BlackRock is buying into CenterWell clinics. Here's what NC Medicare patients need to know about coverage, enrollment, costs, and plan options for 2026–2027.
Written by the licensed agents at Health Plans of NC, an insurance agency authorized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC).
BlackRock funds are acquiring a majority stake in about 150 CenterWell senior primary-care clinics that serve many Medicare Advantage patients in states including North Carolina.
The deal doesn't automatically change your Medicare coverage, but it is a good reason to review your plan, provider network, and care options.
North Carolina seniors can enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or a Medicare Supplement plan — each works differently and fits different needs.
NC SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program), a state-run counseling service, offers free, unbiased help.
BlackRock investment funds are taking a majority stake in about 150 CenterWell senior primary-care clinics that operate as a Humana division. CenterWell clinics focus on Medicare-age patients and offer coordinated primary care, often paired with Humana Medicare Advantage plans. The deal does not dissolve the clinics or change your coverage overnight, but any change in clinic ownership can affect staffing, contracts, and network status over time.
If you currently see a CenterWell provider in North Carolina — whether in Wake, Guilford, Mecklenburg, or another county — the most important step right now is to confirm whether your clinic remains in-network for your plan in 2027. Network changes typically take effect January 1, so watching your Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) letter — mailed each September — is essential.
Even if you are not a CenterWell patient, this deal is a useful reminder that Medicare Advantage plan networks are not permanent. Clinics change ownership, contracts lapse, and networks shift. Reviewing your coverage every fall during Annual Enrollment protects you from unexpected costs.
Medicare in North Carolina follows the same federal framework as the rest of the country, but plan availability, premiums, and provider networks vary significantly by county. Medicare has four main parts:
Part A covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facilities, and some home health.
Part B covers outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, and durable medical equipment.
Part C (Medicare Advantage) bundles Parts A and B — and often Part D — through a private insurer, with its own network and rules.
Part D covers prescription drugs and is available either as a stand-alone plan or built into a Medicare Advantage plan.
Most doctors and hospitals in North Carolina accept Original Medicare (Parts A and B). Medicare Advantage plans narrow your network but often add benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage that Original Medicare does not include.
No single plan is "best" for everyone—the right Medicare Advantage plan depends on your doctors, prescriptions, county, and budget. In North Carolina, major carriers offering Medicare Advantage plans include Humana, Blue Cross NC, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, and Wellcare, though availability differs by region. For example, plan options available in Durham or Chapel Hill may differ from those in Charlotte or Wilmington.
When comparing plans, look at four factors: (1) whether your current doctors are in-network, (2) whether your drugs are on the formulary and at what tier, (3) the plan's out-of-pocket maximum, and (4) any extra benefits such as dental or fitness programs. A licensed insurance agent or a free NC SHIIP counselor can run a side-by-side comparison for your ZIP code.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover costs that Original Medicare leaves behind—deductibles, copays, and coinsurance. In North Carolina, federal law standardizes Medigap plans, so a Plan G from one insurer covers the same benefits as a Plan G from another; the difference is the monthly premium and the insurer's reputation for service.
Plan G is currently one of the most popular Medigap options for new enrollees because it covers nearly all out-of-pocket costs after Part B is met. Plan N offers lower premiums with modest copays at office visits. The best way to choose is to compare premiums from several insurers for the same plan letter — rates for the same coverage can vary considerably across companies in NC.
You can apply for Medicare in North Carolina in three ways: online at Medicare.gov or SSA.gov, by calling the Social Security Administration at 1-800-772-1213, or by visiting your local Social Security Administration office. Most people are automatically enrolled in Part A at 65 if they already receive Social Security benefits.
Your Initial Enrollment Period is a seven-month window — three months before your 65th birthday month, your birthday month itself, and three months after. Missing this window without qualifying for a Special Enrollment Period can result in permanent late-enrollment penalties on Part B and Part D premiums. If you are still working and covered by an employer group health plan, you may be able to delay Part B without penalty; confirm this with Social Security before skipping enrollment.
Yes. Original Medicare Part B covers outpatient mental health services, including individual and group therapy, psychiatric evaluations, and some counseling, when provided by a Medicare-enrolled professional. Patients typically pay 20% of the Medicare-approved amount after meeting the Part B deductible.
Medicare also covers substance use disorder treatment and certain preventive mental health screenings at no cost-sharing. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, your plan may offer additional mental health benefits or lower copays, but you must use in-network providers. Always verify that your therapist or counselor accepts Medicare assignment before scheduling.
SilverSneakers is a fitness benefit that gives seniors access to gym networks at no additional cost. It is most commonly included in Medicare Advantage plans, not Medigap plans. In North Carolina, several Medicare Advantage carriers include SilverSneakers or a comparable fitness benefit (such as One Pass or Silver&Fit) — check each plan's Summary of Benefits to confirm.
If you prefer a Medicare Supplement plan combined with a gym benefit, some insurers offer stand-alone fitness add-ons or partner programs, but these are less standardized. Your best path is to use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov or work with a licensed agent to filter plans by this benefit in your county.
The Medicare Administrative Contractor (MAC) for North Carolina is Palmetto GBA, which processes Medicare Part A and Part B fee-for-service claims for providers in NC. Patients typically don't interact with the MAC directly—your provider bills Palmetto GBA on your behalf.
To review your Medicare claims or check your benefits, log in at Medicare.gov (your Medicare login gives you access to your Medicare Summary Notices and coverage history). For billing disputes or questions about a specific claim, your provider's billing department is usually the first point of contact.
Report suspected Medicare fraud by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or by submitting a complaint online at Medicare.gov. You can also contact the NC State Health Plan Fraud Hotline or the HHS Office of Inspector General at 1-800-HHS-TIPS.
Common fraud red flags include being billed for services you did not receive, being asked to give your Medicare number in exchange for free gifts, or a provider ordering tests or equipment you did not need. Regularly reviewing your Medicare Summary Notices is one of the simplest ways to catch errors or fraud early.
Medicare costs in North Carolina include both federal standard costs and plan-specific costs that vary by insurer and county. For 2026, the federal government sets the standard Medicare Part B premium for most enrollees; higher-income beneficiaries pay an Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Amount (IRMAA) surcharge. Part A is premium-free for most people who worked at least 40 quarters.
Medicare Advantage plan premiums in NC range from zero-premium options to plans with meaningful monthly costs, depending on the benefits included. Zero-premium does not mean zero cost — you still pay copays, coinsurance, and your Part B premium. Medicare Supplement premiums vary by plan letter, insurer, and your age at enrollment; comparing quotes from multiple insurance companies is essential.
The NC SHIIP program (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program), run by the NC Department of Insurance, provides free, unbiased counseling to Medicare beneficiaries. SHIIP counselors are trained volunteers who can help you compare plans, understand your rights, spot fraud, and navigate appeals — at no charge and with no sales pressure.
Reach NC SHIIP at 1-855-408-1212 or find a local counselor on the NC Department of Insurance website. A licensed insurance agent is another resource, particularly for shopping Medicare Advantage or Medigap premiums across multiple insurance companies. Always verify an agent's license through the NC Department of Insurance before sharing personal information.
If you currently receive care at a CenterWell clinic in North Carolina, ask these questions before your next plan year begins:
Is my CenterWell clinic still in-network for my current plan in 2027?
Will my primary care provider remain at this clinic?
If the clinic leaves my network, what other in-network primary care options does my plan offer nearby?
Does my plan's Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) reflect any network or cost changes?
Is switching to Original Medicare with a Medigap plan a better fit for my situation?
Annual Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) is your window to switch Medicare Advantage plans, move to Original Medicare, change Part D drug plans, or add a Medigap policy. Do not wait until January to act — changes made during enrollment take effect January 1.
This article is for general information and is not insurance or medical advice. Consult a licensed agent.