Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in Mitchell County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Health Plans of NC helps Mitchell County residents compare all 8 available Medicare plans for 2026, with local expertise connecting seniors to providers like Blue Ridge Regional Hospital in Spruce Pine and Mission Health HCA clinics across the region.
Mitchell County, North Carolina is a rural mountain community with a population of 14,973, and approximately 4,000 residents are Medicare-eligible, representing 25.5% of the county. Medicare beneficiaries in Mitchell County can access care through local health systems including Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA, both of which participate in the Medicare program and anchor the coverage networks available to area seniors. Coverage options span Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, standalone Part D prescription drug plans, Medicare Supplement policies, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for residents 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 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: Blue Medicare Essential connects enrollees to Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA clinics as in-network providers.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS: Multiple plans including Blue Medicare Medical Only, Blue Medicare Essential Plus, Blue Medicare Enhanced, and Blue Medicare Freedom+ provide HMO-POS access tied to Mitchell County provider networks with some out-of-network flexibility.
Medicare Advantage PPO: Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced offers Mitchell County seniors the broadest in-network and out-of-network access, including Asheville-area specialists at Mission Hospital.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): Supplement plans allow Mitchell County residents to visit any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, including specialists at UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, without referrals.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP provides standalone drug coverage for Mitchell County seniors enrolled in Original Medicare or a Supplement plan.
D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan): Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP serves Mitchell County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits across Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA.
Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in Mitchell County for 2026, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, Part D prescription drug, and Dual Special Needs plan structures, giving area seniors a range of network and premium options. Each Medicare Advantage plan is built around provider relationships with Spruce Pine Community Hospital, Mission Health HCA clinics including the Mauzy-Phillips center in Spruce Pine, and specialty access to Asheville-area facilities for enrolled Mitchell County beneficiaries. Health Plans of NC can walk Mitchell County residents through every plan name, structure, premium, and network detail at no cost.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides hospital and medical coverage connected to Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA network sites.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, covers Mitchell County seniors through an HMO structure anchored by local Mission Health HCA primary care and specialty clinics.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the HMO framework, giving Mitchell County enrollees some access to out-of-network providers when needed.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $40.00 per month, includes additional benefit tiers such as enhanced dental, vision, or hearing coverage for Mitchell County seniors willing to pay a modest monthly premium.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $53.00 per month, gives Mitchell County beneficiaries the widest provider access including in-network and out-of-network visits to Asheville and Morganton specialists.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, combines a $0 monthly premium with point-of-service flexibility for Mitchell County residents who want cost savings with some provider choice.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, serves Mitchell County residents dually enrolled in Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits through Mission Health HCA and Spruce Pine Community Hospital.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, Part D Prescription Drug Plan, $163.20 per month, provides standalone drug coverage for Mitchell County seniors remaining on Original Medicare or a Medigap plan.
Medicare Advantage plan premiums in Mitchell County for 2026 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, up to $40.00 per month for Blue Medicare Enhanced and $53.00 per month for Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP is priced at $163.20 per month for Mitchell County seniors who need drug coverage separate from a Medicare Advantage plan. With a county median household income of $58,089, many Mitchell County seniors may qualify for financial assistance programs that reduce premiums and out-of-pocket costs, and Health Plans of NC can identify those savings opportunities at no cost.
Part A: $0 premium for most Mitchell 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 Mitchell County for 2026, offering a total of 8 plans across multiple coverage structures. Plan types available through Blue Cross NC in Mitchell County include HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, a standalone Part D Prescription Drug Plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, giving seniors a meaningful range of structures to evaluate. Blue Cross NC networks in Mitchell County are built around Spruce Pine Community Hospital and Mission Health HCA clinics, meaning the plan a beneficiary selects directly determines which local facilities and physicians are available at in-network cost levels. Plan selection also affects how easily Mitchell County seniors can access specialty care at Mission Hospital in Asheville or UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton, which may be 45 to 60 minutes away depending on the enrollee's location in the county. Health Plans of NC compares every Blue Cross NC Medicare plan available in Mitchell County side by side at no cost, with no pressure and no obligation.
Blue Cross NC: offers HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, Part D PDP, and D-SNP plan types, with 8 total Medicare plans available to Mitchell County residents for 2026.
Mitchell County's uninsured rate of 10.0% and poverty rate of 13.0% indicate that a meaningful share of residents may qualify for one or more Medicare financial assistance programs that reduce premiums, deductibles, and drug costs. The Extra Help program, also known as the Low Income Subsidy, can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 for qualifying Mitchell County seniors who meet federal income and asset thresholds. Medicare Savings Programs can cover the Part B premium entirely for Mitchell County residents who qualify, and the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available to those who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid and need coordinated dual-eligible coverage. Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for all of these programs at no cost to Mitchell County residents and can help with applications and enrollment.
Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy): reduces or eliminates Part D prescription drug plan costs for Mitchell County seniors who meet federal income and asset limits.
Medicare Savings Program: covers Part B premiums and may reduce cost-sharing for Mitchell County residents who qualify based on income, with four program levels available.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP: coordinates Medicare and Medicaid benefits for Mitchell County residents who are dual-eligible, covering services across local Mission Health HCA and Spruce Pine Community Hospital providers.
NC Medicaid: provides additional cost-sharing assistance and health coverage for low-income Mitchell County residents who meet state eligibility requirements.
Health Plans of NC: checks eligibility for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment at no cost, and assists Mitchell County residents through every step of the application process.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Mitchell County residents at no cost, comparing every available 2026 Medicare plan side by side and helping with enrollment, plan changes, and financial assistance applications. Call 800-797-0327 to speak with a local Medicare expert who understands the providers, networks, and options available to Mitchell County seniors.
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 Mitchell 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
Mitchell County ZIP Codes include: 28705, 28765, and 28777
