North Carolina residents are offered a variety health insurance plans. There are many options to choose from, whether you are currently uninsured or have no coverage. There's no reason to take a chance without any kind of coverage. A health insurance policy can protect you from getting stranded due to 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. North Carolina's average cost for health insurance is $6,352 per individual and $25,408 per household. This is $629 less than the national average. 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.
Blue Cross Blue Shield dominates North Carolina's individual insurance market. It controls almost ninety-seven per cent of the state's 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. In fact, 93% North Carolina residents received some subsidy to reduce the cost of their coverage. North Carolinians received more monthly average subsidies than those in the rest of America. North Carolina received $568 per month in subsidies, compared with the national average of $491.
Exclusions of pre-existing medical conditions
North Carolina individual health insurance policies are subject to exclusions for pre-existing conditions. These exclusions may be lessened if the policyholder has prior creditable health coverage. Creditable coverage means that it covers a preexisting condition within six month of the policy date.
Prior to the Affordable Care Act, insurers could deny coverage or charge higher premiums for people with certain health conditions. In all cases, however, this was not the situation. A national survey found that nearly a third (33%) of those who applied for insurance coverage were denied due to pre-existing medical conditions. In addition, 54 percent of people with individual market insurance were concerned about dropping coverage due to pre-existing conditions.
Premiums
In 2018, the average premium for a North Carolina family health insurance plan was $18,211, compared to $12,000 in 2008. Premiums are not evenly distributed across counties, though. North Carolinians with health insurance through their employers paid close to 14 percent of their state median income. That's a difference from just over eleven% in 2008. In comparison, the average American spent 8 percent of their income on health care in 2008, and 11.5 percent in 2018.
Americans now have access to affordable health insurance through the Affordable Care act. Individuals can purchase North Carolina health insurance through the Affordable Care Act's Health Insurance Marketplace for as low as $600 per month. The Marketplace or a private insurer can offer health insurance plans. 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.
Plan for the short-term
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 often have fewer requirements than standard insurance. It's important that you compare each plan's features. To make the best decision, compare premiums and deductibles as well as copays and maximum benefits.
North Carolina residents have the option of short-term insurance plans for temporary coverage. These policies replace individual insurance policies and can last up 36 months. Some plans can be renewed for a longer period of time. They are very affordable, especially for those who don't have insurance through their employer.
Medicare coverage
You may be eligible for Medicare coverage if you are a senior citizen in North Carolina. There are many plans you can choose from. Many of them are tiered and provide different levels coverage. There are also different supplemental coverage options, and some plans even offer 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 Medicare’s most basic form. This includes doctor visits, mental healthcare services, ambulance services, as well durable medical equipment. Original Medicare does no cover prescription drugs. However you can get coverage through Medicare Part D. Some plans offer vision and hearing coverage as well fitness programs.