As enrollment season opens for the Affordable Care Act (ACA) Marketplace and Medicare, it’s an important time to remind our local farmers, growers, and self-employed producers that affordable, quality healthcare coverage is within reach. Many farmers in McDowell County and across North Carolina rely on these programs to stay healthy, protect their livelihoods, and continue feeding our communities.
Affordable Access to Care
Unlike workers in many other industries, most farmers are self-employed and don’t have access to employer-based insurance. The ACA Marketplace and Medicare provide affordable options that cover doctor visits, hospital stays, prescription medications, and preventive care—services that would otherwise be out of reach for many hardworking families in agriculture.
Protection from Medical Debt
Farming is physically demanding work that comes with its share of risks—from injuries to chronic conditions related to years of labor in the fields. Health coverage through the Marketplace or Medicare helps protect farmers from the financial devastation of unexpected medical bills, safeguarding both their health and their ability to keep farming.
Supporting Aging Farmers
The average age of farmers in the U.S. continues to rise. Medicare plays a critical role in helping older farmers manage age-related health conditions like arthritis, diabetes, or heart disease—allowing them to continue working the land and contributing to their communities.
Addressing Mental Health and Stress
Farming can be stressful, with long hours, financial uncertainty, and isolation taking a toll on mental health. Fortunately, ACA Marketplace plans and Medicare now include coverage for mental health services and telehealth visits. This means more farmers can access counseling and support—without needing to travel far from home.
Keeping Rural Communities Strong
Healthy farmers are the backbone of strong rural economies. When farmers have access to care, they can keep producing food, supporting their families, and sustaining the local food system. Accessible, affordable health coverage helps protect our farms and the communities that depend on them.
Trusted Local Help Through MATCH
The McDowell Access to Care and Health (MATCH) program provides certified Marketplace and Medicaid counselors who offer free, unbiased help with enrollment. MATCH counselors can help individuals and families compare plans, understand their benefits, and make confident choices for the year ahead. No one has to navigate the system alone.
If you or someone you know needs help signing up for Marketplace or Medicare coverage, contact the MATCH program at 828-659-5289. Don’t wait. Open enrollment is the time to make sure you and your family are protected and healthy for the year ahead.
Special Enrollment Events
Monday, Nov 3, 2025, 3:00–6:00 p.m., Addie’s Chapel, 201 Ridley St, Marion
Thursday, Nov 6, 2025, 3:00–6:00 p.m., Old Fort First Baptist Church, 203 E Main St, Old Fort
Weekly Drop-In Locations
Mondays, 2:00–5:30 p.m., McDowell County Library, Marion
Every other Monday, 9–6:00 p.m., Centro Unido, 79 Academy St, Marion
Wednesdays, 8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., WNCCHS, 136 Creekview Ct, Marion
8:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m., NC Works, 316 Baldwin Ave, Marion
2:30-5:30 p.m., Old Fort Branch Library, 65 E. Mitchell Ave, Old Fort
Call ahead to schedule a time! Call MATCH at 828-659-5289 to get help enrolling in a plan that works for you.
