Key takeaways

  • Over two million North Carolina residents are enrolled in Medicare as of 2026.
  • If you live in North Carolina, you can enroll in Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Part D, and Medigap.
  • It’s important to consider personal needs and enrollment periods when choosing a Medicare plan and to seek assistance from available state resources if needed.

When you turn age 65, you’re eligible for health insurance from the federal government through Medicare. Some Medicare options are sold by private insurance companies as well.

Read on to learn more about Medicare options in North Carolina and tips to help you choose the plan that’s right for you.

Snapshot of Medicare in North Carolina

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in North Carolina for the 2026 plan year:

  • 23.16% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • A total of 2,260,549 residents of North Carolina were enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $17.17 in 2025 to $12.86 in 2026.
  • There are 175 Medicare Advantage plans available in North Carolina for 2026, the same as in 2025.
  • All North Carolinaresidents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • In 2026, 12 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in North Carolina.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in North Carolina in 2026.

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in North Carolina, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

Keep in mind that if you delay enrolling in Medicare Part B or Part D without having other qualifying coverage, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty, which will increase your monthly premium for as long as you have Medicare.

Before you decide on a plan, consider whether:

  • You want to enroll in Original Medicare
  • You want additional coverage or convenience from a Medicare Advantage plan.
  • You need a Medigap plan to help with deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs.
  • You need to add Part D prescription drug coverage to Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan.

You can sign up at specific times, so pay close attention to the enrollment windows to avoid missing them.

North Carolina Medicare resources

If you have questions about Medicare North Carolina enrollment and available plans, you can contact:

If you need help paying for Medicare, you can also reach out to:

What should I do next?

To take the next steps to enroll in Medicare, take care to:

  • Review available plan types and decide whether Original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you.
  • Contact SHIIP to get any questions you have answered.
  • Mark enrollment dates on your calendar so you don’t miss the deadline.

Over 2 million people in North Carolina were enrolled in Medicare for 2026. Overall, monthly premium costs for 2026 Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina have increased.