Kentucky vs North Carolina: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | Kentucky (KY) | North Carolina (NC) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $14,424 | $13,698 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 1,859,991 | 2,179,006 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,513,322 | 2,938,675 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $41/mo | $44/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $243/mo | $285/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 4.9% | 5.6% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | Kentucky | North Carolina | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $170,556 | $211,982 | $-41,426 |
| Kidney Transplant | $113,220 | $109,900 | +$3,320 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $69,586 | $66,726 | +$2,860 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $69,356 | $78,554 | $-9,198 |
| Spinal Fusion | $62,020 | $37,530 | +$24,490 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,405 | $36,262 | +$143 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $34,879 | $46,434 | $-11,555 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $33,172 | $35,584 | $-2,411 |
| Sepsis Treatment | $29,709 | $27,224 | +$2,484 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, Kentucky or North Carolina?
Kentucky has higher Medicare spending at $14,424 per capita vs $13,698 in North Carolina.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Kentucky has a lower uninsured rate of 4.9% compared to 5.6% in North Carolina.
Have both Kentucky and North Carolina expanded Medicaid?
Kentucky has expanded Medicaid. North Carolina has expanded Medicaid.