Wellcare by Centene Medicare Plans in North Carolina
Star Rating
3.5 out of 5
Source: CMS Medicare Star Ratings — verify current-year rating
Enrollment
2.1M+ members
National Rank
#4
Network Types
HMO, PPO
Wellcare by Centene Medicare plan availability in North Carolina varies by county, ZIP code, plan type, and contract year. Residents in areas such as Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville should verify the plans offered at their address before comparing benefits or costs.
Use Medicare Plan Compare and the carrier's current plan documents to confirm provider networks, formularies, premiums, cost sharing, benefits, and CMS Star Ratings for the specific Wellcare by Centene plan you are considering.
Wellcare by Centene in North Carolina: Key Takeaways
- Wellcare by Centene offers Medicare Advantage, D-SNP, and Part D options to North Carolina beneficiaries, with plan availability and pricing varying by county and ZIP code.
- Wellcare by Centene's Medicare Advantage plans carry an average CMS Star Rating of about 3.5 out of 5 — always confirm the current-year rating for the specific plan you are considering.
- Major North Carolina areas served include Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville; verify your doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling, since networks differ by plan.
- A licensed HealthPlan Connect advisor can compare Wellcare by Centene plans against other North Carolina carriers for free. HealthPlan Connect is a private Medicare advisory service, not a government agency.
The Bottom Line
Wellcare by Centene is a solid choice for North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries who want dual-eligible expertise with 3.5-star rated plans. Compare Wellcare by Centene options with other North Carolina carriers to find the best fit for your healthcare needs and budget.
Wellcare by Centene Pros and Cons
Pros
- Many $0 premium plan options
- Strong D-SNP plans for dual-eligibles
- Good rural area coverage
- Spendables card for OTC purchases
- Transportation benefits included
Cons
- Lower star ratings than some competitors
- Provider networks can be limited
- Customer service reviews are mixed
- Fewer PPO options available
Wellcare by Centene Plan Types in North Carolina
Wellcare by Centene offers multiple Medicare plan types to North Carolina residents, each designed for different healthcare needs and budgets:
Medicare Advantage (Part C): Wellcare by Centene's North Carolina Medicare Advantage plans combine hospital (Part A), medical (Part B), and usually prescription drug (Part D) coverage into one plan. Many Wellcare by Centene MA plans in North Carolina have $0 monthly premiums beyond the Part B premium, with benefits including dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
Part D Prescription Drug Plans: Wellcare by Centene's standalone Part D plans in North Carolina provide prescription drug coverage for those on Original Medicare. Plans vary in formulary coverage and preferred pharmacy networks.
Dual Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP): For North Carolina residents who qualify for both Medicare and NC Medicaid, Wellcare by Centene offers D-SNP plans with coordinated benefits and additional support services.
Wellcare by Centene Provider Networks in North Carolina
Wellcare by Centene's North Carolina Medicare Advantage plans use HMO and PPO networks. Network size and provider participation vary by plan and county.
In Charlotte and surrounding Mecklenburg County, provider participation is plan-specific and can change by contract year. Verify every doctor, hospital, and facility in the current plan directory before enrolling.
For beneficiaries in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, Durham, compare the exact network offered at your address. Rural areas of North Carolina may have fewer participating providers, so network breadth and any out-of-network benefits should be verified for the specific plan.
Use Wellcare by Centene's online provider directory at https://www.wellcare.com/find-a-provider to verify network participation for any North Carolina doctor or facility.
Wellcare by Centene North Carolina Plan Costs
Wellcare by Centene Medicare plan costs in North Carolina vary by plan type, county, ZIP code, and contract year. Verify the current plan documents or quote for the exact option you are considering.
Medicare Advantage Premiums: Some Medicare Advantage plans may have a $0 plan premium, but members still pay the Part B premium and applicable cost sharing. Verify the current premium for the exact Wellcare by Centene plan available at your address.
Out-of-Pocket Maximums: Medicare Advantage plans include an annual medical out-of-pocket limit. The amount is plan-specific and can change by contract year; verify the current Evidence of Coverage.
Medigap Premiums: Medigap premiums vary by insurer, location, plan letter, rating method, age or eligibility factors where permitted, tobacco status, discounts, and state rules. Compare current North Carolina quotes rather than relying on a statewide average.
Wellcare by Centene Star Ratings in North Carolina
CMS Star Ratings are contract-specific and updated regularly. Verify the current CMS Star Rating for the exact Wellcare by Centene plan and contract you are considering in North Carolina. Star Ratings measure quality across categories including:
- Staying healthy (screenings, tests, vaccines) - Managing chronic conditions - Member experience and satisfaction - Member complaints and access to care - Customer service quality
Do not infer the quality of a specific plan from a carrier-wide rating. Compare the current rating, network, formulary, benefits, and costs for the exact plan available at your address.
Wellcare by Centene Key Facts
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Wellcare by Centene a good Medicare plan in North Carolina?
Wellcare by Centene is a reputable Medicare insurers in North Carolina with 3.5-star ratings. Whether it's the best choice for you depends on your doctors, medications, and coverage preferences. Wellcare by Centene is known for dual-eligible expertise and low-income programs.
Does Wellcare by Centene Medicare cover my Charlotte doctors?
Wellcare by Centene's North Carolina provider networks include many doctors and hospitals in Charlotte and surrounding areas. However, network participation varies by specific plan. Always verify your doctors are in-network using Wellcare by Centene's provider directory before enrolling.
How much do Wellcare by Centene Medicare plans cost in North Carolina?
Wellcare by Centene Medicare Advantage costs in North Carolina vary by county and plan. Some plans may have a $0 monthly premium beyond the Part B premium, while copays, coinsurance, and annual out-of-pocket limits differ by plan. Wellcare by Centene Part D premiums, formularies, pharmacy networks, and cost sharing vary by plan.
Can I switch to Wellcare by Centene Medicare in North Carolina?
You can switch to Wellcare by Centene during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify, or during the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (January 1 - March 31) if you're currently in a Medicare Advantage plan.
Does Wellcare by Centene offer $0 premium plans in North Carolina?
Wellcare by Centene may offer $0-premium Medicare Advantage options in some North Carolina counties. Availability changes by county and plan year, and you generally still pay the Part B premium. Compare the current plan's full cost sharing and benefits rather than using premium alone.
Related Medicare Resources
Carrier pages are a starting point, not a plan recommendation. Verify the plans offered at your ZIP code, then compare provider networks, prescriptions, total costs, benefits, and current CMS Star Ratings.
Compare Wellcare by Centene Plans in North Carolina
Get a free, personalized comparison of Wellcare by Centene Medicare plans available in your area. Our licensed advisors help you find the right coverage.
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Plan availability, benefits, premiums, and costs vary by ZIP code and change annually. This information is for educational purposes only and is not a guarantee of coverage, savings, star ratings, or plan availability. Star ratings are sourced from CMS Medicare Star Ratings; confirm the current-year rating before enrolling. Contact a licensed advisor for current plan options in your area.
HealthPlan Connect is not affiliated with or endorsed by Wellcare by Centene. We do not offer every plan available in your area. We are also not affiliated with or endorsed by the federal Medicare program or any government agency. Any information we provide is limited to the plans we do offer in your area; please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
Last reviewed 2026-06-15 by Lynsey Brennan, Licensed Medicare Advisor (FL License #G007269).