MATCH program seeks to help McDowell residents with Medicare, health insurance enrollment

McDowell County residents can get free assistance with Medicare and the Affordable Care Act open enrollment.

McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) said open enrollment for Medicare is Oct. 15 through Sunday, Dec. 7. The ACA (Marketplace) open enrollment will last from Saturday, Nov. 1 through Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026. You can get affordable coverage or renew your plan, according to information from MATCH.

MATCH is a federally- and state-certified navigator offering free, unbiased support. The MATCH program has scheduled a series of enrollment assistance events. You can walk-in or schedule ahead by calling 828-659-5289.

The special enrollment events are as follows:

Weekly drop-in help locations are every Monday from 2 to 5:30 p.m. at the McDowell County Public Library – 90 W. Court St., Marion.

Every other Monday 9 to 4:30 p.m. at Centro Unido Latino Americano at 79 Academy St., Marion.

Every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at Western North Carolina Community Health Services (WNCCHS), 136 Creekview Court, Marion.

Every Wednesday from 8:30 a.m. to noon at N.C. Works, 316 Baldwin Ave., Marion.

Every Wednesday from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. at Old Fort Library branch, 65 E. Mitchell St., Old Fort.

Daily support available at the MATCH Office, 430 Rankin Drive, Marion (500 Building).

Call ahead to schedule a time. Call MATCH at 828-659-5289 or visit www.matchmcdowell.com.