California vs North Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | California (CA) | North Carolina (NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $10,208 | $13,698 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 7,080,750 | 2,179,006 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 9,524,332 | 2,938,675 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $78/mo | $44/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $132/mo | $285/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 7.9% | 5.6% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | California | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kidney Transplant | $143,424 | $109,900 | +$33,524 |
| Liver Transplant | $135,205 | $211,982 | $-76,777 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $89,317 | $78,554 | +$10,763 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $81,579 | $66,726 | +$14,852 |
| Spinal Fusion | $56,527 | $37,530 | +$18,997 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $39,016 | $43,404 | $-4,388 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $37,120 | $46,434 | $-9,313 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $32,614 | $35,584 | $-2,970 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, California or North Carolina?
North Carolina has higher Medicare spending at $13,698 per capita vs $10,208 in California.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
North Carolina has a lower uninsured rate of 5.6% compared to 7.9% in California.
Have both California and North Carolina expanded Medicaid?
California has expanded Medicaid. North Carolina has expanded Medicaid.