North Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans 2019 Medigap Plans
North Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans: What's the Difference?
Most Medicare experts agree: Original Medicare, combined with a Medicare Supplement, offers the best health coverage North Carolina seniors can get. But, which Medigap plan is the right one for you?
This is a complicated question. After all we're all different and have different needs. For most of us it boils down to what we can afford and our health. Although there are 10 standardized plans, most seniors choose one of three plans: F, G and N. Keep reading and we'll explain why.
| Insurance Carrier | Plan F | Plan G | Plan N | Rating | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AARP | $136.06 | $112.16 | $92.84 |  |
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| American National | $114.76 | $91.24 | $77.69 | |
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| American Republic | $146.56 | N/A | N/A |  |
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| American Retirement Life | $154.49 | $123.43 | $90.95 |  |
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| Americo Life | $126.91 | $100.85 | $82.04 | |
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| Assured Life | $122.50 | $90.42 | $80.55 | |
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| Bankers Fidelity | $203.66 | $107.92 | $83.47 | |
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| Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina | $153.25 | $111.75 | $122.25 | |
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| Central States | $157.75 | $103.58 | $85.25 | |
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| Cigna | $123.64 | $103.92 | $88.27 | |
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| Colonial Penn | $216.10 | $164.45 | $93.81 | |
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| Combined Insurance | $134.04 | N/A | $111.29 | |
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| Continental Life | $120.70 | $96.54 | $76.30 | |
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| CSI Life | $139.92 | $102.75 | $84.58 | |
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| Everest | $122.26 | $95.60 | $82.07 | |
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| Gerber Life | $212.33 | $175.74 | N/A | |
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| Globe Life | $152.00 | $136.00 | $115.50 | |
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| GPM Health and Life | $124.99 | $91.32 | $82.20 |  |
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| Greek Catholic Union | $135.30 | $93.09 | $79.92 | |
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| Guarantee Trust Life | $119.30 | $94.92 | $81.12 | |
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| Humana | $190.88 | N/A | $116.45 | |
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| IAC | $147.03 | $99.70 | $83.69 | |
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| Liberty Bankers Life | $118.54 | $93.92 | $82.59 | |
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| Loyal Christian | $153.18 | $99.11 | $88.38 | |
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| ManhattanLife | $137.58 | $92.42 | $82.33 | |
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| MassMutual | $122.36 | $97.93 | $84.52 | |
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| Medico | $145.90 | $112.37 | $98.07 | |
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| National Guardian Life | $130.92 | $99.52 | $87.31 | |
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| New Era Life | $118.29 | $94.43 | N/A | |
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| Old Surety | $126.54 | N/A | N/A | |
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| Oxford Life | $165.30 | $98.53 | $116.20 | |
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| Physicians Mutual | $252.36 | $202.36 | $166.60 | |
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| Renaissance Life | $126.13 | $100.07 | $85.14 | |
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| Reserve National | $196.50 | $140.70 | $115.80 | |
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| SBLI USA Life | $114.82 | $98.39 | N/A | |
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| Sentinel Security Life | $177.04 | $95.76 | $87.57 | |
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| Shenandoah Life | $132.66 | $92.73 | $84.29 | |
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| Standard Life | $253.37 | $187.07 | $122.20 | |
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| State Farm | $146.71 | N/A | N/A | |
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| Thrivent | $122.51 | $96.75 | $81.72 | |
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| Unified Life | $117.28 | $93.52 | $78.59 | |
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| United American | $194.00 | $186.00 | $145.00 | |
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| United Commercial Travelers | $240.72 | $172.84 | $165.37 | |
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| United World | $129.41 | $96.35 | $84.07 | |
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| USAA Life | $146.20 | $135.15 | $89.93 | |
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Compare Plan RatesThe average North Carolina senior compares three or more quotes before making an enrollment decision. |
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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 Supplemental Insurance Reviews
We evaluate all Medicare Supplement (Medigap) companies servicing policies in North Carolina. Our reviews are unbiased. We use a mathematical formula that considers years in business, A.M. Best financial strength rating, plans serviced, plan premiums and fees. We do not evaluate rate increase history, so be sure to ask you agent to provide this information.
We review Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina head-to-head, statewide. We recommend consumers use our 5-star ratings as one aspect of their decision making process. It helps compare insurance carriers at-a-glance.
Medigap 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
North Carolina Medicare Supplement insurance carriers are required to adhere to state and federal laws that are designed to protect consumers. Medigap plans must be clearly identified as Medicare Supplement Insurance. Each standardized Medicare Plan is identified by letters A through N and must offer the same identical benefits as all other plans with the same letter. The only variance is the monthly premium.
NOTE: Medigap, Medicare Supplements and Medicare Plans are all names used interchangeably for supplemental insurance that fill the gaps in Original Medicare coverage.
Each of the lettered Medicare supplement insurance plans offer the core coverage provided by Plan A. Plans B through N have a varying range of additional coverage. This way you can choose an appropriate policy based on the amount of insurance you need.
Insurance companies are free to choose the policies they offer, although North Carolina state laws might affect which ones they can offer. Carriers offering Medicare Plans:
- Don't have to offer every Medigap plan
- Must offer Medigap Plan A if they offer any Medigap policy
- Must also offer Plan C or Plan F if they offer any plan
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?
What About the AARP Medicare Supplement: Is it the Best North Carolina Medigap Plan?
Best is a relative term. To be sure, AARP sell more Medicare Supplements than any other insurance carrier. That said, AARP Medigap Plans, underwritten by United Healthcare, have the same benefits and features as all other standardized supplements. The real difference is the monthly premium, how often rates increase, and the financial stability of the insurance carrier.
In our experience, AARP Medicare Supplement premiums are frequently more than competing carrier in the same area. However, in many areas UHC has a competitive advantage with their Medicare SELECT plans. Ask your agent about Medicare SELECT options in your area.
AARP sells a range of Medicare supplements, however, Plan F, Plan G and Plan N are the most popular. You can quickly see the coverage differences between these plans using the comparison chart below.
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.
Medigap vs Medicare Advantage
Still wondering if a Medigap plan is right for you? Considering Medicare Advantage as an alternative? For many seniors it's a difficult decision. Here's our advice.
First, understand the difference between Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available in North Carolina. Medicare Supplement insurance fills gaps in your Original Medicare benefits. Medicare Advantage replaces your Original Medicare benefits with managed care.
Second, if you want the most choices and flexibility, Original Medicare combined with a Medigap plan and a North Carolina Medicare Part D plan is the way to go.
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.
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The logos and brand names used on this page are legal U.S. trademarks. We make no claim to the marks whatsoever, nor do we claim to represent the brands, products or services presented. We use brand names and logos on this page for editorial purposes only, as permitted by U.S. Trademark Fair Use Law and the Great State of North Carolina.
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 .