North Carolina vs Tennessee: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | North Carolina (NC) | Tennessee (TN) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $13,698 | $9,015 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,179,006 | 1,829,448 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,938,675 | 2,472,597 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $44/mo | $53/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $285/mo | $238/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | No |
| Uninsured Rate | 5.6% | 3.2% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | North Carolina | Tennessee | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $211,982 | $180,336 | +$31,646 |
| Kidney Transplant | $109,900 | $100,118 | +$9,782 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $78,554 | $97,052 | $-18,498 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $66,726 | $67,341 | $-615 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $46,434 | $48,824 | $-2,390 |
| Spinal Fusion | $37,530 | $62,210 | $-24,679 |
| Pacemaker Implantation | $36,262 | $35,506 | +$756 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,584 | $36,962 | $-1,379 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, North Carolina or Tennessee?
North Carolina has higher Medicare spending at $13,698 per capita vs $9,015 in Tennessee.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Tennessee has a lower uninsured rate of 3.2% compared to 5.6% in North Carolina.
Have both North Carolina and Tennessee expanded Medicaid?
North Carolina has expanded Medicaid. Tennessee has not expanded Medicaid.