North Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans 2019 Medigap Plans
Which North Carolina Medicare Supplement is Best for Me?
Three out of four North Carolina seniors agree: Original Medicare and a Medicare Supplement give them the best health insurance coverage available. It all comes down to choice and control. But, which Medigap plan is best for you?
We're all different, and so are our health needs and budget. What's best for you is very different than what's best for your neighbors, or even your spouse. It all comes down to what you can afford and your health. That said, you can narrow your search to what's most popular, plans: F, G and N. Read on to learn why.
| Insurance Carrier | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP | $136.06 | $112.16 | $92.84 |  |
|
| American National | $114.76 | $91.24 | $77.69 | |
|
| American Republic | $146.56 | N/A | N/A |  |
|
| American Retirement Life | $154.49 | $123.43 | $90.95 |  |
|
| Americo Life | $126.91 | $100.85 | $82.04 | |
|
| Assured Life | $122.50 | $90.42 | $80.55 | |
|
| Bankers Fidelity | $203.66 | $107.92 | $83.47 | |
|
| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | $153.25 | $111.75 | $122.25 | |
|
| Central States | $157.75 | $103.58 | $85.25 | |
|
| Cigna | $123.64 | $103.92 | $88.27 | |
|
| Colonial Penn | $216.10 | $164.45 | $93.81 | |
|
| Combined Insurance | $134.04 | N/A | $111.29 | |
|
| Continental Life | $120.70 | $96.54 | $76.30 | |
|
| CSI Life | $139.92 | $102.75 | $84.58 | |
|
| Everest | $122.26 | $95.60 | $82.07 | |
|
| Gerber Life | $212.33 | $175.74 | N/A | |
|
| Globe Life | $152.00 | $136.00 | $115.50 | |
|
| GPM Health and Life | $124.99 | $91.32 | $82.20 |  |
|
| Greek Catholic Union | $135.30 | $93.09 | $79.92 | |
|
| Guarantee Trust Life | $119.30 | $94.92 | $81.12 | |
|
| Humana | $190.88 | N/A | $116.45 | |
|
| IAC | $147.03 | $99.70 | $83.69 | |
|
| Liberty Bankers Life | $118.54 | $93.92 | $82.59 | |
|
| Loyal Christian | $153.18 | $99.11 | $88.38 | |
|
| ManhattanLife | $137.58 | $92.42 | $82.33 | |
|
| MassMutual | $122.36 | $97.93 | $84.52 | |
|
| Medico | $145.90 | $112.37 | $98.07 | |
|
| National Guardian Life | $130.92 | $99.52 | $87.31 | |
|
| New Era Life | $118.29 | $94.43 | N/A | |
|
| Old Surety | $126.54 | N/A | N/A | |
|
| Oxford Life | $165.30 | $98.53 | $116.20 | |
|
| Physicians Mutual | $252.36 | $202.36 | $166.60 | |
|
| Renaissance Life | $126.13 | $100.07 | $85.14 | |
|
| Reserve National | $196.50 | $140.70 | $115.80 | |
|
| SBLI USA Life | $114.82 | $98.39 | N/A | |
|
| Sentinel Security Life | $177.04 | $95.76 | $87.57 | |
|
| Shenandoah Life | $132.66 | $92.73 | $84.29 | |
|
| Standard Life | $253.37 | $187.07 | $122.20 | |
|
| State Farm | $146.71 | N/A | N/A | |
|
| Thrivent | $122.51 | $96.75 | $81.72 | |
|
| Unified Life | $117.28 | $93.52 | $78.59 | |
|
| United American | $194.00 | $186.00 | $145.00 | |
|
| United Commercial Travelers | $240.72 | $172.84 | $165.37 | |
|
| United World | $129.41 | $96.35 | $84.07 | |
|
| USAA Life | $146.20 | $135.15 | $89.93 | |
|
Compare Plan RatesThe average North Carolina senior compares three or more quotes before making an enrollment decision. |
|||||
Top 10 Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina
Looking for the best Plan F, G or N available to North Carolina seniors?
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan F
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan G
- 10 Best Medicare Supplement Plan N
10 Best Medigap Plan F Policies in North Carolina
Medicare Supplement Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan available in North Carolina. Here are the 10 best Plan F policies available in North Carolina based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $114.76 | None | |
| MassMutual | $122.36 | None | |
| Thrivent | $122.51 | $25.00 | |
| AARP | $136.06 | None | |
| USAA Life | $146.20 | None | |
| Globe Life | $152.00 | None | |
| United American | $194.00 | None | |
| Reserve National | $196.50 | $15.00 | |
| Standard Life | $253.37 | None | |
| Unified Life | $117.28 | $25.00 | |
10 Best Medigap Plan G Policies in North Carolina
Medicare Supplement Plan G is rapidly gaining popularity among North Carolina seniors. With Plan F going away in 2020, it is expected to be the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan G policies available in North Carolina based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $91.24 | None | |
| Thrivent | $96.75 | $25.00 | |
| MassMutual | $97.93 | None | |
| AARP | $112.16 | None | |
| USAA Life | $135.15 | None | |
| Globe Life | $136.00 | None | |
| Reserve National | $140.70 | $15.00 | |
| United American | $186.00 | None | |
| Standard Life | $187.07 | None | |
| ManhattanLife | $92.42 | $25.00 | |
| NOTE: Medigap Plan G is identical to Plan F, with one exception. A Plan G policy does not pay your Medicare Part B annual deductible. In many cases the annual cost of Plan G makes it a better deal. | |||
10 Best Medigap Plan N Policies in North Carolina
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D, but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many North Carolina seniors. Here are the 10 best Medigap Plan N policies available in North Carolina based on our reviews (click for details):
| Carrier | Premium[1] | Fee | Review[2] |
|---|---|---|---|
| American National | $77.69 | None | |
| Thrivent | $81.72 | $25.00 | |
| MassMutual | $84.52 | None | |
| USAA Life | $89.93 | None | |
| AARP | $92.84 | None | |
| Globe Life | $115.50 | None | |
| Reserve National | $115.80 | $15.00 | |
| Standard Life | $122.20 | None | |
| United American | $145.00 | None | |
| Continental Life | $76.30 | $20.00 | |
| NOTE: With Medigap Plan N, 100% of your Part B coinsurance is covered, except up to a $20 copayment for office visits and up to $50 for emergency room visits. | |||
Medicare Supplement Plan Reviews
We review all major Medigap insurance carriers selling Medigap policies in North Carolina. Our 5-star ratings are unbiased. We use a complex formula that evaluates years in business, A.M. Best financial strength rating, plans serviced, plan premiums and fees. Currently, our formula does not take rate increase history into account, so be sure to ask your agent for this information.
Our analysis of Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina are based on a statewide review, not national. We recommend consumers use our 5-star ratings as one aspect of their decision making process. It helps compare insurance carriers at-a-glance.
Medicare Supplement Rates (Premiums)
We list monthly premiums for all Medigap plans offered by Medicare Supplement carriers in North Carolina. Rates are samples based on a 65 year old, non-smoking woman and include applicable household discounts. Use our rates for comparison purposes only. Your actual rate will be based on where you live, your age, sex and use of tobacco products.
Medigap Plans are Standardized Medicare Supplements
The North Carolina Department of Insurance and the federal government have worked together to standardize Medicare supplemental insurance policies. Insurance companies must clearly identify plans as Medicare Supplement Insurance and each Medicare Plan must use a standardized letter code, A through N. Each lettered plan offers the same benefits, regardless of the carrier offering it. Only the rates are different.
NOTE: Medigap, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Plans are all names used interchangeably for supplemental insurance that fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Each Medicare supplement insurance policy sold in North Carolina offers the basic benefits of Plan A. All other lettered plans after A feature additional levels of coverage. This allows you to choose the amount of liability coverage you need.
Each insurance company decides which policies it wants to sell, although state laws might affect which ones they offer. Insurance companies that sell Medicare supplemental insurance:
- Are not required to offer every Medigap plan
- Must offer Medigap Plan A (basic benefits)
- Must also offer Plan C or Plan F
For more information, visit the North Carolina Department of Insurance website at http://www.ncdoi.com/.
Why is Medicare Supplement Plan F Favored in North Carolina?
Medicare Plan F costs more than all other Medigap plans, yet it is the most popular among North Carolina seniors. In fact, more than 50% of people with supplemental coverage buy Plan F. The top reason is that it covers all gaps in Original Medicare, offering peace-of-mind and convenience.
IMPORTANT: If you need protection from high medical bills, you must buy a Medicare Supplement Plan F policy before January 1, 2020. Congress voted and supplement insurance carriers will not be able to offer these polices after December 31, 2019.
RELATED: Medicare Plan F: What Does this Medicare Supplement Offer?
Is the AARP Medicare Supplement the Best in North Carolina?
This is one of the most common questions we're asked. AARP Medicare Supplements, which are underwritten by United Healthcare, offer the exact same coverage as standardized plans offered by other Medigap insurance carriers. The big difference is the monthly premium.
In our experience, AARP Medigap Plans are typically more expensive than average, and is often the most expensive. However, United Healthcare has a large number of hospitals under contract, allowing them to offer Medicare SELECT policies at better rates than standard Medicare Supplements. This allows them to be very competitive on rates if you agree to use a specific hospital.
The most popular AARP Medicare Supplements are Plan F, Plan G and Plan N. The comparison chart below highlights the difference in coverage.
Medicare Supplement Plan Comparison Chart
The following Medicare Supplement Plan Comparison Chart offers a quick look at the benefits provided by each Medigap policies.
| Medigap Benefits | A | B | C | D | F* | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Coinsurance and hospital costs up to an additional 365 days after Medicare benefifits are used up | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes** |
| Blood (First 3 Pints) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Part A Hospice Care Coinsurance or Copayment | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Care Coinsurance | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | Yes | Yes |
| Medicare Part A Deductible | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | 50% | 75% | 50% | Yes |
| Medicare Part B Deductible | No | No | Yes | No | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | No | No | No | No | Yes | Yes | No | No | No | No |
| Foreign Travel Emergency (Up to Plan Limits) | No | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Out-of-Pocket Limit*** | None | None | None | None | None | None | $5,240 | $2,620 | None | None |
* Medicare Plan F also offers a high-deductible plan. If you choose this option, this means you must pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount of $2,240 before your Medigap plan pays anything.
** Medicare Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don't result in an inpatient admission.
*** After you meet your out-of-pocket yearly limit and your yearly Part B deductible, the Medigap plan pays 100% of covered services for the rest of the calendar year.
Medicare Supplements vs Medicare Advantage
Still wondering if a Medicare Supplement is the right way to go? Considering Medicare Advantage to cut costs? For many seniors in North Carolina it's a difficult decision. Here are a couple things to consider.
First, understand the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available in North Carolina. A Medigap plan fills gaps in your Original Medicare benefits. A Medicare Advantage plan may have a similar effect, but it replaces your Original Medicare benefits with managed care, reducing your options.
Second, if you need the most choices and flexibility, Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement and a North Carolina Medicare Part D plan is the best coverage you can get.
RELATED: Medicare Advantage vs. Medigap: Which Is Best?
Need Local Help?
The State Health Insurance Assistance Programs (SHIPs) provide free, one-on-one insurance counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries, their families and caregivers. The North Carolina SHIP is a grant-funded project of the federal U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS). You can reach them by phone or on their website:
- 1-855-408-1212
- http://www.ncshiip.com/
Looking for Insurance Carrier Contact Information?
Disclaimers
The Medicare Supplement Insurance data on MedicareWire.com comes from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and private sources and is subject to change. CMS has neither reviewed nor endorsed the information on this site.
The MedicareWire.com website is available for educational purposes. Our goal is to present information about senior health insurance accurately and without bias, based on our interpretation of factual information. However, this site is not intended as a substitute for legal, health, or financial advice from a licensed professional. On this page we help consumers:
Compare 2019 Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina. Get rates and reviews, including Plan F, G, and N. Find the best Medigap Plans in North Carolina at the lowest cost available. Get an AARP Med Supp plan, guaranteed issue, if you're turning age 65.
MedicareWire.com is an independent research, technology and publishing organization. We are not affiliated with Medicare, Medicare plans, insurance carriers, or healthcare providers, nor are we compensated for Medicare plan enrollments.
Trademark Notice
MedicareWire uses legal U.S. trademarks to identify and describe Medicare and other insurance products for shoppers. We make no claim to the marks whatsoever. All trademarks remain the property of their owner and are used by MedicareWire only to review, editorialize and describe the products and services offered by a trademark holder.
The use of third party trademarks on this site in no way indicates any relationship, connection, association, sponsorship, or affiliation between MedicareWire and the trademark holder. MedicareWire is a comparison and research website that does not offer Medicare insurance products (no solicitation of insurance).
MedicareWire uses brand names and logos for editorial purposes only, as permitted and governed by U.S. Trademark Fair Use Law and the Great State of North Carolina. Specifically, nominative fair use permits MedicareWire to reference a mark to identify the actual goods and services that the trademark holder identifies with the mark. Insurance carrier legal and brand protection departments concerned with the unauthorized use of protected marks and brand names, please read our Partner with Us! page.
Foot Notes
[1] Sample premium is for a 65 year old, non smoking, woman living in North Carolina. The rate was accurate on date of publication. Rates change frequently and they are priced by county. You must contact a licensed agent to get a current rate for your situation.
[2] Review rating stars are derived from MedicareWire reviews on our Medigap Plan pages.
The Medicare supplement insurance information on MedicareWire is maintained by David Bynon and was last updated on .