Mitchell County, North Carolina: health insurance
What Mitchell County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Mitchell County at a glance
| State | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 14,999 |
| Population rank in North Carolina | 87 of 100 |
| Land area | 221 square miles |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Mitchell County for 2027
20 Medicare plans from 6 companies are listed in Mitchell County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 431 people enrolled in the plans below today.
- HealthSpring Extra Rx (PDP) (S5617-358, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
- HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) (S5617-217, Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC))
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| UHC Dual Complete NC-S3 (HMO-POS D-SNP) H5253-184 | UnitedHealthcare | 148 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NC-0008 (HMO-POS) H5253-079 | UnitedHealthcare | 109 |
| UHC Dual Complete NC-D001 (HMO-POS D-SNP) H5253-041 | UnitedHealthcare | 100 |
| Alignment Health Platinum (HMO) H5296-003 | Alignment Healthcare USA | 34 |
| HumanaChoice H5525-083 (PPO) H5525-083 | Humana | 15 |
| HealthSpring Preferred (HMO) H9725-009 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 13 |
| HumanaChoice H5525-050 (PPO) H5525-050 | Humana | 12 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Access from UHC NC-23 (PPO) H2001-084 | UnitedHealthcare | 10 or fewer |
| HealthSpring Courage (HMO) H9725-005 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
| HealthSpring Preferred Plus (HMO) H9725-017 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
| HealthSpring Preferred Savings (HMO) H9725-015 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
| HealthSpring TotalCare (HMO D-SNP) H9725-003 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
Show 6 more plans
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| HealthSpring TotalCare Plus (HMO D-SNP) H9725-013 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
| HealthSpring True Choice (PPO) H7849-113 | Cigna HealthSpring (HCSC) | 10 or fewer |
| Provider Partners North Carolina Community Plan (HMO I-SNP) H4439-002 | Rifkin Managed Care Holding | 10 or fewer |
| Provider Partners North Carolina Essential Plan (HMO I-SNP) H4439-003 | Rifkin Managed Care Holding | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Dual Access (HMO-POS D-SNP) H4073-002 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
| Wellcare Giveback Open (PPO) H1914-010 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 10 or fewer |
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Is your plan on this list? Call 855-367-1095 and we will look at what is available where you live, with no obligation to enroll.
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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace); enter your Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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 Mitchell County, so check by county.
Where do Mitchell 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.
Mitchell 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.