Compare all 10 Medigap plans in North Carolina. Learn which Medicare Supplement plan offers the best coverage for your needs. Free expert guidance from local NC agents.
Selecting the right Medigap plan can feel overwhelming with 10 different options available. Some Medicare Supplement plans offer comprehensive coverage with higher premiums, while others provide lower premiums but require you to share more healthcare costs. Understanding what each plan covers is essential to finding the right balance between coverage and affordability.
At Health Plans of NC, our experienced local Medicare agents help North Carolina residents navigate their Medigap options. We'll guide you through plan comparisons and help you choose coverage that fits both your health needs and budget.
All 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in North Carolina, though not every insurance carrier offers all plans. For example, Blue Cross NC currently offers Plans A, G, K, and N to new members. Plan G has become the most popular choice since Plan F was discontinued for new enrollees in 2020.
Important: Medigap Plans C and F are no longer available to people new to Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. If you were eligible for Medicare before this date, you may still enroll in these plans.
Plan A is the most basic Medicare Supplement option, covering essential gaps in Original Medicare. All insurance companies that sell Medigap must offer Plan A, making it widely available. This plan helps cover the 20% coinsurance for Medicare Part B services that Original Medicare doesn't pay.
Best for: Budget-conscious individuals who want basic coverage at the lowest premium.
North Carolina Note: Anyone under 64 with a disability is also eligible for Medigap Plan A in North Carolina.
Plan B includes everything Plan A covers plus the Medicare Part A hospital deductible ($1,736 in 2026). This additional benefit helps protect you from significant hospital costs if you need inpatient care.
Best for: Those who want slightly more protection than Plan A, especially for hospital stays.
Plan C covers nearly all Medicare cost-sharing requirements, including both Part A and Part B deductibles and the 20% coinsurance for outpatient costs. The only gap it doesn't cover is Medicare Part B excess charges. This was a popular choice for many North Carolinians before it was discontinued for new Medicare beneficiaries.
Availability: Only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Plan D offers solid coverage for most Medicare gaps but doesn't include the Part B deductible or excess charges. This mid-tier option balances coverage and cost for those who don't need the most comprehensive plans.
Important Distinction: Medigap Plan D is completely different from Medicare Part D, which provides prescription drug coverage. Don't confuse the two!
Best for: Beneficiaries seeking moderate coverage at a reasonable premium.
Plan F is the gold standard of Medicare Supplement plans, covering every gap in Medicare. With Plan F, you pay virtually nothing out-of-pocket for Medicare-covered services—no deductibles, no coinsurance, no copayments. If you already have Plan F, it's generally worth keeping.
High-Deductible Option: High-Deductible Plan F offers all Plan F benefits after you meet a $2,950 deductible (2026). This option provides lower monthly premiums for those who can afford to pay more upfront if needed.
Availability: Only available if you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Since Plan F became unavailable to new enrollees, Plan G has become the most popular Medigap choice in North Carolina and nationwide. Plan G covers everything Plan F does except the Medicare Part B annual deductible ($283 in 2026). This small difference typically results in lower monthly premiums than Plan F, making it an excellent value.
What Plan G Covers:
• Part A coinsurance and hospital costs
• Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026)
• Part B coinsurance (20%)
• Part B excess charges (up to 15%)
• First three pints of blood
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Foreign travel emergency (up to plan limits)
High-Deductible Option: High-Deductible Plan G is also available with a $2,950 deductible (2026) and significantly lower monthly premiums.
Best for: Most Medicare beneficiaries seeking comprehensive coverage with predictable costs.
Plans K and L take a different approach by offering partial coverage in exchange for lower monthly premiums. These plans include an annual out-of-pocket maximum, providing catastrophic protection.
Plan K: Covers 50% of most Medicare cost-sharing expenses. Out-of-pocket maximum: $8,000 (2026). After reaching this limit, Plan K pays 100% for the rest of the year.
Plan L: Covers 75% of most Medicare cost-sharing expenses. Out-of-pocket maximum: $4,000 (2026). After reaching this limit, Plan L pays 100% for the rest of the year.
Availability Note: Because Plans K and L aren't as popular as Plans G and N, not all insurance providers offer them. Contact our Medicare agents to find carriers offering these plans in your area.
Best for: Healthy individuals who want lower premiums and catastrophic protection but can handle some cost-sharing.
Plan M offers comprehensive coverage similar to Plan G but only covers 50% of the Part A hospital deductible. This trade-off results in lower monthly premiums while maintaining strong coverage for most expenses.
Best for: Those who want comprehensive coverage at a lower premium and are willing to share hospital deductible costs.
Plan N has grown in popularity due to its excellent balance of coverage and affordability. While it requires small copayments, the lower monthly premium makes it attractive to many North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries.
What You Pay with Plan N:
• Part B deductible ($283 in 2026)
• Up to $20 copay for doctor visits
• Up to $50 copay for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)
• Part B excess charges (if applicable)
Cost Savings: Monthly premiums for Plan N are typically $30-50 less than Plan G. For healthy seniors who visit the doctor occasionally, these savings often outweigh the copayments.
Best for: Healthy individuals who want comprehensive coverage at a lower premium and don't mind small copayments.
Comparing Medicare Supplement plans requires looking beyond just monthly premiums. Consider your healthcare usage, budget, and coverage preferences.
Key Factors to Compare:
Coverage Level: What gaps does the plan cover? Does it include the Part B deductible and excess charges?
Monthly Premium: What's the monthly cost? Remember, this varies by insurance carrier even for the same plan letter.
Out-of-Pocket Costs: What will you pay when you use healthcare services? Consider deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
Insurance Carrier: What's the company's reputation, financial stability, and customer service quality?
Rate Increases: How does the carrier price plans? Community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated?
Medicare publishes an annual comparison chart showing all Medigap plans side by side, making it easier to understand coverage differences. However, premium prices vary significantly by insurance carrier, making professional guidance valuable.
The "best" Medicare Supplement plan depends on your individual circumstances, but here's general guidance:
Best Overall Coverage: Plan G
Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new Medicare beneficiaries. With only the Part B deductible to pay annually, you'll have predictable costs and excellent protection. This is the most popular choice in North Carolina for good reason.
Best Value: Plan N
Plan N provides excellent coverage at a significantly lower premium. If you're healthy and don't mind small copayments for doctor visits, the premium savings often exceed the out-of-pocket costs.
Best for Budget-Conscious with Health Concerns: Plan K or L
If you need low premiums but want catastrophic protection, Plans K and L offer out-of-pocket maximums that cap your annual spending. Plan L provides better coverage than Plan K at a moderate premium increase.
Best if You Have Plan F: Keep It
If you were eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020, and currently have Plan F, there's usually no reason to switch. Plan F remains the most comprehensive option available, covering every Medicare gap.
All Plans Are Standardized
Medigap plans are standardized by federal law. This means Plan G from Blue Cross NC provides the same coverage as Plan G from any other carrier. However, premiums can vary significantly between insurance companies, making it essential to compare rates from multiple carriers.
Carriers Set Their Own Rates
While benefits are standardized, each insurance company determines its own pricing. For the same Plan G coverage, monthly premiums in North Carolina can vary by $50-100 or more between carriers. This is why comparison shopping is crucial.
Additional Benefits May Vary
Some insurance providers offer extra perks to attract new members, such as gym membership discounts, vision benefits, or hearing aid discounts. While these don't change the core Medigap benefits, they can add value to your plan.
Availability Varies by Carrier
Not every insurance carrier offers all 10 Medigap plans. For example, Blue Cross NC focuses on Plans A, G, K, and N for new members. If you're interested in a specific plan, working with an independent agent ensures you see all available options from multiple carriers.
Enrollment Timing Matters
Your best opportunity to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this period, insurance companies cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on health conditions.
Choosing between 10 different Medigap plans and comparing rates from multiple carriers can be overwhelming. At Health Plans of NC, our independent Medicare agents simplify the process by doing the research for you.
Our Free Services Include:
• Personalized plan recommendations based on your health needs and budget
• Side-by-side comparison of rates from multiple top-rated carriers
• Explanation of coverage differences between plans
• Enrollment assistance and ongoing support
• Unbiased advice from local North Carolina Medicare experts
Contact Health Plans of NC today for a free consultation. We'll help you compare Medicare Supplement plans and find the coverage that's right for you—at the best available rate.
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