Alignment Health Plan
Avg Star Rating
4.5 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Compare & Enroll — Part C & Part D
Compare & Enroll in Medicare Plans in Orange County, NC
With 81 Medicare Advantage options from 11 insurers, Orange County, NC has significantly more plan choices than the national average, suggesting a highly competitive market where insurers often lower premiums to attract members. Approximately 93% of local MA plans charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium, reflecting strong price competition. The 8 hospitals within 25.0 miles provide reasonable inpatient access for most plan networks. We've organized the CMS data below to help you cross-reference plan costs, quality ratings, and local provider access. Compare plans below, and when you're ready, enroll directly at Medicare.gov.
📊 Direct from CMS
🚫 No agents or commissions
✓ Just the data, no sales pitch
Compare Plans at Medicare.gov →
Data freshness: CMS data as of February 2026 •
ACS data as of 2023 •
Reviewed & approved on 2026-02-16
Reviewed by: Wes Ward, Founder & Data Lead •
View our methodology
Important: We are not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency. This site displays publicly available CMS data to help you compare plans. We do not sell insurance or represent any insurance company. For official enrollment and complete plan information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Important: Plan availability, benefits, and CMS Star Ratings shown here come directly from CMS public files. Plan details can change—always verify with the insurer and at Medicare.gov.
Part C Plans
81
Part D Plans
12
Top MA Star
4.5
Top Drug Star
3.5
Medicare Eligibility in Orange County, NC
Approximately 24,492 residents (15.6% of the population) in Orange County, NC are 65 or older and likely Medicare-eligible. Whether you're approaching 65, already enrolled, or a caregiver comparing options, the plan data below is organized to help you evaluate Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug) coverage side by side.
The median household income in Orange County, NC is $101,751 (35.4% above the National Average), which may affect eligibility for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare through private insurers who bundle hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into a single plan. Orange County, NC's 81 Medicare Advantage plans are a mix leaning toward HMO networks (49 HMO, 32 PPO). 75 plans offer $0 monthly premiums. The average local star rating is 3.9 out of 5, with the top plan earning 4.5 ★.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Orange County, NC
We organize CMS plan data into separate leaderboards so you can compare based on what matters most to you. Part C premiums in Orange County, NC range from $0 to $102/month. Among rated plans, 51 plans rated 4+ stars, including 6 with perfect 5-star ratings.
Highest CMS Star Ratings
Star Ratings are assigned by CMS based on quality measures including customer service, preventive care, and managing chronic conditions.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) | Aetna Medicare | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Blue Medicare Essential Plus (HMO-POS) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO-POS | Enroll |
| Blue Medicare Ppo Enhanced (PPO) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina | 4.5 ★ | $22.60/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Alignment Health Platinum (HMO) | Alignment Health Plan | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO | Enroll |
| Alignment Health Smarthmo (HMO) | Alignment Health Plan | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums can save money, but check total costs including deductibles, copays, and MOOP.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | MOOP | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) | Aetna Medicare | $0.00/mo | $5,900 | 4.5 ★ |
| Blue Medicare Essential Plus (HMO-POS) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina | $0.00/mo | $5,400 | 4.5 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage From Uhc Nc-0015 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $4,200 | 4.0 ★ |
| Uhc Dual Complete Nc-S3 (HMO-POS D-SNP) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $9,250 | 4.0 ★ |
| Humana Gold Plus H1036-335 (HMO-POS) | Humana | $0.00/mo | $3,950 | 4.0 ★ |
Lowest Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)
MOOP caps your financial risk. Once you hit this limit, the plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
| Plan Name | Insurer | MOOP (In-Network) | Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Access From Uhc Nc-23 (PPO) | Unitedhealthcare | $3,000 | $102.00/mo | 4.5 ★ |
| Healthspring Preferred Select (HMO) | Healthspring | $3,200 | $0.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
| Healthspring Preferred Plus (HMO) | Healthspring | $3,300 | $0.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
| Alignment Health Smarthmo (HMO) | Alignment Health Plan | $3,400 | $0.00/mo | 4.5 ★ |
| Alignment Health Heart & Diabetes Care (HMO C-SNP) | Alignment Health Plan | $3,400 | $0.00/mo | 4.5 ★ |
Plan Type Mix in Orange County, NC
HMO plans require referrals and in-network care. PPO plans offer more flexibility. SNP (Special Needs Plans) serve specific populations. MAPD plans include drug coverage.
| Plan Type | Count | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPO | 25 | 30.9% | No referrals; in and out-of-network |
| HMO | 14 | 17.3% | Requires referrals; in-network only |
| HMO-POS | 12 | 14.8% | HMO with some out-of-network options |
| HMO D-SNP | 9 | 11.1% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO-POS D-SNP | 8 | 9.9% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| PPO D-SNP | 4 | 4.9% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| Regional PPO | 3 | 3.7% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO C-SNP | 3 | 3.7% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO-POS C-SNP | 2 | 2.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO I-SNP | 1 | 1.2% | Medicare Advantage plan |
Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan
The best Part C plan depends on your doctors, medications, and budget. Key factors to evaluate:
- Provider network: Verify your doctors and hospitals near Orange County, NC are in-network before enrolling
- Total cost: A $0 premium may have higher copays—calculate your annual cost
- Star Ratings: 4+ stars indicate above-average quality and member satisfaction
Read our full guide on choosing Medicare Advantage → · Print our enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary: HMO, PPO, MOOP & more →
Medicare Advantage Insurers in Orange County, NC
11 insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans in Orange County, NC. Below, we group plans by insurer so you can compare options from each company. More insurers generally means more competition and better benefits for consumers.
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina
Avg Star Rating
4.4 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
4.2 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
4.0 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Healthteam Advantage
Avg Star Rating
4.0 ★
Experience Health
Avg Star Rating
4.0 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Healthspring
Avg Star Rating
3.9 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.7 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Wellcare
Avg Star Rating
3.2 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Troy Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Liberty Medicare Advantage
Avg Star Rating
N/A
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Part D: Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Part D covers prescription drugs through standalone plans for those on Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage bundle. Among the 12 standalone Part D plans in Orange County, NC, some offer $0 annual deductibles while others charge up to the 2026 maximum of $590. 2 plans are at or below the regional premium benchmark, making them eligible for Low Income Subsidy auto-enrollment. The 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap means drug costs are now more predictable regardless of which plan you choose, but formulary coverage still varies significantly—always verify your medications are covered before enrolling.
Part D Formulary Notice: Each Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs). The same medication may be on different tiers—or not covered at all—depending on the plan. Always check that your specific medications are covered before enrolling.
2026 Out-of-Pocket Cap: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, your total out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year in 2026. Once you reach this limit, you pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. This eliminates the old "donut hole" coverage gap that previously caused higher costs.
Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help): If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help paying Part D costs. Visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Top Part D Drug Plans in Orange County, NC
We organize Part D plans by CMS Star Ratings, premiums, and deductibles so you can find the best fit for your prescription needs. Part D premiums in Orange County, NC range from $4 to $163/month. Remember: all Part D plans now cap your annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Highest CMS Star Ratings (Part D)
Part D Star Ratings measure drug pricing, customer service, member complaints, and pharmacy access.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $3.60/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $4.70/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | 3.0 ★ | $6.80/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Silverscript Choice (PDP) | Aetna Medicare | 3.0 ★ | $90.20/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced (PDP) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina | 3.0 ★ | $163.20/mo | $0 | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums help with monthly cash flow, but check drug tier costs and the deductible.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | Drug Deductible | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | $3.60/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | $4.70/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $6.80/mo | $615 | 3.0 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $32.00/mo | $601 | 3.0 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Rx Saver From Uhc (PDP) | Unitedhealthcare | $56.90/mo | $615 | 2.0 ★ |
Lowest Annual Drug Deductible
The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before the plan starts covering drug costs. The 2026 maximum Part D deductible is $590. Many plans offer $0 deductible options.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Drug Deductible | Monthly Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Premier Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $0 | $110.90/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Blue Medicare Rx Enhanced (PDP) | Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina | $0 | $163.20/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Rx Preferred From Uhc (PDP) | Unitedhealthcare | $130 | $119.80/mo | 2.0 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $601 | $32.00/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | $615 | $3.60/mo | 3.5 ★ |
Understanding drug tiers: Part D plans organize medications into 5 cost tiers — Tier 1 (Preferred Generic) is cheapest; Tier 5 (Specialty) is most expensive. Two plans with the same premium can have very different costs for your drugs depending on tier placement. Learn more about drug tiers →
Choosing the Right Part D Drug Plan
The right Part D plan depends on your specific medications. Key factors to evaluate:
- Formulary: Verify your drugs are covered before enrolling
- Preferred pharmacies: Lower copays at certain locations—check your pharmacy is in-network
- Total annual cost: Premium + deductible + copays for your drugs
Read our full guide on choosing Part D →
What is a formulary? See our Medicare Glossary →
Part D Drug Plan Insurers in Orange County, NC
6 insurance companies offer standalone Part D drug plans in Orange County, NC. Below, we group plans by insurer.
Wellcare
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of North Carolina
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Plan
Premium
Deductible
Stars
Type
Healthspring
Avg Star Rating
2.5 ★
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
2.0 ★
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Ready to Enroll in Orange County, NC?
Compare plans side-by-side at Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare specialist.
📋 Print our Medicare Enrollment Checklist — gather your info before you compare.
📅 Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · 🩺 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Medicare.gov is the official U.S. government site for Medicare. Available 24/7.
Pharmacy Access in Orange County, NC
Part D plans have preferred pharmacy networks where you'll pay lower copays. Here's a look at pharmacy options in and around Orange County, NC.
Total Pharmacies
14
within 5.0 miles
Chain Pharmacies
8
CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Independent Pharmacies
6
locally owned
| Pharmacy | Address & Phone | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| HARRIS TEETER, LLC | 1800 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD CHAPEL HILL, NC 275147415 919-996-1293 | 1.6 mi | Chain |
| WALGREEN CO | 1670 MARTIN LUTHER KING JR BLVD CHAPEL HILL, NC 275141602 919-959-4800 | 1.8 mi | Chain |
| EDC DRUG STORES | 1129 WEAVER DAIRY ROAD CHAPEL HILL, NC 275141541 919-992-0174 | 2.0 mi | Independent |
| UNIVERSITY OF NORTH CAROLINA HOSPITALS AT CHAPEL HILL | 430 WATERSTONE DR HILLSBOROUGH, NC 272789078 984-421-2063 | 4.0 mi | Independent |
| WALGREEN CO | 1500 E FRANKLIN ST CHAPEL HILL, NC 275142884 919-991-4392 | 4.4 mi | Chain |
| WALGREEN CO | 1800 E FRANKLIN ST CHAPEL HILL, NC 27514 919-992-1178 | 4.5 mi | Chain |
| PIEDMONT HEALTH SERVICES, INC | 301 LLOYD ST CARRBORO, NC 275101823 919-953-0097 | 4.7 mi | Independent |
| NORTH CAROLINA CVS PHARMACY LLC | 200 N GREENSBORO ST CARRBORO, NC 275101833 919-992-2181 | 4.8 mi | Chain |
| SUTTON'S DRUG STORE INC. | 159 E FRANKLIN ST CHAPEL HILL, NC 275143620 919-994-5161 | 4.8 mi | Independent |
| 501 PHARMACY LLC | 69 KNOX WAY STE 110 CHAPEL HILL, NC 275166619 984-499-0501 | 4.9 mi | Independent |
Pharmacy data from CMS. Network participation varies by plan—always verify with your specific Part D plan.
Local Healthcare Access in Orange County, NC
Before choosing a plan, consider the healthcare infrastructure in Orange County, NC. Medicare Advantage plans restrict you to in-network hospitals, so understanding local hospital quality helps you pick the right plan — not just the cheapest one.
Note: The facilities below do not indicate which providers are in-network for any specific plan. Always verify network status with your plan before enrolling.
Hospitals Nearby
8
within 25.0 miles
Top-Rated Hospitals near Orange County, NC
If hospital access matters to your plan choice, check quality ratings before you enroll. These are the highest CMS-rated hospitals near Orange County, NC — click a hospital name to see its full profile and verify it's in your plan's network.
| Hospital | CMS Rating | Distance | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Unc Hospitals | 5 ★ | 5.5 mi | 724 |
| Duke University Hospital | 5 ★ | 8.3 mi | 1,019 |
| Wakemed, Cary Hospital | 5 ★ | 21.4 mi | 156 |
| Rex Hospital | 5 ★ | 24.0 mi | 425 |
| Duke Regional Hospital | 4 ★ | 10.9 mi | 391 |
| Wakemed, Raleigh Campus | 4 ★ | 30.8 mi | 678 |
| Alamance Regional Medical Center | 2 ★ | 24.1 mi | 238 |
| North Carolina Specialty Hospital | Not Rated | 11.2 mi | 24 |
| Central Regional Hospital | Not Rated | 21.0 mi | 466 |
| Holly Hill Mental Health Services | Not Rated | 31.0 mi | 168 |
View all 8 hospitals near Orange County, NC to check quality before you enroll →
Hospital data from CMS Hospital Compare and Provider of Services file. Distance calculated from center of Orange County, NC.
Telehealth in Orange County, NC: Is Your Internet Ready?
Many Medicare Advantage and some Part D plans now include telehealth benefits, making routine check-ins and prescription refills easier from home. But telehealth requires reliable internet—here's a look at connectivity in Orange County, NC. For official guidance on virtual visits, see Telehealth.HHS.gov from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Check Internet Providers at Your Address
Telehealth works best with reliable internet. Use this tool (provided free by ISP Reports) to see what's available at your address.
Opens ISP Reports in a new tab. This is not a paid relationship. Special thank you to ISP Reports for allowing free use of their address tool.
Internet Coverage in Orange County, NC
Fiber Available
79.6%
of households
Cable/DSL Available
92.6%
of households
Top Provider
Hotwire Communications
0.2% coverage
No Broadband
4.7%
of households
Internet coverage data from ISP Reports. View full internet report for Orange County, NC.
Medicare-Relevant Demographics in Orange County, NC
Understanding Orange County, NC's demographics helps contextualize why insurers offer the plans they do. Areas with more seniors and higher incomes tend to attract more insurer competition, while areas with higher Medicaid enrollment may have more Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) available.
Total Population
157,091
Population 65+
24,492
15.6% of total
Median Age
39
1.0 years older than the national average
Median Income
$101,751
35.4% above the National Average
On Medicare
19,986
12.7% of residents
On Medicaid
12,263
7.8% of residents
Uninsured
10,688
6.8% of residents
Social Security Recipients
39,360
25.1% of population
Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023). View full Orange County, NC demographics (BestNeighborhood.org).
Local Medicare FAQ: Orange County, NC
Common decision points based on Orange County, NC's specific plan market and local healthcare landscape.
How does Orange County, NC's Medicare Advantage market compare?
Orange County, NC has 81 Medicare Advantage plans from 11 insurers. This is significantly above the national average of approximately 57 plans per area, indicating a highly competitive local market. More competition typically means lower premiums and better supplemental benefits for beneficiaries. The local mix includes 49 HMO and 32 PPO plans. Plan availability updates annually during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
Should I choose an HMO or PPO Medicare Advantage plan in Orange County, NC?
With 8 hospitals within 25.0 miles, Orange County, NC has strong provider density. HMO plans (49 available) typically have lower premiums but require referrals and in-network care. PPO plans (32 available) offer more flexibility to see out-of-network providers at higher cost. In Orange County, NC, HMO plans dominate the market, which often means more competitive HMO pricing. Always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling in any plan.
What's the real cost of $0 premium plans in Orange County, NC?
75 plans (93% of available options) in Orange County, NC charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium. This high percentage reflects strong insurer competition in the area. However, $0 premium doesn't mean $0 cost. These plans may have higher copays, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums. In Orange County, NC, maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $3,000 to an average of $6,936. We recommend calculating your total expected annual cost (premium + copays + drug costs) rather than choosing based on premium alone.
How does the 2026 $2,000 drug cap affect Orange County, NC beneficiaries?
The Inflation Reduction Act capped annual out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000 starting in 2025, eliminating the old "donut hole" coverage gap. This applies to all 12 standalone Part D plans in Orange County, NC.
What this means locally:
- Cost predictability — No matter which of the 12 Part D plans you choose, your drug costs are capped at $2,000/year
- $0 deductible options — Some local plans offer $0 deductibles, meaning coverage starts immediately
- Low-income options — 2 plans meet the regional benchmark for Extra Help/LIS eligibility
While the out-of-pocket cap standardizes maximum costs, formulary coverage still varies significantly between plans. A drug that costs $5/month on one plan's formulary might cost $50 on another. Always check that your specific medications are covered and compare tier placement before enrolling.
See all Medicare FAQs in our complete guide → · Enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary · Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · Doctor Questions
About the Data & Editorial Team
Wes Ward
Founder & Data Lead
Wes Ward is the founder of InsuranceDataNow.org and reviews all content for data accuracy and methodology compliance.
With 25+ years in data analytics — including work with highly regulated genomic data at Ancestry.com — Wes brings enterprise-level rigor to consumer data tools. He is also a co-founder of BestNeighborhood.org, CrimeGrade.org, and ISPReports.org.
Role: Reviews and approves all content for data accuracy, source verification, and methodology compliance.
Transparency & Disclosures
InsuranceDataNow is an advertising-supported publisher based in South Jordan, Utah. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the U.S. government.
TPMO Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week) to get information on all of your options.
Sources
- CMS Medicare Plan Finder Data (Part C & D): cms.gov
- CMS Provider Directory: Hospital and pharmacy data from data.cms.gov
- American Community Survey: Demographic data from census.gov
- FCC Broadband Map: Internet availability data from broadbandmap.fcc.gov
- ISP Reports: Internet provider coverage for Orange County, NC from ispreports.org
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Official telehealth guidance from U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
- BestNeighborhood.org: Community demographic profiles for Orange County, NC from bestneighborhood.org
All data is sourced from official government databases and trusted third-party providers. Data is updated regularly—see page header for last refresh dates.