 per family. This is $629 more than the national standard. However, as with all insurance, the cost for health insurance in North Carolina can vary depending on which type of insurance you choose, and how many people you insure. The chart below will allow you to compare insurance costs in North Carolina.
North Carolina's individual health insurance market is dominated by Blue Cross Blue Shield, which controls nearly ninety-seven percent of the state's individual market. According to the latest federal data, North Carolinians paid less in 2021 than they did in 2019. Furthermore, North Carolina is home to one of the highest percentages of enrollees who received premium tax credits and subsidies. 93% of North Carolina residents actually received some type subsidy to lower their coverage's cost. North Carolinians received more monthly average subsidies than those in the rest of America. The average North Carolina subsidy was $568, compared to the $491 national average.
Exclusions of pre-existing medical conditions
Pre-existing conditions are exempt from individual health insurance policies in North Carolina. These exclusions can be reduced if the policyholder is able to show creditable previous health coverage. If coverage was in place within six months prior to the date of the policy starting, it is considered creditable.
Prior to the Affordable Care Act (ACA), insurers could deny coverage for certain people or charge higher premiums if they knew about certain health conditions. But this was not true in all cases. A national survey revealed that almost a third were declined for or charged more to insure due to preexisting conditions. 54 percent of individuals who have individual insurance were worried about losing coverage due to pre-existing condition.
Premiums
In 2018, the average premium for a North Carolina family health insurance plan was $18,211, compared to $12,000 in 2008. There is a wide variation in the distribution of premiums 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.
Americans can now get health insurance at a more affordable price thanks to the Affordable Care Act. The Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace allows individuals to purchase health insurance in North Carolina for less than $600 per month. Health insurance plans can be purchased through a private insurer or through the Marketplace. Enrollment in health insurance plans in North Carolina is open from November 1 to January 15, but a qualifying event must occur before a person can enroll in an Exchange plan.
Plans for the short term
The best way to bridge the gap between short-term and regular coverage is with short-term insurance. These plans are ideal for those who have just recently been divorced, want to supplement or retire early, as well as people looking to replace their existing coverage. Short-term plans are typically less restrictive than standard health insurance. This is why it's so important to compare features between each plan. Compare premiums, deductibles copays, maximum benefits, plan start dates, and copays to make the best selection.
Short-term health insurance plans are available to North Carolina residents who need temporary coverage. These policies can replace individual health insurance policies. They last up to 36 month. Some plans can be renewed for a longer period of time. They are also affordable, especially if the employer does not provide coverage.
Medicare coverage
Medicare coverage may be available to seniors in North Carolina. There are many options available. Most plans are tiered with different levels and coverage. There are many options for supplemental coverage, and some plans even provide prescription drug coverage. Original Medicare offers the most basic coverage. You can select any provider within the U.S.
Original Medicare is the most basic form of Medicare, and it covers doctor visits, mental health services, ambulance services, and durable medical equipment. Original Medicare does not provide coverage for prescription drugs. Prescription drug coverage can be obtained through Medicare Part D. Some of these plans even include vision and hearing coverage, fitness programs, and more.