
in North Carolina

Health Plans of NC helps Burke County residents compare all 8 Medicare plans available for 2026 through Blue Cross NC, including options that work with local providers like UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Burke.
Burke County is home to approximately 19,000 Medicare-eligible residents, representing 21.2% of the county's total population of 87,863. Coverage options available in Burke County for 2026 include Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Supplement plans, standalone Part D prescription drug plans, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for residents enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Local health systems including UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, UNC Health Care Blue Ridge in Valdese, Broughton Hospital, and Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Burke participate in Medicare and serve beneficiaries across the region.
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 Burke County provide bundled hospital, medical, and drug coverage through in-network providers such as UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer in-network care at local facilities like UNC Health Care Blue Ridge in Valdese with some flexibility to use out-of-network providers in certain situations.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans give Burke County residents broader provider access, including the option to see specialists at Caldwell UNC Health Care in nearby Lenoir or facilities in Asheville.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans work alongside Original Medicare and allow Burke County seniors to visit any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, with no network restrictions.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone drug coverage for Burke County residents on Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, available at pharmacies including CVS and Walgreens locations throughout the county.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) are available for Burke County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering coordinated care that connects members to local health systems and behavioral health services like those at Broughton Hospital.
For 2026, Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in Burke County covering HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PDP, and D-SNP plan types, with premiums ranging from $0 per month to $163.20 per month. These plans provide access to a provider network that includes UNC Health Blue Ridge, UNC Health Care Blue Ridge, Broughton Hospital, and Levine Cancer Institute Blue Ridge on Malcolm Blvd in Connelly Springs. Burke County residents can work with Health Plans of NC to compare each plan's benefits, drug formulary, and network coverage side-by-side at no cost.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides in-network medical coverage through UNC Health Blue Ridge and affiliated providers in the Morganton area.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, bundles hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage for Burke County residents using in-network providers including UNC Health Blue Ridge.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the Essential HMO structure, allowing some access to out-of-network providers when needed.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $30.00 per month, offers enhanced benefits for Burke County residents who want additional coverage beyond standard Medicare Advantage offerings within the Blue Cross NC network.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $35.00 per month, gives Burke County beneficiaries the broadest provider access among Advantage plans, including the ability to see specialists in Asheville or Lenoir without a referral.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, combines $0 premium access with HMO-POS flexibility for Burke County residents seeking bundled coverage at local network facilities.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is designed for Burke County residents enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits and connecting members to behavioral health resources like Broughton Hospital.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D prescription drug plan, $163.20 per month, provides drug coverage for Burke County residents on Original Medicare or a Medigap plan, accessible at pharmacies throughout the county.
Medicare Advantage plans available in Burke County for 2026 through Blue Cross NC range from $0.00 per month for plans like Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ to $35.00 per month for the Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, giving residents a wide range of premium options. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for Burke County residents who need prescription drug coverage outside of a Medicare Advantage plan. With a county median household income of $55,684, cost predictability matters for many Burke County seniors, and programs like Extra Help and Medicare Savings Programs may be available to reduce out-of-pocket expenses for those who qualify.
Part A: $0 premium for most Burke 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 offering plans in Burke County for 2026, with a total of 8 plans available to county residents. Plan types offered by Blue Cross NC include Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for dual-eligible residents. The Blue Cross NC provider network in western North Carolina includes key Burke County facilities such as UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton and UNC Health Care Blue Ridge in Valdese, ensuring most beneficiaries can access local inpatient and outpatient services within their plan's network. The plan type a beneficiary selects directly affects whether they can receive behavioral health care at Broughton Hospital, oncology services at Levine Cancer Institute Blue Ridge in Connelly Springs, or treatment at Atrium Health Carolinas Medical Center Burke within network. Health Plans of NC compares every Blue Cross NC Medicare plan available in Burke County side-by-side at no cost, helping residents evaluate networks, benefits, and drug formularies before enrolling.
Blue Cross NC, offering Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D PDP, and a D-SNP, with 8 total plans available in Burke County for 2026.
Burke County residents with limited income may qualify for Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, which can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 for eligible beneficiaries. Medicare Savings Programs are available to help qualifying residents have their Part B premium costs covered by the state of North Carolina, providing meaningful relief for those on fixed incomes. Burke County residents enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid may qualify for the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, a Dual Special Needs Plan that coordinates benefits across both programs. With an uninsured rate of 11.5% and a poverty rate of 17.9% in Burke County, a significant share of the community may be eligible for one or more of these assistance programs, and Health Plans of NC can check eligibility at no cost.
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) can reduce or eliminate Part D prescription drug premiums and cost-sharing for Burke County residents who meet income and resource limits.
Medicare Savings Programs may cover Part B premiums and other cost-sharing for qualifying Burke County seniors who apply through the NC Department of Health and Human Services.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP coordinates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for dual-eligible Burke County residents, providing access to local health systems and behavioral health services.
NC Medicaid may provide additional coverage for low-income Burke County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or need help covering costs that Medicare does not pay.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents can review eligibility for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment for Burke County residents at no cost and with no obligation.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Burke County residents at no cost, comparing every available Medicare plan side-by-side and assisting with enrollment and plan changes throughout the year. Call 800-797-0327 to speak with a local agent who understands the Burke County provider landscape and can help you find the right coverage 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 Burke 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



Burke County ZIP Codes include: 28612, 28619, 28628, 28637, 28655, 28666, 28671, 28680, and 28690