Iowa vs North Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Iowa (IA) | North Carolina (NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $13,800 | $13,698 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,156,223 | 2,179,006 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 1,574,965 | 2,938,675 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $61/mo | $44/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $318/mo | $285/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 3.4% | 5.6% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Iowa | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $191,947 | $211,982 | $-20,035 |
| Kidney Transplant | $133,788 | $109,900 | +$23,889 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $89,507 | $66,726 | +$22,781 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $76,405 | $78,554 | $-2,149 |
| Spinal Fusion | $52,101 | $37,530 | +$14,571 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $43,539 | $46,434 | $-2,895 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $37,683 | $43,404 | $-5,721 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,332 | $36,262 | +$70 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Iowa or North Carolina?
Iowa has higher Medicare spending at $13,800 per capita vs $13,698 in North Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Iowa has a lower uninsured rate of 3.4% compared to 5.6% in North Carolina.
Have both Iowa and North Carolina expanded Medicaid?
Iowa has expanded Medicaid. North Carolina has expanded Medicaid.