City of Bristol Medicare at a glance
| City of Bristol | Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents age 65 and older | 3,797 | 1,498,879 statewide |
| Share of residents age 65+ | 22.6% | 17.2% statewide |
| People with Medicare | 4,475 | 1,764,998 statewide |
| Enrolled in Medicare Advantage | 2,800 | 698,851 statewide |
| Medicare Advantage share | 62.6% | 39.6% statewide |
Sources: Census Bureau 2023 estimates and CMS Medicare Advantage penetration, September 2026.
Among Virginia’s 133 counties, City of Bristol comes in 87th for residents age 65 and up (3,797). Older adults make up 22.6% of the population here; the state figure is 17.2%. About 1,119 more people are 60 to 64 and are heading toward Medicare; our turning 65 guide explains their first steps. Among residents 65 and older, 55% are 65 to 74, 33% are 75 to 84 and 13% are 85 or older (Census 2023 estimates). CMS data show 62.6% of City of Bristol residents with Medicare chose Medicare Advantage, which is higher than the 39.6% average across Virginia. What most people do in a county is less important than what fits you. We weigh Medicare Advantage against Original Medicare with Medigap using your doctors, your drugs and your budget.
Who has Medicare in City of Bristol
The U.S. Department of Agriculture classifies City of Bristol as a metro county (counties in metro areas of 250,000 to 1 million population). Counties like this tend to have a wider choice of hospitals and Medicare plans than rural ones, though networks still differ plan by plan.
CMS counts 4,678 Medicare beneficiaries in City of Bristol (2023). Their average age is 73, about the same as the Virginia average of 74. About 16% are “dual eligible,” meaning they have both Medicare and Medicaid, higher than the state figure of 9%. Where many people have both, special plans for dual-eligible members can matter; see our Medicaid and dual eligible guide, since availability varies by plan and area.
Among people in Original Medicare in City of Bristol, CMS reported about 693 emergency room visits and 314 inpatient hospital stays per 1,000 beneficiaries in 2023, which is higher than the state average for emergency visits (589) and higher than it for hospital stays (206). About 11% received home health care. These figures describe how people use care under Original Medicare; they do not show what any plan covers or costs.
Sources: CMS Medicare Geographic Variation, 2023; USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, 2023.
Where you live decides which Medicare Advantage and Part D plans you can join, and City of Bristol may have a different set of plans than the counties around it. We are not based in City of Bristol; we help City of Bristol residents by phone or video call.
Hospitals and doctors near City of Bristol
CMS Hospital General Information lists no acute care, critical access or children’s hospital located inside City of Bristol. Residents often use hospitals in neighboring counties, which matters for Medicare Advantage because a plan’s network may include or leave out the hospital you use. We check your hospitals and doctors before you enroll.
Where people live in City of Bristol
Census Bureau 2023 estimates put the biggest communities in City of Bristol at Bristol (16,807), counting only the part of each community inside the county.
Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas mostly within City of Bristol number 1: 24201. Your exact ZIP code is what decides which plans you can join.
Questions about Medicare in City of Bristol?
Reach out to us: fill out our short form or call (571) 354-0146, and a licensed agent will compare the plans available to you, check your doctors and drugs, and stay with you each year at renewal. For general Medicare information, the federal helpline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare resources from official sources
- Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, searchable by ZIP code.
- Medicare Care Compare for hospitals and doctors.
- Social Security: Medicare to enroll or check status.
- Medicare.gov: Medigap on how Medicare Supplement works.
- Virginia Bureau of Insurance: Virginia’s insurance regulator, including agent license lookup.
Coverage we offer City of Bristol residents
As an independent agency we are not tied to one insurer, so for City of Bristol residents we can compare ICHRA, group health insurance, life insurance, final expense insurance, annuities, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D drug plans and ACA health insurance.
Ready to compare plans in City of Bristol?
Tell us your doctors and medicines and we will show you what fits. No cost, no pressure.
Get my plan comparisonMedicare guides for City of Bristol residents
- Can I change my Medicare plan after December 7?
- What happens if you do nothing during open enrollment?
- Medicare Parts A, B, C and D explained
- Do you really need a Medicare agent?
City of Bristol compared with similar Virginia counties
| County | Residents 65+ | Medicare Advantage share | Dual eligible share | Area type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floyd County | 3,921 | 38.7% | 10% | Metro |
| Giles County | 3,654 | 42.7% | 11% | Metro |
| Clarke County | 3,653 | 29.9% | 7% | Metro |
| Appomattox County | 3,613 | 42.2% | 10% | Metro |
| City of Hopewell | 3,596 | 54.6% | 13% | Metro |
| City of Fairfax | 3,586 | 40.1% | 11% | Metro |
See every Virginia county in our Virginia directory or go to our Virginia Medicare hub.