Rutherford County, North Carolina: health insurance
What Rutherford County residents should know about Medicare, marketplace plans and Medicaid.
Rutherford County at a glance
| State | North Carolina |
|---|---|
| Population (2023 est.) | 65,507 |
| Population rank in North Carolina | 44 of 100 |
| Land area | 565 square miles |
Source: U.S. Census Bureau (Population Estimates 2023; Gazetteer 2023).
Medicare plans leaving Rutherford County for 2027
15 Medicare plans from 5 companies are listed in Rutherford County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 2,122 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 | 591 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) H5521-236 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 440 |
| UHC Dual Complete NC-D001 (HMO-POS D-SNP) H5253-041 | UnitedHealthcare | 352 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC NC-0008 (HMO-POS) H5253-079 | UnitedHealthcare | 280 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature Giveback (PPO) H5521-348 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 156 |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus (HMO) H3146-006 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 143 |
| Aetna Medicare Dual (HMO D-SNP) H3146-002 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 45 |
| Wellcare Giveback Open (PPO) H1914-010 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 35 |
| Wellcare Dual Access (HMO-POS D-SNP) H4073-002 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 26 |
| HumanaChoice H5525-050 (PPO) H5525-050 | Humana | 15 |
| Aetna Medicare Eagle Giveback (PPO) H5521-241 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 14 |
| HumanaChoice H5525-083 (PPO) H5525-083 | Humana | 14 |
Show 1 more plan
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| AARP Medicare Advantage Access from UHC NC-23 (PPO) H2001-084 | UnitedHealthcare | 11 |
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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County specifically.
- Marketplace plans: shop through HealthCare.gov (federal Marketplace); enter your Rutherford 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 Rutherford 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 Rutherford County, so check by county.
Where do Rutherford 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.
Rutherford 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.