Live Worry-Free. Find the Right Medicare Plan in NC. in Rutherford County
North Carolina
in North Carolina
Health Plans of NC helps Rutherford County, NC residents compare all 8 available Medicare plans for 2026, including options that work with Atrium Health Rutherford and other area hospitals, at no cost and with no sales pressure.
Rutherford County, North Carolina is home to approximately 14,000 Medicare-eligible residents, representing 22.1% of the county's total population of 64,850. Local health systems including Atrium Health Rutherford, St. Luke's Hospital in Columbus, Mission Hospital in Asheville, Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville, and UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton accept Medicare, giving beneficiaries access to comprehensive care close to home. Coverage options available to Rutherford County residents include Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, a Dual Special Needs Plan, and Medicare Supplement policies that pair with Original Medicare.
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 | $47.00/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 are available in Rutherford County and may include access to Atrium Health Rutherford and affiliated primary care and specialty providers.
Medicare Advantage HMO-POS plans offer in-network access to local providers while allowing some out-of-network flexibility for Rutherford County residents who occasionally see specialists outside the immediate area.
Medicare Advantage PPO plans are available in Rutherford County and allow beneficiaries to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, including regional referral centers such as Mission Hospital in Asheville.
Medicare Supplement plans pair with Original Medicare and allow Rutherford County residents to visit any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare, including St. Luke's Hospital in Columbus and UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans are available as standalone coverage for Rutherford County residents who remain on Original Medicare and need help covering prescription costs at local pharmacies.
Dual Special Needs Plans are available for Rutherford County residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coordinated benefits through a single plan that works with local health systems.
Blue Cross NC offers eight Medicare plans in Rutherford County for 2026, including HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO Medicare Advantage options, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan designed for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid. Several plans carry a $0 monthly premium and connect beneficiaries to local providers through the Blue Cross NC network, which includes Atrium Health Rutherford and extends to regional referral facilities across western North Carolina. Health Plans of NC can help Rutherford County residents compare each plan's network coverage, drug formulary, and cost-sharing structure side by side at no cost.
Blue Medicare Medical Only, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, provides Medicare Advantage coverage with access to Blue Cross NC network providers including facilities serving Rutherford County.
Blue Medicare Essential, HMO, $0.00 per month, offers a structured network plan with $0 premium for Rutherford County residents comfortable using in-network providers for all their care.
Blue Medicare Essential Plus, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, adds point-of-service flexibility to the HMO structure, allowing some out-of-network access for Rutherford County beneficiaries.
Blue Medicare Enhanced, HMO-POS, $47.00 per month, provides enhanced benefits beyond the $0 premium options for Rutherford County residents who want additional coverage features through a structured network.
Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, PPO, $53.00 per month, allows Rutherford County residents to see both in-network and out-of-network providers, including regional specialists and hospitals across western North Carolina.
Blue Medicare Freedom+, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, combines HMO network structure with point-of-service flexibility and a $0 premium for qualifying Rutherford County residents.
Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, HMO-POS, $0.00 per month, is a Dual Special Needs Plan for Rutherford County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid, coordinating benefits through local and regional providers.
Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP, standalone Part D prescription drug plan, $163.20 per month, provides prescription drug coverage for Rutherford County residents who remain on Original Medicare and need drug benefits at local pharmacies.
In Rutherford County for 2026, Medicare Advantage plan premiums from Blue Cross NC range from $0.00 per month for plans such as Blue Medicare Essential and Blue Medicare Freedom+ to $53.00 per month for the Blue Medicare PPO Enhanced, with the Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced PDP standalone drug plan priced at $163.20 per month. With a county median household income of $49,771, many Rutherford County residents may qualify for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, or other cost-reduction programs that can significantly lower what they pay each month. Health Plans of NC agents review every available plan alongside eligibility for financial assistance programs so Rutherford County beneficiaries can choose coverage that fits both their healthcare needs and their budget.
Part A: $0 premium for most Rutherford 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 Rutherford County residents in 2026, offering a total of 8 plans across multiple plan types. Those plan types include Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO options, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan for dual-eligible beneficiaries. The Blue Cross NC provider network connects Rutherford County residents to local facilities including Atrium Health Rutherford as well as regional referral centers such as Mission Hospital in Asheville, Pardee UNC Health Care in Hendersonville, and UNC Health Blue Ridge in Morganton. The plan type a Rutherford County beneficiary selects directly affects which hospitals, clinics, and specialists they can access without paying out-of-network rates, making network review an essential step before enrollment. Health Plans of NC agents compare every available Medicare plan in Rutherford County side by side at no cost, helping beneficiaries evaluate networks, premiums, and drug formularies before making a decision.
Blue Cross NC, offering Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO-POS, and PPO plans, a standalone Part D prescription drug plan, and a Dual Special Needs Plan, with 8 total plans available in Rutherford County for 2026.
Rutherford County has an uninsured rate of 11.8% and a poverty rate of 17.6%, meaning a meaningful share of the county's Medicare-eligible residents may qualify for programs that reduce or eliminate out-of-pocket costs. Extra Help, also called the Low Income Subsidy, can reduce Part D prescription drug costs to near $0 for qualifying residents, while Medicare Savings Programs can cover the Part B premium entirely for those who meet income thresholds. Rutherford County residents who are enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid may qualify for the Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP, a Dual Special Needs Plan that coordinates benefits through a single plan. Health Plans of NC agents check eligibility for every available assistance program at no cost, ensuring Rutherford County residents do not miss savings they are entitled to receive.
Extra Help and the Low Income Subsidy program can reduce Part D prescription drug plan costs to near $0 for qualifying Rutherford County residents who meet federal income and asset limits.
The Medicare Savings Program can cover Part B premiums and other cost-sharing for Rutherford County residents who meet state income eligibility thresholds through NC Medicaid.
The Healthy Blue Medicare DSNP is available in Rutherford County for residents who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, providing coordinated coverage with a $0 monthly premium.
NC Medicaid may provide additional healthcare coverage for low-income Rutherford County residents who do not yet qualify for Medicare or who need benefits beyond what Medicare covers.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents help Rutherford County residents apply for Extra Help, Medicare Savings Programs, and D-SNP enrollment at no cost and with no obligation.
Health Plans of NC licensed agents serve Rutherford County residents at no cost, comparing every available Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and Part D plan side by side to help beneficiaries enroll with confidence in coverage that fits their health needs and financial situation. Call 800-797-0327 today to speak with a local agent who can walk you through your options, check your eligibility for assistance programs, and guide you through enrollment or plan changes.
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 Rutherford 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
Rutherford County ZIP Codes include: 28018, 28019, 28024, 28040, 28043, 28074, 28076, 28114, 28139, 28160, 28167, 28720, and 28746
