Graham County Medicare at a glance
| Graham County | North Carolina | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents age 65 and older | 2,046 | 1,908,489 statewide |
| Share of residents age 65+ | 25.4% | 17.6% statewide |
| People with Medicare | 2,282 | 2,336,840 statewide |
| Enrolled in Medicare Advantage | 1,329 | 1,353,169 statewide |
| Medicare Advantage share | 58.2% | 57.9% statewide |
Data: U.S. Census Bureau (2023 population estimates); CMS, September 2026. Medicare Advantage share is enrollees divided by people with Medicare.
With roughly 2,046 residents age 65 and older, Graham County is 97th among 100 North Carolina counties for older residents. That group is 25.4% of its population, compared with 17.6% across North Carolina. About 585 more people are 60 to 64 and are heading toward Medicare; our turning 65 guide explains their first steps. By age, the 65-and-older group splits 55% ages 65 to 74, 33% ages 75 to 84 and 12% age 85 and up (Census 2023). CMS data show 58.2% of Graham County residents with Medicare chose Medicare Advantage, which is close to the 57.9% average across North Carolina. A county average does not tell you which kind of plan fits you. Whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan is the better fit depends on your doctors, your prescriptions and how you want to handle costs, so we compare both for your ZIP code.
Who has Medicare in Graham County
Graham County is a rural county; the U.S. Department of Agriculture describes it as: urban population of fewer than 5,000, not adjacent to a metro area. Rural counties tend to have fewer local hospitals and doctors, so a plan’s network and the distance to care matter a great deal.
CMS counts 2,413 Medicare beneficiaries in Graham County (2023). Their average age is 73, about the same as the North Carolina average of 73. About 21% are “dual eligible,” meaning they have both Medicare and Medicaid, higher than the state figure of 13%. Where many people have both, special plans for dual-eligible members can matter; see our Medicaid and dual eligible guide, since availability varies by plan and area.
Among people in Original Medicare in Graham County, CMS reported about 599 emergency room visits and 202 inpatient hospital stays per 1,000 beneficiaries in 2023, which is close to the state average for emergency visits (572) and close to it for hospital stays (210). About 7% received home health care. These figures describe how people use care under Original Medicare; they do not show what any plan covers or costs.
Sources: CMS Medicare Geographic Variation, 2023; USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, 2023.
Where you live decides which Medicare Advantage and Part D plans you can join, and Graham County may have a different set of plans than the counties around it. We are not based in Graham County; we help Graham County residents by phone or video call.
Hospitals and doctors near Graham County
CMS Hospital General Information lists no acute care, critical access or children’s hospital located inside Graham County. Residents often use hospitals in neighboring counties, which matters for Medicare Advantage because a plan’s network may include or leave out the hospital you use. We check your hospitals and doctors before you enroll.
Graham County: communities and ZIP codes
The largest communities in Graham County by 2023 Census population estimates are Robbinsville (563), Lake Santeetlah (41), Fontana Dam (11). Each figure counts only the people living inside the county.
Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas mostly within Graham County number 3: 28702, 28733, 28771. Your exact ZIP code is what decides which plans you can join.
Questions about Medicare in Graham County?
Reach out to us: fill out our short form or call (571) 354-0146, and a licensed agent will compare the plans available to you, check your doctors and drugs, and stay with you each year at renewal. For general Medicare information, the federal helpline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare resources from official sources
- Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, searchable by ZIP code.
- HealthCare.gov if you are not yet on Medicare.
- Medicare Care Compare for hospitals and doctors.
- Social Security: Medicare to enroll or check status.
- North Carolina Department of Insurance: North Carolina’s insurance regulator, including agent license lookup.
Coverage we offer Graham County residents
Here is what we can help Graham County residents with, drawing on plans from many insurers: ICHRA, group health insurance, life insurance, final expense insurance, annuities, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D drug plans and ACA health insurance.
Get a clear answer for Graham County
A short call is enough to compare your options. Our help is free to you.
Get my plan comparisonMedicare guides for Graham County residents
- Do you really need a Medicare agent?
- Medicare 101 for families
- Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: how to choose
- Can I change my Medicare plan after December 7?
Graham County compared with similar North Carolina counties
| County | Residents 65+ | Medicare Advantage share | Dual eligible share | Area type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jones County | 2,309 | 61.4% | 17% | Rural |
| Swain County | 2,795 | 43.7% | 17% | Rural |
| Hyde County | 1,188 | 53.5% | 16% | Rural |
| Washington County | 3,088 | 55.8% | 16% | Rural |
| Tyrrell County | 858 | 48.5% | 25% | Rural |
| Alleghany County | 3,301 | 57.5% | 13% | Rural |
See every North Carolina county in our North Carolina directory or go to our North Carolina Medicare hub.