Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in North Carolina. With more than two million North Carolina beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in North Carolina. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
North Carolina Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
North Carolina Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans
(Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in North Carolina
Who Qualifies for Medicare in North Carolina?
Medicare covers most North Carolina residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled North Carolina residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in North Carolina works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in North Carolina
Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) provides free, unbiased guidance to help Medicare beneficiaries and caregivers understand Medicare health care products. Counselors in every county meet with seniors by appointment only. Through the NC Senior Medicare Patrol Program, counselors help seniors recognize and avoid Medicare billing errors, fraud, and abuse.
Contact: Call 1-855-408-1212 or email ncdoi.ncshiip@ncdoi.gov.Options Counseling provides guidance to individuals as they make informed choices about long-term services and supports. This service helps people think through the pros and cons of the various options while taking into consideration their situation, values, resources, and preferences. The Options Counselor can also assist with making an Action Plan for the individual to implement.
Contact: Email Jan.Moxley@dhhs.nc.gov.The Long-Term Care Ombudsman Program consists of an Office of the State Long Term Care Ombudsman and 16 Offices of the Regional Long Term Care Ombudsman that are housed in Area Agencies on Aging. Long Term Care Ombudsmen assist residents of long term care facilities in exercising their rights and attempt to resolve grievances between residents, families, and facilities. The regional ombudsmen help support the efforts of Adult Care Home and Nursing Home Community Advisory Committees.
Contact: Email Victor.orija@dhhs.nc.gov, renee.kea@dhhs.nc.gov, or lakendra.dixon@dhhs.nc.gov.North Carolina’s Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) are offices established through the Older Americans Act that facilitate and support programs addressing the needs of older adults in a defined geographic region and support investment in their talents and interests. North Carolina AAAs are located within regional Councils of Government.
Contact: AAAs are dispersed throughout the state of North Carolina. A list of locations and contact information can be found on their website.
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of North Carolina. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in North Carolina so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.