North Carolina vs Washington: Medicare Costs (2026)
Side-by-side comparison of Medicare spending, premiums, and healthcare coverage.
| Metric | North Carolina (NC) | Washington (WA) |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Spending/Capita | $13,698 | $9,870 |
| Medicare Enrollees | 2,179,006 | 1,357,208 |
| Medicaid Enrollees | 2,938,675 | 1,842,945 |
| Part B Premium | $185/mo | $185/mo |
| Part D Premium (Avg) | $44/mo | $33/mo |
| Medigap Premium (Avg) | $285/mo | $129/mo |
| Medicaid Expansion | Yes | Yes |
| Uninsured Rate | 5.6% | 3.0% |
Top Procedure Costs
| Procedure | North Carolina | Washington | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Liver Transplant | $211,982 | $145,003 | +$66,980 |
| Kidney Transplant | $109,900 | $148,949 | $-39,050 |
| Heart Valve Replacement | $78,554 | $77,017 | +$1,537 |
| Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) | $66,726 | $88,119 | $-21,393 |
| Defibrillator Implantation (ICD) | $46,434 | $40,951 | +$5,483 |
| Total Knee Replacement | $43,404 | $40,403 | +$3,000 |
| Spinal Fusion | $37,530 | $37,681 | $-151 |
| Total Hip Replacement | $35,584 | $26,825 | +$8,759 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which state has higher Medicare spending, North Carolina or Washington?
North Carolina has higher Medicare spending at $13,698 per capita vs $9,870 in Washington.
Which state has a lower uninsured rate?
Washington has a lower uninsured rate of 3.0% compared to 5.6% in North Carolina.
Have both North Carolina and Washington expanded Medicaid?
North Carolina has expanded Medicaid. Washington has expanded Medicaid.