Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Forsyth County cost about $546 a month for 2026, and the North Carolina average for 2027 is $660 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 6 insurers offered marketplace plans in Forsyth County for 2026. Below you'll find how coverage works in Winston-Salem, the local agencies with the strongest reviews, and where to get free help.
Top-rated health insurance agencies near Winston-Salem
Licensed agents can compare plans available in Forsyth County, check your doctors and estimate your premium tax credit. Free to you.
Call 866-645-8540Health insurance at a glance: Winston-Salem, NC
| Where to enroll | HealthCare.gov |
|---|---|
| Average benchmark silver, age 40 (2027) | $660/mo before subsidies |
| Forsyth County benchmark (2026) | $546/mo |
| Plans offered in Forsyth County (2026) | 89 |
| Plan types | HMO, EPO, PPO |
| Marketplace insurers in North Carolina (2027) | 5 |
| Medicaid expansion | Yes |
| Short-term plans | Sold with state limits (not ACA-compliant) |
Sources: CMS plan data, KFF, state marketplace and insurance department pages.
How to get ready
- Make a list of your doctors, hospitals and prescriptions before you call anyone.
- Check that the agent's license is active with the state regulator.
- Have a realistic estimate of next year's household income; subsidies are based on it.
- Ask each agent which carriers they can quote in your county.
Free enrollment help in North Carolina
HealthCare.gov Marketplace assisters: CMS-funded Navigator organizations plus Certified Application Counselors, who give free, impartial help applying and enrolling; consumers search for nearby help with the HealthCare.gov Find Local Help tool. You can search for in-person help on the official find-help page. If you'd rather have someone compare plans and recommend one, a licensed agent can do that at no cost to you.
Frequently asked questions
How much is health insurance in Winston-Salem?
Before subsidies, the benchmark silver plan for a 40-year-old in Forsyth County cost about $546 a month for 2026, and the North Carolina average for 2027 is $660 a month. Premium tax credits bring that down for many households, depending on income and family size. 6 insurers offered marketplace plans in Forsyth County for 2026. A licensed agent can quote your exact price.
Where can I buy health insurance in Winston-Salem?
Through the HealthCare.gov, directly from an insurer, or with a licensed agent or broker who can do either.
Can I get coverage outside open enrollment?
Only with a qualifying life event, unless you qualify for North Carolina Medicaid. Some people also look at short-term or fixed-indemnity plans, which are not ACA-compliant coverage.
Health insurance in nearby cities
- Walkertown, NC 7 miles
- Clemmons, NC 9 miles
- Lewisville, NC 9 miles
- Kernersville, NC 10 miles
- King, NC 13 miles
- Oak Ridge, NC 16 miles
- High Point, NC 17 miles
- Stokesdale, NC 18 miles
- Thomasville, NC 18 miles
- Lexington, NC 21 miles