Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in New Hanover County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
New Hanover County, NC residents have access to 8 Medicare plans for 2026, and Health Plans of NC licensed agents are available to compare every option at no cost, helping locals connected to health systems like Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center find coverage that fits their needs and budget.
New Hanover County, NC has a population of 231,214, with approximately 43,000 residents, representing 18.7% of the county, currently eligible for Medicare. Coverage options range from Medicare Advantage plans and standalone Part D drug plans to Dual Special Needs Plans designed for those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Major health systems including Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center and Cape Fear Memorial Hospital accept Medicare and serve beneficiaries across the county's communities including Wilmington, Wrightsville Beach, and Carolina Beach.
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: network-based plans that coordinate care through local providers including Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS: flexible point-of-service plans that allow some out-of-network access while still connecting members to New Hanover County hospitals and specialists.
Medicare Advantage PPO: preferred provider organization plans that give beneficiaries more flexibility to see specialists at local facilities without requiring a referral.
Medicare Supplement (Medigap): supplemental policies that fill Original Medicare cost gaps and allow New Hanover County residents to visit any Medicare-accepting provider nationwide, including Dosher Memorial Hospital in nearby Southport.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans: standalone drug coverage for residents who prefer Original Medicare or a Medigap plan, with preferred pharmacy options in the Wilmington area.
D-SNP (Dual Special Needs Plan): a Medicare Advantage option specifically designed for New Hanover County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and NC Medicaid.
Blue Cross NC offers 8 Medicare plans in New Hanover County for 2026, spanning HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, PDP, and D-SNP plan types to serve the diverse needs of local beneficiaries. Several plans carry a $0 monthly premium and are built around provider networks that include key New Hanover County facilities, while enhanced plans offer additional benefits at a modest monthly cost. Residents choosing a plan should verify that their preferred providers, such as those at New Hanover Regional Medical Center or Novant Health New Hanover, participate in the plan's network before enrolling.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides medical-only coverage with access to network providers including facilities at 2131 S 17th St in Wilmington.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, a $0-premium network-based plan coordinating care through local HMO providers in New Hanover County.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the Essential plan design, supporting access to New Hanover County health systems.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $30.00 per month, offers enhanced benefits beyond basic coverage through an HMO-POS network serving Wilmington-area providers.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $35.00 per month, a preferred provider organization plan allowing beneficiaries to see specialists at Novant Health New Hanover without a referral.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, a $0-premium HMO-POS plan giving New Hanover County members flexibility to access both in-network and some out-of-network services.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, a Dual Special Needs Plan for New Hanover County residents enrolled in both Medicare and NC Medicaid, with coordinated local care.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, Prescription Drug Plan, $163.20 per month, a standalone Part D plan covering medications through preferred pharmacies in and around Wilmington.
In New Hanover County, Medicare Advantage plan premiums for 2026 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 meaningful choices across different budget levels. The standalone Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP carries a monthly premium of $163.20 for residents who need prescription drug coverage alongside Original Medicare or a Medigap policy. With a median household income of $72,892 in New Hanover County, many residents can weigh the value of enhanced benefit plans against out-of-pocket cost-sharing, and Health Plans of NC agents can help calculate total annual costs across every available option.
Part A: $0 premium for most New Hanover 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 New Hanover County for 2026, offering a total of 8 plans across the county's zip codes including 28401, 28403, 28405, 28409, and 28412. Plan types available through Blue Cross NC in New Hanover County include HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, Part D Prescription Drug Plans, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, giving beneficiaries a broad range of network and benefit structures to consider. Blue Cross NC carrier networks in New Hanover County connect directly with local health systems and facilities such as New Hanover Regional Medical Center, NHRMC Betty H Cameron Women's, New Hanover Regional Medical Center Rehabilitation, and Novant Health New Hanover, meaning the plan a resident selects determines which facilities they access at the lowest in-network cost. Choosing the right plan also affects access to specialists at facilities like Dosher Memorial Hospital in Southport and Pender Memorial Hospital in Burgaw, making provider verification an essential step before enrollment. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Blue Cross NC Medicare plan side-by-side at no cost, ensuring New Hanover County residents understand exactly how their plan choice affects local provider access.
Blue Cross NC: offers Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, PPO, Part D PDP, and D-SNP plans, with 8 total plans available to eligible New Hanover County residents in 2026.
New Hanover 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 $0 and lower plan premiums and cost-sharing significantly. Medicare Savings Programs are available to help qualifying residents with New Hanover County's standard Part B premium, which increased from $185.00 in 2025 to $202.90 in 2026, reducing the financial burden on those with the greatest need. With an uninsured rate of 10.6% and a poverty rate of 12.4% in New Hanover County, a meaningful share of residents may be eligible for assistance programs they have not yet applied for. Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for all available assistance programs at no cost, including the D-SNP option for residents who qualify for both Medicare and NC Medicaid.
Extra Help and Low Income Subsidy: reduces Part D prescription drug plan premiums and cost-sharing for New Hanover County residents who meet federal income and resource limits.
Medicare Savings Program: covers Part B premiums and in some cases deductibles and coinsurance for qualifying low-income Medicare beneficiaries in New Hanover County.
Dual Special Needs Plan (D-SNP): the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP plan is available at $0.00 per month for New Hanover County residents enrolled in both Medicare and NC Medicaid.
NC Medicaid: low-income New Hanover County residents who do not yet have Medicare may qualify for full Medicaid coverage while they become eligible for Medicare benefits.
Free eligibility check through Health Plans of NC: licensed agents serving New Hanover County can determine which assistance programs a resident qualifies for and help with the application process at no cost.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve New Hanover County residents at no cost, comparing every available Medicare plan side-by-side and providing personalized guidance on enrollment and plan changes based on your providers, prescriptions, and budget. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who can help you find the right coverage for 2026.
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 New Hanover 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 |
|---|---|---|
Brynn Marr Hospital | 192 Village Dr, Jacksonville, NC 28546 | (910) 577-1400 |
Cape Fear Vly Bladen County | 501 S Poplar St, Elizabethtown, NC 28337 | (910) 862-5100 |
Columbus Regional Healthcare | 500 Jefferson St, Whiteville, NC 28472 | (910) 642-8011 |
Dosher Memorial Hospital | 924 N Howe St, Southport, NC 28461 | (910) 457-3800 |
ECU Health Duplin Hospital | 401 N Main St, Kenansville, NC 28349 | (910) 296-0941 |
Naval Medical Ctr Camp Lejeune | 100 Brewster Blvd, Camp Lejeune, NC 28547 | (910) 450-4357 |
New Hanover Regional Med Ctr | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7000 |
New Hanover Regl Med Ctr-Rehab | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7835 |
NHRMC Betty H Cameron Women's | 2131 S 17th St, Wilmington, NC 28401 | (910) 667-7360 |
Novant Health Brunswick Med | 240 Hospital Dr NE, Bolivia, NC 28422 | (910) 721-1000 |
Novant Health New Hanover | 5301 Wrightsville Ave, Wilmington, NC 28403 | (910) 667-8100 |
Onslow Memorial Hospital | 317 Western Blvd, Jacksonville, NC 28546 | (910) 577-2345 |
Pender Memorial Hospital | 507 E Fremont St, Burgaw, NC 28425 | (910) 259-5451 |
Sampson Regional Medical Ctr | 607 Beaman St, Clinton, NC 28328 | (910) 592-8511 |
Southeastern Regional Med Ctr | 300 W 27th St, Lumberton, NC 28358 | (910) 671-5000 |
UNC Health Southeastern | 4300 Fayetteville Rd, Lumberton, NC 28358 | (910) 608-3078 |
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
New Hanover County ZIP Codes include: 28401, 28402, 28403, 28404, 28405, 28406, 28407, 28408, 28409, 28410, 28411, 28412, 28428, 28429, 28449, and 28480
