Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in Buncombe County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Health Plans of NC helps Buncombe County, NC residents compare all 8 available Medicare plans for 2026, including options through Mission Hospital and the broader Mission Health System network.
Buncombe County is home to approximately 57,000 Medicare-eligible residents, representing 20.8% of the county's total population of 271,790, and those residents have access to a wide range of Medicare coverage types for 2026. The county's healthcare infrastructure includes Mission Hospital, HCA Healthcare-affiliated facilities, and the VA Medical Center Asheville, all of which interact with various Medicare plan types available to local beneficiaries. Buncombe County residents can choose from Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, standalone Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement coverage, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
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 | $30.00/month |
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced | PPO | $35.00/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 in Buncombe County provide coordinated care through defined provider networks that include Mission Hospital and affiliated Mission Health System clinics.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer Buncombe County residents the flexibility to seek some out-of-network care while still anchoring coverage to local providers like Mission Hospital on Biltmore Avenue.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans allow Buncombe County beneficiaries to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers, including specialists such as Asheville Cardiology Associates and Asheville Orthopaedic Associates.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans cover cost-sharing gaps left by Original Medicare and allow Buncombe County residents to use any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, including Asheville Specialty Hospital.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone drug coverage for Buncombe County residents on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, with access to local participating pharmacies.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) are available in Buncombe County for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits across both programs through local health system networks.
Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in Buncombe County for 2026, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PDP, and D-SNP plan types, with monthly premiums ranging from $0 to $163.20 depending on the plan selected. Several plans carry no additional monthly premium beyond the standard Part B amount, while others offer enhanced benefits at a modest added cost, giving Buncombe County residents meaningful choices based on their healthcare priorities. Each plan interacts differently with local providers such as Mission Hospital, Asheville Cardiology Associates, Asheville Orthopaedic Associates, and Stonecreek Health and Rehab, making it important to verify network status before enrolling.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides coordinated Medicare Advantage coverage connected to Mission Health System and affiliated Buncombe County providers.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, offers a structured network-based plan tied to Mission Hospital and primary care clinics throughout Buncombe County.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, combines HMO-style coordination with limited out-of-network access for Buncombe County residents who want added flexibility.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $30.00 per month, provides enhanced benefits beyond standard coverage with access to Mission Health System locations and specialty practices in Buncombe County.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $35.00 per month, allows Buncombe County beneficiaries to visit both in-network and out-of-network providers, including Asheville Cardiology Associates and Asheville Orthopaedic Associates.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, offers Buncombe County residents a no-additional-premium option with point-of-service flexibility for select out-of-network care.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is designed for Buncombe County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits through local health system networks.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D plan, $163.20 per month, provides prescription drug coverage for Buncombe County residents on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, with access to local participating pharmacies.
In Buncombe County for 2026, Medicare Advantage plan premiums through Blue Cross NC range from $0 per month for plans like Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ to $35 per month for the Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, with the standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carrying a monthly premium of $163.20 for those who need dedicated drug coverage. The county's median household income of $70,578 means that while many residents can manage standard plan costs, those with lower fixed incomes may qualify for subsidy programs that substantially reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket premium and drug expenses. Health Plans of NC can review a beneficiary's income and household situation at no cost to identify whether they qualify for programs that lower their overall Medicare spending.
Part A: $0 premium for most Buncombe 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 Buncombe County for 2026, offering a total of 8 plans that cover the full spectrum of Medicare plan types available to local residents. Those plan types include HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, standalone Part D prescription drug plans, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, giving beneficiaries a broad range of structures to consider based on their coverage needs and preferences. Blue Cross NC's carrier networks in Buncombe County connect directly with major local health systems and facilities, including Mission Hospital on Biltmore Avenue, the VA Medical Center Asheville on Tunnel Road, Asheville Specialty Hospital, and the broader network of Mission Health System-affiliated clinics throughout the area. The plan a beneficiary selects determines which Buncombe County specialists and facilities, such as Asheville Cardiology Associates, Asheville Orthopaedic Associates, and Stonecreek Health and Rehab, are accessible at in-network cost-sharing rates. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC Medicare plan in Buncombe County side by side at no cost, helping residents find the option that best fits their provider preferences, prescription needs, and budget.
Blue Cross NC (Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina): Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, with 8 total plans available in Buncombe County for 2026.
Buncombe County residents with limited incomes may qualify for Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, which can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 and lower plan premiums for those who meet federal eligibility thresholds. Medicare Savings Programs can cover the standard Part B premium for qualifying beneficiaries, providing significant monthly relief for those on fixed incomes in Buncombe County. Residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid may be eligible for the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, a Dual Special Needs Plan that coordinates benefits across both programs through local provider networks. With an uninsured rate of 11.9% and a poverty rate of 11.8% in Buncombe County, connecting residents to every available financial assistance program is a priority, and Health Plans of NC checks eligibility for all programs at no cost.
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) can significantly reduce or eliminate Part D prescription drug costs for qualifying Buncombe County residents enrolled in a Medicare drug plan.
Medicare Savings Programs may cover the Part B premium and other cost-sharing expenses for eligible lower-income beneficiaries in Buncombe County.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available to Buncombe County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coordinated zero-premium coverage through local health system networks.
NC Medicaid may provide additional coverage for low-income Buncombe County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or need supplemental assistance beyond Medicare benefits.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents check eligibility for all financial assistance programs at no cost and can help Buncombe County residents apply for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Buncombe County residents at no cost, comparing all 8 available Medicare plans side by side and guiding beneficiaries through enrollment, plan changes, and financial assistance programs. Call 800-797-0327 to speak with a local agent who can help you find the right plan for your providers, prescriptions, and budget.
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 Buncombe 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
Buncombe County ZIP Codes include: 28701, 28704, 28709, 28711, 28715, 28728, 28730, 28748, 28757, 28770, 28776, 28778, 28787, 28801, 28802, 28803, 28804, 28805, 28806, 28810, 28813, 28814, 28815, and 28816
