
in North Carolina

Jackson County, NC residents have access to Medicare plans through Blue Cross NC, and Health Plans of NC helps locals navigate all 7 available plans for 2026, including options that work with Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.
Jackson County, NC has a population of approximately 43,089 residents, and around 9,000 of them, representing 20.4% of the county, are eligible for Medicare coverage in 2026. Local health systems including Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva and Mission Health HCA serve Medicare patients throughout the county, alongside area clinics such as Mission Community Primary Care in Cashiers and Asheville Cardiology Associates at Highlands. Coverage categories available to Jackson County seniors in 2026 include Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, Part D prescription drug plans, 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 | $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 are available in Jackson County and may provide coordinated care at Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva for eligible enrollees.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer Jackson County seniors added flexibility to seek care outside the primary network, including at Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans allow Jackson County seniors to use any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, including specialists at Mission Community Primary Care in Cashiers.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone prescription coverage for Jackson County residents enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.
Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) are available in Jackson County for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering coordinated benefits through a single plan.
Blue Cross NC offers seven Medicare plans in Jackson County for 2026, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, standalone Part D, and D-SNP plan types, each with its own network arrangement that determines which local facilities are accessible at in-network cost levels. Plans like Blue Medicare Freedom+ and Blue Medicare Essential provide Jackson County seniors with $0 premium Medicare Advantage options that connect to the provider networks serving Harris Regional Hospital and surrounding clinics. The Blue Medicare Enhanced HMO-POS and the Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP offer additional coverage tiers for seniors who want broader benefits or dedicated prescription drug coverage in Jackson County.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides Medicare Advantage coverage with access to providers in the Blue Cross NC network serving Jackson County.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, offers coordinated care through a defined provider network that includes facilities serving Sylva and surrounding Jackson County communities.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, allows Jackson County seniors some flexibility to access out-of-network providers when medically necessary.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $40.00 per month, provides an elevated benefit tier for Jackson County seniors seeking additional coverage features beyond a standard $0 premium plan.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, gives Jackson County seniors the combination of a $0 premium and point-of-service flexibility when accessing care in the region.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, $0.00 per month, is a Dual Special Needs Plan designed for Jackson County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid benefits.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, $163.20 per month, is a standalone Part D prescription drug plan for Jackson County seniors who prefer Original Medicare or a Medigap plan and need separate drug coverage.
In Jackson County for 2026, Medicare Advantage plan premiums range from $0.00 per month for plans like Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ up to $40.00 per month for Blue Medicare Enhanced, giving seniors a range of price points to consider when building their coverage. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for Jackson County residents who need prescription drug coverage outside of a Medicare Advantage plan. With a median household income of $53,479 in Jackson County, cost differences between plan options are meaningful, and programs like Extra Help may significantly reduce prescription drug costs for eligible residents, which a Health Plans of NC agent can assess at no charge.
Part A: $0 premium for most Jackson 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 sole Medicare carrier serving Jackson County for 2026, offering a total of 7 plans across multiple plan types to meet the diverse needs of local seniors. The plan types available through Blue Cross NC in Jackson 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 network arrangements tied to Blue Cross NC plans in Jackson County directly affect which facilities, including Harris Regional Hospital in Sylva and Highlands-Cashiers Hospital in Highlands, are accessible at in-network cost levels for enrolled seniors. Plan selection also determines access to specialist care available at local clinics such as Mission Community Primary Care in Cashiers and Asheville Cardiology Associates at Highlands, making the choice between HMO and HMO-POS structures especially relevant for Jackson County residents with ongoing specialist needs. Health Plans of NC compares every available Blue Cross NC Medicare plan in Jackson County side-by-side at no cost, helping seniors identify the plan that best aligns with their preferred providers, prescriptions, and budget.
Blue Cross NC offers Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, Part D prescription drug plans, and a D-SNP, with 7 total plans available in Jackson County for 2026.
Jackson County has an uninsured rate of 15.2% and a poverty rate of 19.3%, meaning a significant share of the county's seniors may qualify for programs that reduce Medicare costs well below standard premium and out-of-pocket levels. The Extra Help program, also called the Low Income Subsidy, can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 for eligible Jackson County residents with limited income and resources. Medicare Savings Programs can cover the Part B premium and other cost-sharing for qualifying seniors, and the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP plan is available for Jackson County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid. Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for all of these programs at no cost, ensuring Jackson County seniors are not paying more than necessary for their Medicare coverage.
Extra Help and the Low Income Subsidy can reduce Part D prescription drug plan costs significantly for Jackson County residents who meet federal income and resource limits.
Medicare Savings Programs may cover Part B premiums and other cost-sharing amounts for eligible Jackson County seniors with limited financial resources.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available for Jackson County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coordinated dual-eligible benefits through a single plan.
NC Medicaid may provide additional health coverage for lower-income Jackson County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or who need supplemental assistance alongside their Medicare plan.
Health Plans of NC agents help Jackson County residents apply for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment at no cost and with no pressure.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Jackson County residents at no cost, comparing every available Medicare plan side-by-side to match coverage with your preferred local doctors, hospitals, and pharmacies. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with an agent who can guide you through enrollment, plan changes, and financial assistance options with 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 Jackson 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



Jackson County ZIP Codes include: 28707, 28717, 28719, 28723, 28725, 28736, 28779, 28783, 28788, and 28789