Best Medicare Advantage Plans in North Carolina (2025)

Aetna has the best overall Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina.

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Best Medicare Advantage in NC

Aetna has the best all-around Medicare Advantage plans in NC because of its good medical coverage, high ratings, low monthly costs and variety of plan types.

Alignment Health, Devoted Health and Health Team Advantage also have top Medicare Advantage plans in NC.

Compare the best NC Medicare Advantage plans

Company
Rating
Cost
Aetna Medicare Advantage logo
Aetna
$5
UnitedHealthcare/AARP Medicare Advantage logo
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
$53
Devoted Health logo
Devoted Health
$0
BlueCross BlueShield  logo
Blue Cross and Blue Shield
$17
Humana Medicare Advantage logo
Humana
$30
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The best Medicare Advantage plans in NC are selected using:

  • Editor ratings that consider medical coverage, plan quality, affordability and unique features
  • Star ratings on Medicare.gov which include information about medical care and customer satisfaction
  • Affordability in NC and if coverage is a good value
  • Plan options and availability

Rates only include Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage, which is what most people choose. Read our full methodology

Best overall Medicare Advantage in NC: Aetna

Editor rating
Medicare.gov rating in NC4.3 out of 5
Average monthly cost$5

Aetna has high-quality and affordable plans with great benefits.

Pros

  • Highly-rated plans

  • Good benefits for most people

  • Has $0 plans and cheap PPOs

Cons

  • Poor customer service

  • High medical costs if you need lots of care

  • High quality ratings: Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans have between 4 and 4.5 stars in NC, according to Medicare.gov. This shows plans are high quality, across the many metrics that Medicare considers.
  • Affordable and a good value: Aetna's plans are cheap, costing between $0 and $15 per month, while still providing a good set of medical benefits. Plus, its free plans are widely available in all counties where it operates.
  • Cheap PPOs for flexible medical care: Aetna's PPO plans cost an average of $2 per month, giving you flexible benefits for a cheap price. With a PPO plan, you'll have some coverage for any doctor or hospital, and you won't need to get a referral from your main doctor before seeing a specialist.
  • Good prescription drug benefits: Several of Aetna's plans have no prescription drug deductible, giving you the plan's full benefits right away. And common drugs can be affordable with low copays.
  • Lots of great perks and extras: Aetna's plans may include dental coverage for complex needs, hearing aid coverage, free fitness benefits through Silver Sneakers and more.
  • Available for most NC residents: Aetna's Medicare Advantage plans are offered everywhere in NC, except for five counties along the coast: Carteret, Craven, Dare, New Hanover and Onslow.
  • Coverage isn't the best if you know you need expensive medical care: The out-of-pocket maximum, which limits how much you'll pay for medical expenses in a year, is about average for Aetna's plans, versus the state average. If you know you'll need expensive medical care, such as if you have surgery planned, you could save money by choosing one of the many other options that have lower out-of-pocket maximums.
  • Customer service ratings are below average: Aetna's customer service in NC gets just three out of five stars, according to Medicare.gov's survey of customers. This is lower than the state average of 3.8 stars so you may have some frustrations when calling Aetna. If customer service is important to you, choose HealthTeam Advantage which has a perfect score of five stars.

5-Star Medicare Advantage in NC: Alignment Health

Alignment Health Plan
Medicare.gov rating in NC5 out of 5
Average monthly cost$3

Alignment Health's 5-star Medicare Advantage plans make it one of the best companies in the country.

Pros

  • Perfect score of 5 stars from Medicare.gov

  • Affordable rates

  • Excellent medical coverage

Cons

  • Smaller network of doctors

  • Only available in the Triangle, Triad and Western NC

  • Accounting and administrative issues found by the state

  • High-quality plans: Alignment Health's perfect score of 5 stars from Medicare.gov put it in the top 1% of all 2025 Medicare Advantage plans in the country that include prescription coverage.
  • Affordable plans with great benefits: Alignment's plans have low monthly costs, ranging from $0 to $10 per month, and typically low costs for doctor visits and common prescriptions. Plus, the most you'll pay for in-network medical care averages $3,433 per year which makes it the best company in NC for protecting you from high medical costs.
  • On-demand support for health needs: Alignment plans can help you navigate the complexities of medical care with its concierge service that can help with making medical appointments, explaining your benefits, scheduling transportation to appointments and other health-care-related tasks.
  • Lots of perks and extras: Plans can include many extras such as a flex allowance to use on specialist care such as dental and vision, an over-the-counter allowance to help pay for drug store items, telehealth, coverage for acupuncture, benefits for fitness, meals and transportation and bonus drug coverage such as generic Viagra or hair loss medication.
  • Limited availability: You can only get Alignment in 16 North Carolina counties . It's a smaller company that only operates in five states so it's not a good choice for someone who prefers large insurance companies.
  • Limited doctor network: Because Alignment is a smaller insurance company, its plans may not give you access to as many doctors as you could get with a larger insurance company. Before signing up, check that the plan will cover your usual doctors and nearby hospitals.
  • Problems with business operations: A 2024 report from the NC Department of Insurance found several compliance violations with how the company was run, including its accounting practices.

Choosing between Alignment Health's Medicare Advantage plan options

  • The best plan for extra perks is Alignment Health Platinum HMO POS plan costing $0 per month
  • The best plan for doctor flexibility is the Alignment Health AVA PPO plan which costs an average of $10 per month and gives you some coverage if you go to a doctor that's outside of Alignment's network.
  • The best plan for low monthly costs is the Alignment Health smartHMO plan which is a "giveback plan" that costs $0 per month and helps cover the cost of Medicare Part B which is usually deducted from your Social Security benefits.

Best cheap Medicare Advantage in NC: Devoted Health

Editor rating
Medicare.gov rating in NC4.5 out of 5
Average monthly cost$0

Devoted Health is one of the best Medicare Advantage companies in the country because of its high-rated plans that cost $0 per month.

Pros

  • Low cost plans can save you money

  • Helpful extras and perks

Cons

  • Basic coverage

  • Available in only about a third of NC

  • May have a smaller network of doctors

  • Low monthly costs: Devoted Health is good if you want a cheap plan that gives you basic coverage. Plans cost $0 per month, and some options help pay for the monthly cost of Medicare Part B, which are called "giveback plans." If you're healthy, these plans can be a good way to lower your monthly costs now to build emergency savings that can help you pay for future expenses.
  • Helpful perks and extras: Many plans include a monthly allowance you can spend on groceries, at the drugstore, or on utilities. You could also get benefits like hearing aid coverage, mental health care without needing a referral, a SilverSneakers gym membership and coverage for dental care and eyewear.
  • Not a good choice if you're managing an illness: Because of the plan's basic benefits, you could have high costs for medical care or prescriptions. Devoted Health plans have a high drug deductible of $590 so your prescriptions could be expensive before your plan's full benefits kick in. Plans may also have a high cap for medical expenses. So if you get very sick or need expensive health care, you could have to pay an average of $6,201 per year for in-network medical care before the plan starts paying all of your costs.
  • Limited availability: Devoted Health sells Medicare Advantage plans in 38 North Carolina counties including the areas of Charlotte, Raleigh, the Triad area and the western part of the state.
  • May have a smaller doctor network: Smaller insurance companies like Devoted Health usually have a smaller network of doctors, compared to large or established insurance companies. Check the Devoted Health Provider Directory to see if the plans will cover your usual doctors.

Best Medicare Advantage in Wilmington, NC: Health Team Advantage

HealthTeam Advantage
Medicare.gov rating in NC4.4 out of 5
Average monthly cost in Wilmington$0

HealthTeam Advantage has the best Medicare Advantage plans in Wilmington because it's highly rated and affordable.

Pros

  • High ratings from Medicare.gov

  • PPO plan for flexible coverage

  • Great customer satisfaction

Cons

  • Average prescription drug deductible

  • May have a smaller network of doctors

  • High ratings from Medicare.gov HealthTeam Advantage gets 4.4 out of five stars overall in NC from Medicare.gov.
  • High customer satisfaction HealthTeam Advantage customers in NC gave their plans a perfect score of five out of five stars in Medicare.gov's customer survey questions. Customers say they're able to get the care they need, get appointments quickly, have high-quality medical care and are happy with the customer service.
  • Good value plans: The Vitality PPO plan has good medical benefits and lots of healthy extras, making it a very good value for $0 monthly cost. It had a $0 medical deductible, free visits to your primary doctor, coverage for emergency care when you're traveling abroad, coverage for dental and vision, free SilverSneakers fitness membership and an allowance for fitness and over-the-counter drug store purchases.
  • Not the best prescription drug deductible: HealthTeam Advantage's PPO plan has a $150 prescription deductible so you could have higher drug costs in the beginning of the year before the plan's full benefits kick in. The $150 deductible is lower than the statewide average of $337 across all plans and companies, but it's not as good as other plans that have a $0 prescription deductible.
  • May have a smaller doctor network: The rule of thumb is that a smaller insurance company will usually work with fewer doctors than a large insurance company. So before signing up for a HealthTeam Advantage plan, make sure it works with the doctors that you typically use.

HealthTeam Advantage is offered in 33 counties in NC so it's also a good choice in areas beyond Wilmington.

How much does Medicare Advantage cost in North Carolina?

In 2025, it costs an average of $24 per month for an NC Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.

  • Is it cheap? Rates in NC are slightly cheaper than the nationwide average of $28 per month. However, most people pay much less for a Medicare Advantage plan because of the many cheap plans that are available.
  • Can you get free plans? In North Carolina, $0 Medicare Advantage plans are available in every county. With these free plans, you won't have to pay anything extra on top of the cost of Original Medicare. And they often include extras such as dental care and vision.
  • Are there ways to lower your monthly bills? Most NC counties also have Medicare Advantage plans that will help pay for Original Medicare, called "Part B giveback plans." These plans are a great way to lower your monthly costs. However, the tradeoff is that the plans will cover less of your medical expenses.

How to sign up for Medicare in North Carolina

  1. Determine if you're eligible: Medicare eligibility in North Carolina is the same as in the rest of the country. You're eligible for Medicare when you turn 65 or if you qualify through a disability.
  2. Apply for Original Medicare: Initial enrollment starts by applying for Medicare benefits through the Social Security Administration. This process will confirm your eligibility, after which you'll receive your Medicare card.
  3. Choose your plan: Whether you choose to bundle your coverage with Medicare Advantage or you want to add on coverage on top of Original Medicare, the next step is to choose from the plans offered by private insurance companies operating in North Carolina.
  4. Compare costs: Remember that comparing your total costs for the year can help you find the best deal for your current medical needs. Medicare Advantage plans have open enrollment every year from Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, allowing you to change your coverage each year.
  5. Use local resources: In North Carolina, the Seniorsʼ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) offers free, independent Medicare counseling to answer your questions and help you navigate the Medicare enrollment process.

Frequently asked questions

How much does Medicare Part B cost in North Carolina?

Medicare Part B usually costs $185 per month in 2025. That's true in North Carolina and everywhere else. If you have a low income, you can pay less for Medicare Part B if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program. You'll pay a higher rate for Part B if you earn more than $106,000 per year as an individual or more than $212,000 as a couple.

Does Medicare cover dental in North Carolina?

Nearly all Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina cover routine dental care such as cleanings and X-rays. Several plans also cover advanced services such as extractions, periodontics and dentures, but there are usually limits on how much the plan will pay.

What are the qualifications for Medicare in NC?

You'll qualify for Medicare when you turn 65 or if you have certain illnesses, such as kidney failure.

Is Medicare Advantage popular in North Carolina?

Yes, Medicare Advantage is popular in North Carolina. About 58% of people eligible for Medicare in NC get their benefits through a Medicare Advantage plan.


Methodology and sources

The cost and ratings for Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina is based on Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) public use files.

Information is based on 2025 Medicare Advantage plans that include prescription drug coverage. Averages exclude employer group plans, Medicare-Medicaid Plans (MMPs), Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans, Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE) plans, prepayment plans (HCPPs), sanctioned plans and Special Needs Plans (SNPs).

The top companies are selected based on a range of factors including ratings, plan benefits, affordability and unique features.

Additional sources include KFF and the NC Department of Insurance.

ValuePenguin.com is owned and operated by LendingTree, LLC ("LendingTree"). All rights reserved.

Invitations for application for insurance may be made through QW Insurance Solutions, LLC ("QWIS"), a separate subsidiary of QuoteWizard, LLC ("QuoteWizard"), a LendingTree subsidiary, or through its designated agents, only where licensed and appointed. QWIS is a non-government licensed health insurance agency and is not affiliated with or endorsed by any government agency. Find licensing information for QWIS.

Callers will be directed to a licensed and certified representative of Medicare Supplement insurance and/or Medicare Advantage HMO, HMO SNP, PPO, PPO SNP and PFFS organizations. Calls will be routed to a licensed insurance agent who can provide you with further information about the insurance plans offered by one or more nationally recognized insurance companies. Each of the organizations they represent has a Medicare contract. Enrollment in any plan depends on contract renewal.

Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location and may be limited to certain times of the year, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 73 organizations that offer 5,110 products in your area. Contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Program (SHIP), to get information on all of your options.

These numbers provided are not specific to your area, but rather represent the number of organizations and the number of products available on a national basis. We will connect you with licensed insurance agents who can provide information about the number of organizations they represent and the number of products they offer in your service area. Not all plans offer all of these benefits. Benefits may vary by carrier and location. Limitations and exclusions may apply.

Medicare has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information contained on this website.

Medicare supplement insurance is available to people age 65 or older enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B, and in some states to those under age 65 eligible for Medicare due to disability or end stage renal disease.

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits are offered by these carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, Anthem Blue Cross, Aspire Health Plan, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Premera Blue Cross, Medica Central Health Plan, SCAN Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare, Wellcare and WellPoint.

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