With economic uncertainty and rising health care costs, it’s more important than ever to consider all your options for health insurance. One of the options you’ll want to consider is a local network plan from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC). 

Many of the health insurance plans you may be aware of offer members access to a broad network of health care providers and facilities. Often, it’s a network that extends across a wide region or even the entire state – and can encompass multiple large health care systems and many independent medical practices. And many may offer out-of-network coverage, out-of-state coverage, or both.

This kind of network can give you more flexibility in choosing doctors and other health care providers and in choosing where you receive care. But it can also mean higher premiums and less integration of your care.

On the other hand, local networks may mean a smaller – but still comprehensive – choice of high-quality doctors, specialists, and hospitals, as well as premiums that may be lower. 

With health care costs rising faster than ever, a plan with a local network can be a smarter choice for more people than ever.

Our local network health insurance plans, Blue Home^℠ and Blue Local^℠, limit the number of in-network providers – such as doctors, specialists, and hospitals – to a more select group. These providers agree to offer services at lower negotiated rates, helping control costs while still delivering quality care. This, in turn, allows insurers like Blue Cross NC to offer local network plans that can be more affordable compared to plans with broader networks.

In addition, because the majority of doctors in each of our Blue Home and Blue Local plans are in the same health care system, it’s easier for them to work together on your behalf. And this kind of integrated care holds the potential not only for lower costs, but also for higher quality. 

While each of the Blue Cross NC local network plans covers different counties in North Carolina, they all offer members: 

• $0 preventive services (e.g., annual exams, diabetes screenings, and mammograms)¹
• Telehealth services²
• Online member tools through our Blue Cross NC member portal³
• Comprehensive customer service and support
• In-person help at Beyond Blue Neighborhood Centers and Blue Stores across NC
• Coordinated care from high-quality doctors affiliated with leading health care systems

And each of the plans is affiliated with one of North Carolina’s leading health care systems.

With the Blue Cross NC local network plans, emergency services and urgent care are covered the same whether received in- or out-of-network. There’s also out-of-network coverage for medically necessary covered services when – in accordance with Blue Cross NC access-to-care standards – an in-network provider is not reasonably available.

For more than 90 years, Blue Cross NC has been providing health coverage for people across North Carolina and beyond. With a focus on affordability, quality care, and personalized support, Blue Cross NC offers plans that go beyond basic coverage – delivering tools, access, and services that help you stay healthy and informed. 

We’re committed to our purpose: To improve the health and well-being of our customers and communities – we won't stop until health care is better for all.