Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in Cherokee County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Health Plans of NC helps Cherokee County, NC residents compare every available Medicare plan for 2026 at no cost, with licensed agents familiar with local providers like Murphy Medical Center and Mission Health HCA ready to guide you through enrollment with no sales pressure.
Cherokee County, North Carolina has a population of 29,197, with approximately 9,000 residents, representing 31.3% of the county, eligible for Medicare, making access to quality coverage a top priority for this substantial and growing segment of the community. Local health systems including Murphy Medical Center and Mission Health HCA accept Medicare, giving Cherokee County residents access to hospital, emergency, surgical, and specialty services close to home. Coverage categories available to Cherokee County residents for 2026 include Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and Dual Special Needs Plans designed 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 | $40.00/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 connect Cherokee County enrollees to in-network providers including Murphy Medical Center for primary care, emergency services, and radiology.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer in-network access to local facilities like Murphy Medical Center while allowing some out-of-network care when needed for specialty services.
Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap, work alongside Original Medicare and allow Cherokee County residents to visit any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, including Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital and regional specialists.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone prescription coverage for Cherokee County residents enrolled in Original Medicare or a plan that does not include drug benefits.
Dual Special Needs Plans are available for Cherokee County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering coordinated benefits and access to local Mission Health HCA and Murphy Medical Center services.
Blue Cross NC offers seven Medicare plans to Cherokee County residents for 2026, including HMO and HMO-POS Medicare Advantage options, a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for dual-eligible residents. Each plan interacts differently with local provider networks, making it important to confirm that your preferred facilities such as Murphy Medical Center, Erlanger Western Carolina Hospital, Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, or Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde participate before enrolling. Health Plans of NC agents can walk you through each plan's network, benefits, and structure side by side so you choose the option that fits your care needs in Cherokee County.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides medical-only coverage with access to in-network providers including Murphy Medical Center and affiliated clinics in Murphy and Andrews.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, connects Cherokee County enrollees to a defined in-network provider group for primary and specialty care with no monthly premium beyond Part B.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, offers the flexibility of point-of-service access in addition to standard HMO in-network benefits, supporting residents who may travel to facilities like Angel Medical Center in Franklin.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $40.00 per month, provides an elevated benefit structure with point-of-service flexibility and broader coverage options for Cherokee County residents who want additional plan features.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, gives Cherokee County seniors a zero-premium HMO-POS option with network access to Murphy Medical Center and regional health systems.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is designed for Cherokee County residents who are eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits across both programs for comprehensive local coverage.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D plan, $163.20 per month, provides prescription drug coverage for Cherokee County residents enrolled in Original Medicare, with pharmacy access in Murphy, Andrews, and Brasstown.
For 2026, Medicare Advantage plans in Cherokee County range from $0.00 per month for plans like Blue Medicare Essential, Blue Medicare Medical Only, Blue Medicare Essential Plus, Blue Medicare Freedom+, and Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, to $40.00 per month for Blue Medicare Enhanced, all in addition to the standard Part B premium. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for Cherokee County residents who need prescription drug coverage alongside Original Medicare. With a median household income of $51,496 in Cherokee County, many residents may qualify for cost-reduction programs such as Extra Help or Medicare Savings Programs that can significantly lower out-of-pocket expenses, and Health Plans of NC agents can help determine eligibility at no cost.
Part A: $0 premium for most Cherokee 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 to Cherokee County residents for 2026, with a total of seven plans available across multiple coverage structures. Plan types offered by Blue Cross NC in Cherokee County include Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for dual-eligible residents. The Blue Cross NC carrier network intersects directly with key Cherokee County health systems including Murphy Medical Center and Mission Health HCA, and confirming network participation at these facilities is a critical step before selecting a plan. Choosing a plan also affects access to regional facilities and specialists beyond Murphy, including Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva, Haywood Regional Medical Center in Clyde, Angel Medical Center in Franklin, and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands, all of which serve Cherokee County residents who travel for care. Health Plans of NC compares every available Medicare plan side by side at no cost, helping Cherokee County residents evaluate carrier networks, benefits, and premiums without any sales pressure.
Blue Cross NC, offering Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, with 7 total plans available in Cherokee County for 2026.
Cherokee County residents with limited income and resources may qualify for Extra Help, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, which can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near zero and is available through the Social Security Administration with eligibility checks offered at no cost through Health Plans of NC. Medicare Savings Programs can cover the Part B premium and other cost-sharing expenses for qualifying residents, providing meaningful financial relief for those on fixed incomes. With an uninsured rate of 14.8% and a poverty rate of 14.6% in Cherokee County, a significant portion of the community may be eligible for these programs as well as the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, which serves residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid by coordinating benefits across both programs. Health Plans of NC agents can review your eligibility for all available assistance programs and help you apply at no cost.
Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy, can reduce Part D drug plan costs dramatically for eligible Cherokee County residents who meet income and resource limits.
Medicare Savings Programs may cover the Part B premium and cost-sharing for qualifying Cherokee County residents, helping those on limited budgets maintain comprehensive coverage.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available to Cherokee County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits for more complete and affordable coverage.
NC Medicaid may provide additional coverage for low-income Cherokee County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or who need supplemental assistance alongside their Medicare benefits.
Health Plans of NC agents check your eligibility for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP options at no cost, walking you through the application process from start to finish.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve residents across Cherokee County, including Murphy, Andrews, and Brasstown, at no cost and with no sales pressure, comparing every available 2026 Medicare plan side by side to help you find the right coverage before your enrollment window closes. Call us today at 800-797-0327 to speak with an agent who knows Cherokee County and can help you enroll, switch plans, or review your current coverage.
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 Cherokee 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 |
|---|---|---|
Angel Medical Ctr | 124 One Center Ct, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 524-8411 |
Cherokee Indian Hospital | 1 Hospital Rd, Cherokee, NC 28719 | (828) 497-9163 |
Erlanger Western Carolina Hosp | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 837-8161 |
Harris Regional Hospital | 68 Hospital Rd, Sylva, NC 28779 | (828) 586-7000 |
Haywood Regional Medical Ctr | 262 Leroy George Dr, Clyde, NC 28721 | (828) 456-7311 |
Highlands-Cashiers Hospital | 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 526-1200 |
Swain Community Hospital | 45 Plateau St # 230, Bryson City, NC 28713 | (828) 488-2155 |
Transylvania Regional Hospital | 260 Hospital Dr, Brevard, NC 28712 | (828) 884-9111 |
Unity Healing Ctr | 448 Sequoyah Trl, Cherokee, NC 28719 | (828) 497-1800 |
Clinic | Address | Phone |
|---|---|---|
Angel Medical Ctr | 56 Medical Park Dr, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 542-8411 |
Asheville Cardiology Assoc | 190 Hospital Dr # 104, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 274-6000 |
Atlanta Gastroenterology Assoc | 145 Medical Park Ln # K, Murphy, NC 28906 | (404) 257-9000 |
Center For Family Medicine | 55 Holly Springs Park Dr, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-3550 |
Haywood Regional Medical Ctr | , Waynesville, NC 28786 | (828) 452-8070 |
Mission Community Primary Care | 57 White Owl Ln, Cashiers, NC 28717 | (828) 743-2491 |
Mission Health Ctr Highlands | 190 Hospital Dr, Highlands, NC 28741 | (828) 526-4942 |
Mission Urology-Brevard | 89 Hospital Dr # C, Brevard, NC 28712 | (828) 883-5858 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Emergency | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 837-8300 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Human RSRCS | , Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7683 |
Murphy Medical Ctr Radiology | 3990 E US 64 Alt, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7540 |
Murphy Medical Ctr | 3990 E US Highway 64 Alternate, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7502 |
Murphy Medical Ctr | 4130 115 Highway 64 E, Murphy, NC 28906 | (828) 835-7505 |
Orthopedics-Sports Medicine | 190 Riverview St, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-8260 |
Ozarks Medical Ctr | PO Box 330, Marble, NC 28905 | (417) 257-5802 |
Primary Care Franklin | 190 Riverview St, Franklin, NC 28734 | (828) 349-6800 |
VA Medical Ctr | 45 HI Lane St, Canton, NC 28716 | (828) 298-7911 |
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
Cherokee County ZIP Codes include: 28901, 28903, 28905, and 28906
