A health plan network is the group of health care providers and facilities a plan has a contract with. These are known as in-network providers. A provider that isn’t included in the plan’s contract is an out-of-network provider.

Some examples of providers and facilities include:

• Doctors
• Psychologists
• Physical therapists
• Hospitals
• Urgent care clinics
• Pharmacies

In-network coverage that fits your needs should be one of your top concerns as you compare plans and costs. You also want to:

• Check costs for monthly premiums, copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance amounts. 
• Make sure your preferred providers, facilities, and pharmacies are in-network.
• Check to be sure your prescription medications are covered.
• Compare in-network provider and out-of-network provider costs.

Each Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) health plan has its own network of covered health care providers. Some key differences between networks include:

• A larger network means more in-network options, but usually have a higher monthly premium.
• Specific health system plans may have a lower monthly premium, but only the doctors and facilities of the specific health system are in-network.