Avery County is in Western North Carolina, among the mountains and foothills that run from Murphy and Asheville to Boone and Hickory, with about 17,811 residents (Census 2024 estimate). Its largest towns are Banner Elk, Newland and Elk Park.
2027 plans in Avery County at a glance
What it means if you live in Avery County
- That's 6 plans fewer than in 2026 (49). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your Annual Notice of Change to see whether it continues and what changes. HealthSpring stops selling regular Medicare Advantage plans here on December 31. If that's you, here is what to do. (CMS data)
- 20 are HMOs (you generally use the plan's network) and 23 are PPOs (which also pay out-of-network doctors, usually at a higher cost to you).
- 10 plans have no Part D drug coverage. Those suit people who get drug coverage elsewhere, such as from the VA; otherwise you could owe a late-enrollment penalty for going without it.
- Special needs plans here: 19 for people with both Medicare and NC Medicaid; 7 for people with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure. You can join one only if you qualify.
- Avery County ranks 26th of North Carolina's 100 counties for plans open to everyone. In the Western North Carolina region (25 counties), the count runs from 28 to 49.
- At least 2,290 people in Avery County were in a Medicare Advantage plan in October 2026.
Licensed insurance agents for Avery County
These independent insurance agents are licensed in North Carolina and work with Benefits Life, the publisher of this site. When they enroll you in a plan, the agent and Benefits Life may be paid by the insurance company. Learn more.
See Medicare plans in Avery County
Enter your ZIP code to compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans available where you live.
You'll go to PlanMatchMedicare.com, a plan comparison site from Benefits Life, the publisher of this site. Only your ZIP code is sent.
Original Medicare and Medigap
If you'd rather keep any doctor who takes Medicare, Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a Part D plan works the same in every North Carolina county. Medigap in North Carolina.
Nearby counties
You can only join a Medicare Advantage plan sold in the county where you live.
| County | Plans open to everyone, 2027 | Special needs plans |
|---|---|---|
| Mitchell County | 38 | 31 |
| Watauga County | 30 | 20 |
| Caldwell County | 42 | 29 |
| Yancey County | 38 | 25 |
All 100 North Carolina counties.
2026 Medicare costs (the same in every county)
| Cost | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Part B premium | $202.90 a month (standard) |
| Part B deductible | $283 a year |
| Part A deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 a year |
Other places to get answers
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, or Medicare.gov.
- Social Security (signing up for Parts A and B, Extra Help): 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- NC Medicaid (NCDHHS: NC Medicaid, including the Medicare Savings Programs, called MQB in North Carolina; apply at your county Department of Social Services or online through ePASS): medicaid.ncdhhs.gov, NC Medicaid Contact Center 1-888-245-0179. NC Medicaid and Medicare.
- NC Division of Aging (NCDHHS: your area agency on aging, in-home help and caregiver support): ncdhhs.gov/divisions/aging.
- NC Department of Insurance (complaints about an insurance company or agent): file a complaint online.
- More North Carolina contacts, from appeals to fraud reporting: North Carolina Medicare contacts.
Questions about Medicare in Avery County
How many Medicare Advantage plans are there in Avery County for 2027?
CMS lists 43 open to everyone with Medicare (49 in 2026), plus 26 special needs plans for people who qualify. You still pay your Part B premium.
When can I change my Medicare plan in Avery County?
Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, for coverage starting January 1. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare once between January 1 and March 31. If your plan leaves your county, you get a Special Enrollment Period.
How do I find a licensed insurance agent in Avery County?
Use the agent search on this page, pick one agent and request a call, to compare plans with a licensed insurance agent at no cost to you. Agents listed here are licensed in North Carolina.
Sources
Plans open to everyone are Medicare Advantage plans with or without drug coverage, not special needs plans. Enrollment counts HMO and PPO plans; CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer, so real numbers are a little higher.