Compare Medicare Plans in North Carolina (December 2024)

Key Takeaways:

• North Carolina offers 163 Medicare Advantage plans, with an average monthly premium of $18.81 and many $0 premium options, but it’s crucial to compare plan benefits and provider networks.
• Thrivent, MassMutual, and USAA Life are the A.M. top-rated Medigap Plan G and Plan N providers for supplemental coverage.
• North Carolinians have access to various resources, including SHIIP and NCSMP, which offer free counseling and assistance with Medicare plan selection, fraud prevention, and more.

Medicare providers in North Carolina offer a diverse range of coverage options to meet varying needs.

With so many options, it’s not always easy to find the right Medicare plan that provides optimal healthcare coverage at a cost you’re comfortable with.

This guide explains the ins and outs of North Carolina’s Medicare landscape, explaining the different plan types, costs, and benefits to help you make confident choices.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in North Carolina

North Carolina residents have many Medicare plans to meet healthcare needs and budgets.

Let’s explore the key types of Medicare plans in North Carolina.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare comprises of two parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home healthcare. Most people don’t pay a premium for Part A if they have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
• Part B (Medical Insurance): It covers outpatient care, including doctor visits, preventive services, medical equipment, and diagnostic tests. The standard Part B monthly premium in 2025 is $185, though it may be higher depending on your income.

Apart from premiums, there are additional costs for Original Medicare. For example, there’s a $1,676 deductible per benefit period under Part A in 2025. That means you must pay $1,676 out of pocket before your plan begins to cover costs.

Under the Medicare system, a benefit period begins the day you’re admitted as an inpatient and ends when you haven’t received inpatient hospital care for 60 days.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

While Original Medicare provides the foundation for healthcare coverage, many North Carolina residents opt for Medicare Advantage or Part C  plans that private insurers offer as an alternative to Original Medicare.

Part C plans are all-in-one packages that include everything Original Medicare covers plus a range of extra benefits. That may include prescription drug coverage, routine dental and vision care, and gym memberships or wellness programs.

This comprehensive approach can particularly appeal to those who want the convenience of bundled services and the potential for lower out-of-pocket costs.

Here are a few facts about Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina in 2025:

• There are 163 Medicare Advantage plans available in the state.
• The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium rose from $16.27 in 2024 to $18.81 in 2025.
• The lowest Monthly premiums for a Medicare Advantage plan in North Carolina is $0.
• All individuals with Medicare have access to Medicare Advantage and at least one plan with a $0 monthly premium.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in North Carolina:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from North Carolina Zip Code 27601. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans in North Carolina include:

• Alignment Health Plan
• Aetna
• Devoted Health
• UnitedHealthcare
• Blue Cross and Blue Shield
• Humana
• Experience Health

Find the Perfect Medicare Match in North Carolina.

Whether in Charlotte, Raleigh, or anywhere in between, CoverRight’s expertise in North Carolina Medicare helps you find the right coverage for your needs. Our licensed advisors take time to understand your healthcare priorities before recommending plans.

Let CoverRight simplify your Medicare choices today.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

Medicare Part D plans are designed to help North Carolina residents access prescription medications at affordable rates. However, navigating the world of prescription drug coverage under Medicare can be confusing.

Medicare Part D plans in North Carolina are available through private insurance companies that contract with Medicare. These companies offer a range of plans with different formularies (lists of covered drugs), premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing structures.

Some plans may offer more comprehensive coverage with higher premiums, while others may have lower premiums but require you to pay more for certain medications.

Learn more: Your Guide to Understanding the Cost of Medicare Part D.

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Medicare Supplement or Medigap plans are standardized to work seamlessly with Original Medicare and minimize unexpected medical costs.

Among the 10 available Medigap options, Plan G and Plan N have emerged as the most popular choices.

Plan G offers extensive coverage on a range of Medicare costs except the Part B deductible. Plan N, on the other hand, has lower premiums but does not cover Part B excess charges and includes cost-sharing for some copayments.

In North Carolina, typical premiums for Medigap plans vary widely due to factors like age, gender, and health status. For Plan G, premiums can be $150 to $200 per month, while for Plan N, they can be $120 to $170.

The highest-rated Medigap providers in North Carolina, for both Plan G and Plan N, include:

• Thrivent
• MassMutual
• USAA Life
• AARP

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in North Carolina

Here’s a detailed overview of Medicare-related expenses across different plan types.

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in North Carolina

North Carolina has several Medicare Advantage and Medigap plan providers, each with their strengths and areas of focus.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

Selecting a Medicare Advantage provider in North Carolina means finding the right mix of coverage and cost.

While many plans feature attractive premiums, the best providers distinguish themselves with extensive provider networks, transparent pricing, and extra benefits that enhance your healthcare experience.

Your choice of provider significantly impacts both your access to care and your long-term costs.

Learn more: Finding Medicare Providers: Which One Is Right For You?

Note: Medicare Advantage CMS Star Ratings: 6 Major Carriers (Updated 11/15/24).

Best Medigap Providers

North Carolina’s top Medigap providers have built their reputations on more than just competitive rates.

The best insurance companies combine financial stability (indicated by AM Best ratings) with efficient claims processing and dedicated customer support. These providers understand that Medicare beneficiaries need both affordability and reliability in their supplemental coverage.

Here’s how the top providers compare for both Plan G and Plan N coverage in North Carolina:

Plan G Providers

Plan N Providers

Note: Data for Plan G and Plan N from MedicareWire.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in North Carolina

Finding the right Medicare plan in North Carolina calls for balancing your healthcare needs with your budget.

Here are the factors you must consider:

• Coverage: Take stock of your health status and anticipated healthcare needs. What medical services do you expect to need in the coming year? This will help you identify the plan that provides the right coverage without unnecessary extras.
• Costs: Medicare plans have various associated costs, including monthly premiums, deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance. Estimate your total annual costs, including a buffer for out-of-pocket expenses, to find a plan that keeps you financially comfortable while achieving your healthcare goals.
• Provider Network: Your healthcare providers are crucial to your overall well-being. When choosing a Medicare plan, check if your preferred doctors and hospitals are in the plan’s network. This is key to ensuring you continue to receive care from the providers you know and trust.
• Prescription Drug Coverage: Prescription drug coverage is critical for many Medicare beneficiaries. When comparing Medicare plans for prescription drug coverage, pay close attention to the plan’s formulary and drug costs. Some plans may offer lower premiums but higher costs for your specific medications.
• Extra Benefits: Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits like dental and vision care, hearing aids, and even gym memberships or wellness programs. Consider whether these benefits are important enough to factor into your decision.

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in North Carolina

Securing Medicare coverage in North Carolina involves understanding the enrollment process and key deadlines.

Here’s a guide to help you navigate the enrollment journey:

Key Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): Your IEP is a seven-month window that starts three months before your 65th birthday, includes your birth month, and ends three months after that. This is your first opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Part D prescription drug plans.
• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): You can make changes to your existing Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th of each year. This includes switching between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, changing Medicare Advantage plans, and enrolling in or changing Part D plans.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP): If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have another opportunity to make changes from January 1st to March 31st of each year. You can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll, return to Original Medicare (and join a Part D plan).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Certain life events, such as relocating or losing employer coverage, may trigger a Special Enrollment Period. North Carolina has an extended special enrollment period for those affected by Hurricane Helene. This allows beneficiaries in 25 North Carolina counties that were declared disaster areas to make changes to their plan during the duration of the disaster, as well as for two months after the stated end date of the disaster.

Learn more: What are Medicare Special Enrollment Periods?

Steps to Enroll:

1. Gather Your Information: You’ll need your Medicare number, Social Security number, proof of citizenship or legal residency, and information about your current health coverage (if any).
2. Explore Your Options: Research the different Medicare plans available in North Carolina by comparing costs, coverage, and provider networks. Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans side-by-side.
3. Enroll Online or By Phone: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online through the Medicare website or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) to enroll by phone.
4. Enroll with an Insurance Agent: A licensed insurance agent, such as CoverRight, can provide personalized guidance and help you enroll in a plan that meets your needs.

Medicare Resources for North Carolina Residents

Understanding your Medicare options becomes easier with help from these state organizations that provide free, unbiased assistance to North Carolina residents.

• Medicare and Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP): This program offers free resources and personalized guidance about Medicare plans, costs, and financial assistance programs.
• North Carolina Senior Medicare Patrol (NCSMP): This program educates beneficiaries about preventing healthcare errors and fraud, provides tools for reviewing Medicare statements, and assists with reporting suspicious activities.

Make Medicare simple in North Carolina.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the North Carolina healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed November 29, 2024.

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