Medicare in Wilmington · New Hanover County, NC
2026 Medicare Advantage Plans in Wilmington, NC
New Hanover County offers 50 Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 across 6 carriers, with an average premium of $14.2/mo and 30 plans rated 4★ or higher by CMS.
By the numbers · New Hanover County
Quick facts for Wilmington, NC Medicare (2026)
Health profile · why coverage choice matters here
Chronic conditions among New Hanover County adults
Source: County Health Rankings & Roadmaps 2024 — New Hanover County.
Who covers you
Carriers in New Hanover County (2026)
- UnitedHealthcare — AARP MA HMO-POS — leads county enrollment in New Hanover County
- Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield — Blue Medicare Essential Plus (HMO-POS) — second by enrollment
- Aetna (CVS Health) — Medicare Value Plus HMO — strong HMO option
- Humana — PPO & HMO-POS options; broad NC network
- Wellcare by Centene — Low-premium HMO options
- Cigna Healthcare — Growing coastal NC presence; PPO and HMO plans
Where you get care
Hospitals & providers nearby
- Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center
Wilmington · CMS 3★ overall hospital rating
Confirm your doctors and pharmacy are in-network before you enroll — networks vary by plan and carrier.
Sources: CMS Hospital Compare · CMS Landscape (PY2026).
Choosing a Medicare plan in Wilmington, NC — what matters here
- Wilmington is the Cape Fear region's largest city — Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center is the primary acute-care hospital for the area. Confirm your chosen plan includes this facility before enrolling.
- New Hanover County offers 50 Medicare Advantage plans for 2026 at an average of $14.20/mo — one of the most competitive markets in eastern NC, driven by strong carrier competition in the Wilmington metro.
- Wilmington's growing retiree population has drawn national carriers to compete aggressively on benefits; many plans include dental, vision, and hearing at no extra premium.
- 24 Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are available in New Hanover County for dual-eligible or chronically ill beneficiaries — these plans often carry $0 premiums with enhanced chronic-condition management.
Resources
Medicare guides for Wilmington, NC
Wilmington, NC Medicare questions, answered
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Wilmington, NC?
For 2026, there are 50 Medicare Advantage plans available in Wilmington (New Hanover County), offered by 6 carriers including UnitedHealthcare, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aetna (CVS Health), and others. 30 of those plans carry a CMS star rating of 4★ or higher. Source: CMS PY2026 Landscape.
What is the average Medicare Advantage premium in Wilmington for 2026?
The average monthly Medicare Advantage premium in Wilmington, NC is $14.2 for 2026, with an average CMS star rating of 3.9★ across available plans. Premiums and benefits vary — compare your specific options at Medicare.gov or ask a licensed advisor.
Is there a cost for help choosing a Medicare plan in Wilmington?
No. Our guidance is free — licensed agents are paid by the insurance carriers, not by you. We compare the plans available in your ZIP code against your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. We do not offer every plan available in your area.
What hospital options are near Wilmington, NC?
Novant Health New Hanover Regional Medical Center in Wilmington is rated 3★ by CMS Hospital Compare. Before enrolling in any Medicare Advantage plan, confirm your hospital and doctors are in that plan's network.
Talk to a licensed Medicare advisor about Wilmington, NC plans
Free, no pressure. We do not offer every plan available in your area.