Durham County, North Carolina: health insurance
What Durham County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Durham County at a glance
| State | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 336,892 |
| Population rank in North Carolina | 6 of 100 |
| Land area | 288 square miles |
| Major cities | Durham |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Why your county matters for coverage
In North Carolina, the health plans you can choose depend on where you live. Medicare Advantage and Part D plans are offered by service area, usually county by county, and marketplace premiums and carriers are set by area as well. Living in Durham County means the options on this page apply to you, and plans in a neighboring county may differ.
- Medicare: SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) gives free, unbiased counseling at 855-408-1212. Ask which plans serve Durham County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace); enter your Durham County ZIP code to see what is offered.
- Medicaid: apply through NC Medicaid (NC Department of Health and Human Services).
North Carolina note: North Carolina began accepting Medicaid eligibility determinations from the federal Marketplace in February 2024, part of the state's continued rollout of Medicaid expansion -- an application that starts on HealthCare.gov can now route directly into NC Medicaid without a separate state application.
Questions about Durham County
Are the same Medicare plans offered everywhere in North Carolina?
No. Plans are offered by service area. A plan available in one county may not be offered in Durham County, so check by county.
Where do Durham County residents get free Medicare counseling?
SHIIP (Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) (855-408-1212) is North Carolina's free SHIP program.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. Calling is a conversation about your options, and you are never required to enroll.
Durham County residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Other large counties
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.