Iron Man - Choosing the Right Armor
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🦾 Select Wisely: Finding the right insurance company and plan is your first line of defense. Here are some of the top Marketplace options for 2026:
Go Bronze – and Save More!
Consider choosing a Bronze Plan this year. Bronze plans have lower monthly premiums than Gold or Silver — even compared to some Silver plans with cost-sharing reductions (lower copays, deductibles, and out-of-pocket maximums). • All Bronze plans now qualify for Health Savings Accounts (HSAs). Unlike before, HSAs were only available with High Deductible Health Plans (HDHPs). Now Bronze plans can include copays and per-person deductibles — while still being HSA-compatible. • HSA contributions are tax-deductible, and payments for qualified medical expenses are tax-free. (See “The Hulk” for more on the numbers!) |
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Shop & Compare Plans
There are several new insurance companies offering Marketplace coverage this year — with significant savings and plan options. (See “Iron Man” for help choosing the right fit.)
There are several new insurance companies offering Marketplace coverage this year — with significant savings and plan options. (See “Iron Man” for help choosing the right fit.)
💚 Ambetter
A strong and growing company with a robust provider network.
Highlites: Ambetter Elite Bronze
“We like this one because the there is NO big dollar deductible for medical expenses. Say if you have a procedure at $2,000. You would pay $1,000 rather than the entire amount if the plan’s deductible was $7,500."
A strong and growing company with a robust provider network.
- In-network doctors include Mission Health and Duke Health systems.
- Urgent Care – Mercy, Novant Health, Fast Med
- Added perks like My Health Pays Rewards for wellness activities.
Highlites: Ambetter Elite Bronze
- Primary Care Copay - $60
- Specialist Copay - $120
- Urgent Care Copay $65
- Hospital, Outpatient surgery, labs etc. - NO deductible – you pay 50% of approved amount
- Rx – Preferred Generic Copay - $3
- Out of Pocket Maximum - $10,500
“We like this one because the there is NO big dollar deductible for medical expenses. Say if you have a procedure at $2,000. You would pay $1,000 rather than the entire amount if the plan’s deductible was $7,500."
🩵 Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC)
Still the largest ACA carrier in the state.
Still the largest ACA carrier in the state.
- Broadest network access: choose Blue Care for statewide coverage or Blue Advantage for nationwide coverage.
- Trusted, established, and widely accepted across North Carolina.
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“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1.800.Medicare to get information on all of your options.”
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