More than 800,000 North Carolinians who are insured through the Health Insurance Marketplace have new options to consider for coverage in 2024. These plans not only cover part of your health care costs – they provide free preventive and screening services that help you stay healthy and find problems earlier.
Key dates to mark on your calendar:
- Open Enrollment began Nov. 1, 2023.
- Open Enrollment ends Jan. 15, 2024.
- Enroll by Dec. 15 for coverage effective Jan. 1, 2024.
- Enroll between Dec. 16 and Jan. 15 for coverage effective Feb. 1, 2024.
What if I'm already enrolled?
If you already have health insurance through the marketplace, and your insurance carrier continues to participate, you may be enrolled automatically. You should receive a letter, which may include details about cost or coverage changes.
To avoid getting stuck with a plan that doesn't fit your individual needs, take the time now to update your application information and compare plans.
Can I continue to see my Novant Health doctor?
Two new plan options in 2024
In North Carolina, Novant Health is participating in the following plans in 2024*:
- NEW - Ambetter of NC Inc.
- BlueValue with Novant Health from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
- BlueHome with Novant Health from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
- BlueAdvantage from BlueCross BlueShield of North Carolina
- NEW - Cigna Connect from Cigna Healthcare
*Not all plans are sold in all regions. New Hanover County residents should consult healthcare.gov for plan options.
Click here for a detailed list of Novant Health’s marketplace participation in North Carolina and South Carolina.
Can I get financial assistance?
Millions of people qualify for a premium tax credit that lowers their monthly payment, also known as a premium. In 2023, 735,713 enrollees in North Carolina received advanced premium tax credits, with an average monthly premium of $643.
The premium tax credit works by limiting the amount an individual contributes toward the premium for the “benchmark” plan – or the second-lowest cost silver plan available to the individual in the marketplace. This contribution is set on a sliding income scale.
In 2024, for individuals with an income up to 150% of the federal poverty level, the required contribution is zero. With an income of 400% of the federal poverty level or more, the required contribution is 8.5% of household income. For a family of four, 400% of the federal poverty level is $120,000. For details about federal poverty level income numbers, you can view this chart at healthcare.gov.
Pro tip: If your income rises during the year you also should report it, so your monthly premium subsidy is reduced, helping you avoid a potentially hefty tax bill come April.
How do I sign up?
Healthcare.gov is the best place to go for up-to-date plans covered under the Affordable Care Act. Here’s a checklist of the information you’ll need.
Be cautious when purchasing plans not sold on the marketplace as preexisting conditions may not be covered.
Who is eligible?
U.S. citizens who don’t have insurance through a job, and those who cannot get Medicaid or Medicare, can choose a plan through the Health Insurance Marketplace. Permanent residents and certain other immigrants also qualify.
You can check here to see if you qualify for health coverage through the Health Insurance Marketplace.
Why the cheapest plan isn't always the best option
Comparison shopping is straightforward on the marketplace, because at each of the four levels of coverage — bronze, silver, gold and platinum — benefits are uniform from insurer to insurer. Generally, plans in categories with lower premiums pay less of your total costs. Categories with higher premiums usually pay more.
The lowest premium, a bronze plan, is not necessarily the wisest — or cheapest — choice. Higher deductibles and coinsurance rates could cost more than a higher premium plan if you become ill or have an accident. Coinsurance is the portion you pay for health services once you’ve met your deductible. For example, after your deductible is met, your coinsurance rate could be 20%.
Also, pay close to attention to plan and network types. Some plan types allow you to use almost any doctor or health care facility. Others limit your choices or charge you more if you use providers outside their network.
Need help? It's available.
- Review this downloadable guide.
- For help choosing a plan, call the Health Insurance Marketplace help line at 800-318-2596.
- Find out if your estimated income is in the range to qualify for a premium tax credit.