Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in Avery County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Avery County, NC residents turning 65 or reviewing their Medicare coverage for 2026 can compare all available plans through Health Plans of NC, with access to local care at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland and Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine.
Avery County has a population of 17,643, with approximately 4,000 residents, representing 23.0% of the county, eligible for Medicare coverage in 2026. Beneficiaries can choose from Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, standalone Part D prescription drug plans, and a Dual Special Needs Plan designed for those enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Local health systems including Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland and Appalachian Regional Healthcare serve as anchor facilities for Medicare beneficiaries across the county's mountain communities.
Plan Name | Type | Monthly Premium |
|---|---|---|
Blue Medicare Medical Only | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Essential | HMO | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Essential Plus | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Enhanced | HMO-POS | $47.00/month |
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced | PPO | $53.00/month |
Blue Medicare Freedom+ | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Healthy Blue Medicare (D-SNP) | HMO-POS | $0.00/month |
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP | PDP | $163.20/month |
Medicare Advantage HMO plans are available through Blue Cross NC and connect Avery County residents to in-network care at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer flexibility for Avery County seniors who may need to access care at facilities like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine or regional referral centers in Asheville or Boone.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans are available for 2026, giving Avery County residents the option to see out-of-network providers at regional facilities such as Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans pair with Original Medicare and are accepted at any Medicare-participating provider nationwide, including all hospitals serving Avery County.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone drug coverage for Avery County residents who remain on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.
A Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP) is available for Avery County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering coordinated coverage through Blue Cross NC.
Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in Avery County for 2026, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PDP, and D-SNP plan types to cover a wide range of health and budget needs. Several plans carry a $0 monthly premium beyond the required Part B premium, while others offer enhanced benefits at a modest additional cost, all with networks that include local providers at Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital and Mission Community Orthopedics in Spruce Pine. Avery County seniors can work with a Health Plans of NC agent to compare each plan's network, drug formulary, and cost-sharing structure side by side at no cost.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, covers medical services through a flexible point-of-service network that includes local Avery County providers.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, provides bundled medical and drug coverage through an in-network HMO structure serving Avery County facilities.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the Essential HMO structure for Avery County residents who occasionally need out-of-network access.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $47.00 per month, offers an enhanced benefit package with broader covered services for Avery County seniors with more frequent healthcare needs.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $53.00 per month, gives Avery County residents the broadest network flexibility, including access to regional specialists at Mission Hospital in Asheville and Watauga Medical Center in Boone.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides a zero-premium option with point-of-service flexibility for Avery County seniors who want some out-of-network access at no additional monthly cost.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is a Dual Special Needs Plan for Avery County residents enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating all covered benefits under one plan.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D prescription drug plan, $163.20 per month, provides drug coverage for Avery County residents on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan who need comprehensive formulary access.
Avery County residents have access to several $0 premium Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, with the Blue Medicare Enhanced HMO-POS priced at $47.00 per month and the Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced priced at $53.00 per month for those who want additional benefits or broader network access. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for Avery County residents who need prescription drug coverage outside of a Medicare Advantage plan. With a median household income of $57,657 in Avery County, many residents may qualify for federal cost-reduction programs that lower out-of-pocket expenses, and a Health Plans of NC agent can identify which programs apply to each individual's situation at no cost.
Part A: $0 premium for most Avery County residents who paid Medicare taxes for 10 or more years. The Part A hospital deductible is $1,736 in 2026.
Part B: $202.90 per month standard premium in 2026, an increase from $185.00 in 2025. Higher-income residents pay more through income-related monthly adjustment amounts.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): $80 to $300 or more per month depending on plan letter and age, covers gaps not paid by Original Medicare.
Blue Cross NC is the Medicare carrier serving Avery County for 2026, offering a total of eight plans that span HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PDP, and D-SNP plan types. These plan structures give Avery County seniors a range of network and coverage options designed to fit different healthcare preferences and budgets. Blue Cross NC carrier networks in this region connect directly to local facilities including Charles A. Cannon Memorial Hospital in Newland, Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine, and regional referral centers such as Mission Hospital in Asheville and Watauga Medical Center in Boone. The plan type a resident selects directly affects access to local specialists at clinics like Mission Community Orthopedics at 189 Hospital Dr in Spruce Pine and Asheville Cardiology Associates at 189 Hospital Dr in Spruce Pine, making careful plan comparison essential. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Medicare plan in Avery County side by side at no cost, ensuring residents choose coverage that fits their providers, prescriptions, and budget.
Blue Cross NC, offering Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D PDP, and a D-SNP, with a total of eight plans available in Avery County for 2026.
Avery County residents with limited incomes may qualify for the Extra Help program, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, which can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near zero for eligible Medicare beneficiaries. Medicare Savings Programs are available to help qualifying residents cover their Part B premiums and other out-of-pocket costs, providing meaningful relief for those on fixed incomes. Avery County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may enroll in the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, a Dual Special Needs Plan that coordinates all covered benefits under a single $0 premium plan. With an uninsured rate of 14.1% and a poverty rate of 11.0% in Avery County, connecting eligible residents to these assistance programs is a critical step toward closing gaps in local healthcare access, and Health Plans of NC checks eligibility for all available programs at no cost.
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) can reduce Part D prescription drug plan costs significantly for Avery County residents who meet federal income and asset thresholds.
Medicare Savings Programs may cover the monthly Part B premium and other cost-sharing amounts for qualifying low-income Avery County Medicare beneficiaries.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available at $0 per month for Avery County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid and need coordinated dual coverage.
NC Medicaid may provide additional coverage for eligible Avery County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or who need supplemental assistance beyond Medicare benefits.
Health Plans of NC agents can check eligibility for all available financial assistance programs and help Avery County residents apply at no cost and with no obligation to enroll.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Avery County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 Medicare plan side by side to help you find coverage that fits your providers, prescriptions, and budget. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who can guide you through enrollment, plan changes, and financial assistance options with no pressure and no obligation.
Call 800-797-0327 (toll free) or 704-303-8256 to speak with a licensed Medicare agent and schedule a free appointment
Email [email protected] with questions about Medicare plans available in Avery County
Find a licensed agent and book directly at healthplansofnc.com/agents
No cost, no pressure. Walk-ins by appointment only, phone and email welcome anytime.
Hospital | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Adventhealth Hendersonville | 100 Hospital Dr, Hendersonville, NC 28792 | (828) 684-8501 |
Asheville Specialty Hospital | 428 Biltmore Ave # 4, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5400 |
Asheville VA Medical Ctr | 1100 Tunnel Rd, Asheville, NC 28805 | (828) 298-7911 |
Blue Ridge Regional Hospital | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Broughton Hospital | 1000 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-2111 |
Caldwell UNC Health Care | 321 Mulberry St SW, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 757-5100 |
Charles A Cannon Jr Meml Hosp | 434 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 737-7000 |
Forum Health Asheville | 1312 Patton Ave, Asheville, NC 28806 | (828) 252-9833 |
Mission Children's Hospital | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Hospital Mcdowell | 430 Rankin Dr, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5000 |
Mission Hospital | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Pardee UNC Health Care | 800 N Justice St, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 696-1000 |
St Luke's Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
St Lukes Hospital | 101 Hospital Dr, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 894-3311 |
UNC Health Blue Ridge | 2201 S Sterling St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-5000 |
UNC Health Care Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Valdese, NC 28690 | (828) 580-7640 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
AMCHC | 225 Patton Ave # 200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 412-5315 |
Apex Brain Ctr | 600 Julian Ln # 650, Arden, NC 28704 | (828) 708-5274 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc-MRN | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-0005 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 589 Peniel Rd, Columbus, NC 28722 | (828) 274-6000 |
Asheville Children's Med Ctr | 7 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 100a, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 258-0969 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 252-7331 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 782-9330 |
Asheville Orthopaedic Assoc | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Atrium Health At Hm-Hm Med | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 879-9050 |
Atrium Health At Home | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6450 |
Atrium Health Shelby Women's | 446 N Carolina 108, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (980) 487-2570 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Mayland | , Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4113 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr Yancy Cmps | 800 Medical Campus Dr, Burnsville, NC 28714 | (828) 682-0200 |
Blue Ridge Med Ctr-Yancey Cmps | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 765-4201 |
Carolina Spine & Neurosurgery | 2315 Asheville Hwy, Hendersonville, NC 28791 | (828) 255-7776 |
Carolinas Healthcare Syst Blue | 1766 Connelly Springs Rd, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 728-8224 |
Carolinas Medical Ctr At Hm | 141 Fiddlers Run Blvd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 580-6441 |
Catawba Valley Medical Ctr | 309 S College St, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 326-3803 |
Fastmed Family Medicine | 160 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 210-2835 |
Gastroenterology-Mission | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr # 2, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Happy Valley Medical Ctr | 1345 NC Highway 268, Lenoir, NC 28645 | (828) 754-6850 |
Keys Of Hope Medical Ctr | 295 Carson St # K, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-6334 |
Levine Cancer Inst-Blue Ridge | 720 Malcolm Blvd, Connelly Springs, NC 28612 | (828) 580-7536 |
Mars Hill Medical Ctr | 119 Mountain View Rd, Mars Hill, NC 28754 | (828) 689-3507 |
Mauzy-Phillips Ctr | 125 Hospital Dr, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Children's Outpatient | 11 Vanderbilt Park Dr, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Children's Specialists | 11 Vanderbilt Prk Dr # 2ndfloor, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-1740 |
Mission Community Medicine-Brk | 149 W Parker Rd, Morganton, NC 28655 | (828) 433-4933 |
Mission Community Medicine-Nb | 339 Nebo School Rd, Nebo, NC 28761 | (828) 652-6326 |
Mission Community Orthopedics | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Community Urological | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Ctr Highway 70 | 387 US 70 W, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-6386 |
Mission Health Ctr Sugar Hill | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 652-7776 |
Mission Health Mauzy-Phillips | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Health Partners | 50 Schenck Pkwy, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-3250 |
Mission Hospital-Smoking | 1 Hospital Dr, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-5527 |
Mission Hospital-St Joseph | 428 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1111 |
Mission Medical Oncology | 430 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (800) 506-2550 |
Mission Neurology Svc | 509 Biltmore Ave, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1439 |
Mission Neurology-Outpatient | 1 Hospital Dr # 3200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-9530 |
Mission Orthopedic Trauma Svc | 1 Hospital Dr # 4200, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-1994 |
Mission Outpatient Svc Sugar | 1633 Sugar Hill Rd # Entranceb, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 252-7331 |
Mission St Joseph's Health | 890 Hendersonville Rd, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 274-7026 |
Mission Urology-Asheville | 1 Hospital Dr # 4100, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 254-8883 |
Mission Urology-Mcdowell | 472 Rankin Dr # Entrance3, Marion, NC 28752 | (828) 659-5700 |
Mission Weight Management | 1 Hospital Dr # 3400, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 213-4100 |
Mission Women's Care-Spruce Pn | 189 Hospital Dr # 2ndfloor, Spruce Pine, NC 28777 | (828) 766-3555 |
Mission Workwell-Medical Park | 2 Medical Park Dr # 102, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 213-9600 |
Occupational Medicine Ctr | 288 S Ridgecrest Ave, Rutherfordton, NC 28139 | (828) 286-5508 |
Sloop Medical Office Plaza | 436 Hospital Dr, Newland, NC 28657 | (828) 733-0280 |
Stonecreek Health & Rehab LLC | 455 Victoria Rd, Asheville, NC 28801 | (828) 225-3829 |
Surgical Specialist-Carolina | 1998 Hendersonville Rd # 40, Asheville, NC 28803 | (828) 585-2575 |
Valdese Patient Svc Ctr | 730 Malcolm Blvd # 160, Rutherford College, NC 28671 | (828) 580-7456 |
Enrolled in Part A and Part B? Get more with Blue Medicare Supplement Original Medicare only covers some of your medical costs. That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) offers reliable Medicare Supplement plans to help lessen the worries over what Medicare doesn’t cover.
• Coverage for the costs not covered by Original Medicare (Parts A and B) • The freedom to see any Medicare-participating provider nationwide that accepts Medicare • Rates as low as $31.50 per month1 • Flexibility to change plans • Fitness benefit and hearing benefit on all five plans
With some insurers, you can get locked into a plan that may not be right for you. But thanks to our exclusive Blue-to-Blue program, if your needs change over time, Blue Cross NC gives you the flexibility to switch Medicare plans:2 • Without additional medical exams • Without underwriting or additional health questions • Without any hassle
You cannot be turned down for Blue Medicare Supplement, and may not have to complete a medical questionnaire, if you meet all of the following criteria: • You are age 65 or older, or under age 65 and are eligible for Medicare due to disability3 • You enroll within six months of enrolling in Medicare Part B • You are not covered by certain Medicaid programs • You are a resident of North Carolina
If you enroll early, you may be eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan without waiting periods for pre-existing conditions. If you wait until after your deadline to enroll, you may have a waiting period for pre-existing conditions.
Fitness memberships at in-network facilities using the designated provider. Unlimited access to the vendor’s online platform. SilverSneakers is more than a traditional fitness program. It’s a way to improve your health and live the life you want.
In the gym:
• Thousands of participating locations4 nationwide with various amenities • Ability to enroll at multiple locations at any time • SilverSneakers classes5 designed for all levels and abilities
At home or on the go: • SilverSneakers LIVE online classes and workshops led by specially trained instructors, 7 days a week • SilverSneakers On-Demand videos available 24/7 • SilverSneakers GO mobile app with personalized program resources, adjustable workout plans, and more
In your community: • Group activities and classes5 offered outside the gym
Always talk with your doctor before starting an exercise program.
TruHearing covers one hearing aid per ear per year for a low copay of $499 for Standard hearing aids, $699 for Advanced hearing aids or $999 for Premium hearing aids. Also, as part of the program, a TruHearing provider will help you choose the best hearing aid for your lifestyle and unique hearing needs.
Blue Cross NC is more than a health insurance company. We’re North Carolinians serving North Carolinians. For over 90 years, we’ve been in your community, giving back and listening to how we can provide access to the quality care you deserve.
• Compare plan benefits • Get a free rate quote
Notes: • For costs and further details of the coverage, including exclusions, any reductions or limitations, and terms under which the policy may be continued in force, contact your agent or the company. • Plan A: BMS A, 1/26; Plan G: BMS G, 1/26; Plan G-HD: BMS HDG, 1/26;Plan K: BMS K, 1/26; Plan N: BMS N, 1/26. • Agent/Agency is an independent authorized Agent/Agency licensed to sell and promote products from Blue Cross NC. The content contained in this site is maintained by Agent/Agency. • Medicare Supplement insurance plans are not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. • Policy benefits are limited to those approved by Medicare for payment.
Disclaimers: • Blue Cross NC contracts with independent companies to provide supplemental benefits. These companies are responsible for the services they provide. They do not provide Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. Marks and trade names are property of their respective owners. This fitness program is not an insurance offering. • SilverSneakers is a registered trademark of Tivity Health, Inc. © 2025Tivity Health, Inc. All rights reserved. • TruHearing is a registered trademark of TruHearing, Inc. TruHearing is an independent company and does not offer Blue Cross or Blue Shield products or services. This program may change or be discontinued at any time. This is not an insurance offering.
1 Example for a female non-smoker, age 65. Premium rates can vary based on a number of factors. Contact Blue Cross NC or your Authorized Independent Agent to learn more. 2 Blue-to-Blue is only available when you switch from one Blue Cross NC medical plan (limitations apply) to a Blue Cross NC Medicare plan. You may only switch during designated times of the year. Certain other limits apply. Contact the plan or your Authorized Independent Agent for more information. 3 Guaranteed acceptance for those under age 65 who have Medicare due to disability is limited to Plan A and Plan G. 4 Participating locations (PL) are not owned or operated by Tivity Health, Inc. or its affiliates. Use of PL facilities and amenities is limited to terms and conditions of PL basic membership. Facilities and amenities vary by PL. Inclusion of specific PLs is not guaranteed and PL participation may differ by health plan. 5 Membership includes SilverSneakers instructor-led group
®, SM are marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans. All other marks and names are property of their respective owners. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. U4093, 12/25
Avery County ZIP Codes include: 28616, 28622, 28641, 28646, 28647, 28652, 28653, 28657, 28662, and 28664
