Plans Available in Hickory
Marketplace health insurance in Hickory is offered by: Ambetter of North Carolina, AmeriHealth Caritas Next, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC and UnitedHealthcare. The leading carrier in the Hickory area is Blue Cross NC. Available plans and exact premiums depend on your ZIP code, age, and household income.
Hospitals and Health Systems in Hickory
Medicare’s hospital directory lists these acute-care hospitals in Hickory:
- Catawba Valley Medical Center
- Frye Regional Medical Center
Which plans include each hospital varies by plan and year, not just by insurer. Before you enroll, confirm that your doctors and preferred hospital are in-network for the specific plan ID you choose. We do this check for every client at no charge.
ACA Subsidies and Medicaid
If your household income is between 100% and 400% of the Federal Poverty Level (approximately $15,650 to $62,600 per year for a single adult in 2026), you likely qualify for premium tax credits that reduce your monthly premium. Medicaid available year-round for income-eligible adults (138% FPL or below).
How to Enroll
Open Enrollment runs November 1 through January 15 each year. If you have a qualifying life event (job loss, move, marriage, new baby), you have a 60-day Special Enrollment Period. An independent, licensed broker can compare every plan available in your Hickory ZIP code at no cost to you.
2026 Plan Data for Residents in Hickory
Here is what is actually filed and for sale in Catawba County for 2026.
- Hickory sits in Catawba County, where 4 carrier(s) have filed 63 plans for 2026: Ambetter of North Carolina, AmeriHealth Caritas Next, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC, UnitedHealthcare.
- Plan types available to Hickory residents: HMO, POS, PPO.
- One of the lower-cost Silver options is Standard Silver + Vision + Adult Dental from Ambetter of North Carolina — $616/month at age 40 with a $6,000 deductible and $40 primary care.
Source: CMS Plan Year 2026 Qualified Health Plan Landscape file. Full-price filed rates before premium tax credits; not a quote or an offer of coverage. Verify current rates at enrollment.