Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in McDowell County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Health Plans of NC helps McDowell County residents compare all 8 available Medicare plans for 2026 at no cost, connecting local seniors with coverage that works alongside Mission Hospital McDowell in Marion and other area health systems.
McDowell County is home to approximately 44,679 residents, with around 9,000 Medicare-eligible individuals representing roughly 20.7% of the county population. Seniors in McDowell County have access to Medicare coverage that works with local health systems including Mission McDowell Hospital in Marion and HCA Healthcare facilities serving the region. Available plan categories span Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a Dual Special Needs Plan, and a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, giving McDowell County seniors several paths to comprehensive coverage.
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 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 in McDowell County include Blue Medicare Essential, which connects enrollees to Mission McDowell Hospital and area primary care providers in Marion.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer access to both in-network providers at Mission McDowell Hospital and limited out-of-network care for McDowell County residents who occasionally need services elsewhere.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans allow McDowell County seniors to see any Medicare-accepting provider, including specialists at Mission Hospital in Asheville, with no referral required.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans fill gaps left by Original Medicare and allow McDowell County residents to use any Medicare-accepting provider, including UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, without network restrictions.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans provide standalone drug coverage for McDowell County residents enrolled in Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan, covering medications at local pharmacies.
D-SNP plans serve McDowell County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits through providers such as Mission McDowell Hospital and local community health centers.
Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in McDowell County for 2026, ranging from $0 premium HMO and HMO-POS options to a PPO plan and a standalone prescription drug plan, giving seniors flexibility to match their coverage to local providers. Plans in the Blue Medicare lineup connect McDowell County enrollees to provider networks that include Mission McDowell Hospital on Rankin Drive in Marion, Asheville Cardiology Associates, Mission Urology McDowell, and Mission Medical Oncology in Marion. The Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP plan is also available at $0 per month for McDowell County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides medical-only coverage connected to Mission McDowell Hospital and local HMO-POS network providers in McDowell County.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, bundles medical coverage through an HMO network that includes primary care providers and specialists serving the Marion area.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the HMO structure, allowing limited access to out-of-network providers such as UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $40.00 per month, offers enhanced benefits including additional dental, vision, and hearing coverage alongside access to Mission McDowell Hospital and area specialists.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $53.00 per month, gives McDowell County seniors the broadest provider flexibility, covering care at Mission Hospital in Asheville and other Medicare-accepting facilities without requiring referrals.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides a $0 premium option with HMO-POS network access to Mission McDowell Hospital and affiliated clinics in the Marion area.
Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, coordinates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for dual-eligible McDowell County residents through local Mission Health network providers.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D plan, $163.20 per month, offers prescription drug coverage for McDowell County residents on Original Medicare, compatible with local retail pharmacies throughout the county.
Medicare Advantage plan premiums in McDowell County for 2026 range from $0.00 per month for plans like Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ to $40.00 per month for Blue Medicare Enhanced and $53.00 per month for Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, while the standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP is priced at $163.20 per month. McDowell County's median household income of $55,527 means that even modest monthly premiums can represent a meaningful share of a senior's fixed income, making it important to identify every available cost-reduction program before selecting a plan. Health Plans of NC agents help McDowell County residents weigh total out-of-pocket costs, including copayments, deductibles, and drug costs, against monthly premiums to find the most affordable combination of coverage for their specific situation.
Part A: $0 premium for most McDowell 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 offering plans in McDowell County for 2026, with a total of 8 plans available to local beneficiaries. Those 8 plans span multiple plan types, including Medicare Advantage HMO, Medicare Advantage HMO-POS, Medicare Advantage PPO, a Dual Special Needs Plan, and a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, giving McDowell County seniors a range of structures to choose from. Blue Cross NC plan networks in McDowell County connect directly to local facilities including Mission McDowell Hospital at 430 Rankin Drive in Marion, Asheville Cardiology Associates on Rankin Drive, Mission Urology McDowell, and Mission Medical Oncology in Marion. Selecting the right plan type affects whether McDowell County residents can access specialists at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine or the Charles George VA Medical Center in Asheville without incurring out-of-network costs. Health Plans of NC compares every available Medicare plan in McDowell County side by side at no cost, so seniors can identify the Blue Cross NC plan that best fits their preferred providers and healthcare routine.
Blue Cross NC, offering Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a D-SNP plan, and a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, with 8 total plans available in McDowell County for 2026.
McDowell County residents with limited income may qualify for the Extra Help program, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, which can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 for those with incomes at or below 150% of the federal poverty level. Medicare Savings Programs are available to help lower-income McDowell County seniors cover the cost of Part B premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, reducing the financial burden of Original Medicare. The Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP plan at $0 per month is specifically designed for McDowell County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coordinated benefits through local Mission Health network providers. With an uninsured rate of 11.7% and a poverty rate of 14.0% in McDowell County, connecting with a Health Plans of NC agent to check eligibility for all available assistance programs is an important step for many local seniors.
Extra Help and Low Income Subsidy programs can reduce Part D drug plan costs significantly for eligible McDowell County residents enrolled in a standalone PDP or Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage.
Medicare Savings Programs help qualifying McDowell County seniors pay for Part B premiums and cost-sharing, freeing up household income for other essential expenses.
The Healthy Blue Medicare D-SNP plan is available at $0 per month for McDowell County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating coverage through local providers.
NC Medicaid may provide additional assistance for low-income McDowell County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or who need supplemental coverage alongside their Medicare benefits.
Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for all financial assistance programs at no cost, helping McDowell County seniors apply for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment in a single appointment.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve McDowell County residents in Marion, Old Fort, Little Switzerland, and throughout the county at absolutely no cost, comparing every available Medicare plan side by side and guiding seniors through enrollment and annual plan changes. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who knows McDowell County's providers and can help you find the right coverage for your needs.
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 McDowell 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
McDowell County ZIP Codes include: 28737, 28749, 28752, 28761, and 28762
