North Carolina vs South Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | North Carolina (NC) | South Carolina (SC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $13,698 | $8,280 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,179,006 | 1,204,024 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,938,675 | 1,638,699 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $44/mo | $72/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $285/mo | $293/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 5.6% | 7.5% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | North Carolina | South Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $211,982 | $131,604 | +$80,378 |
| Kidney Transplant | $109,900 | $139,006 | $-29,106 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $78,554 | $86,710 | $-8,156 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $66,726 | $91,404 | $-24,678 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $46,434 | $35,018 | +$11,416 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $43,404 | $38,898 | +$4,505 |
| Spinal Fusion | $37,530 | $56,319 | $-18,789 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,584 | $29,852 | +$5,731 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, North Carolina or South Carolina?
North Carolina has higher Medicare spending at $13,698 per capita vs $8,280 in South Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
North Carolina has a lower uninsured rate of 5.6% compared to 7.5% in South Carolina.
Have both North Carolina and South Carolina expanded Medicaid?
North Carolina has expanded Medicaid. South Carolina has not expanded Medicaid.