North Carolina is not only grounded in its love of the land, but also in easy-to-understand Medigap plans. We’ve laid out the dos and don’ts for North Carolina Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans.
North Carolina Medigap Overview
Before we get into the dos and don’t North Carolina Medigap, let’s review how it works in the Tar Heel state. North Carolina offers the same Medigap plans that are available in most states. Looking over the Medigap chart, you’ll see what Medicare plans are available. Please note that not all plans are available from all providers.
| Benefits | A | B | D | G | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Medicare Part A Deductible ($1,632) | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 50% | 100% | |
| Part B Deductible ($240) | ||||||||
| Medicare Part A Hospital Coinsurance and 365 additional hospital days | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part B Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| First 3 Pints of Blood for a Transfusion | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Medicare Part A Hospice Coinsurance or Copay | 100% | 100% | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% |
| Skilled Nursing Facility Coinsurance | 100% | 100% | 50% | 75% | 100% | 100% | ||
| Medicare Part B Excess Charges | 100% | |||||||
| Foreign Emergency Healthcare | 80% | 80% | 80% | 80% | ||||
| Max Out-of-Pocket | $7,060 | $3,530 |
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Not included in the chart are Medigap Plan C and Plan F: These plans are only available to those who were Part B-eligible prior to January 1, 2020.
*Medigap Plan G High deductible ($2,800) is also available. Note: Plan F and Plan C are not featured on this chart as they are no longer available to those new to Medicare.
North Carolina Medigap Dos and Don’ts
Don’t wait to enroll in your North Carolina Medigap plan
If you wait too long to enroll in your Medigap plan, you could be denied coverage or charged more for your preexisting conditions.
Do enroll during your NC Medigap Initial Enrollment Period
You have one 6-month North Carolina initial enrollment period (sometimes called the Medigap Open Enrollment Period after you become eligible for Part B. During this time, you can enroll in a plan without medical underwriting (your medical history). During this time you cannot be denied or charged more for your preexisting conditions.
Do delay your Part B enrollment if you keep working
If you’re still working, you may be able to delay Medicare Part B enrollment therefore delaying enrolling in Medigap. This could save you money but will still allow for guaranteed enrollment in Medigap when you finally enroll in Medicare Part B.
Don’t enroll in a Medicare Advantage if you have Medigap
You cannot have both a Medicare Advantage and a Medigap plan at the same time. We suggest consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan if you can’t afford the monthly premium of Medigap.
Do compare North Carolina Medigap pricing
Get an instant Medigap quote here.
Do’s and Don’ts of Switching Medigap Plans
With so many plans, carriers, and deductibles to choose from, it’s easy to pick the wrong Medicare insurance plan. What seemed like a great choice when you first signed up might not be the best fit now. You can switch from one North Carolina Medigap (MedSup) plan to another anytime, but keep in mind that you’ll need to answer health questions for the new plan, since North Carolina doesn’t have the Medigap Birthday Rule.
Moreover, in your state, AEP Open Enrollment (October 15 to December 7) doesn’t apply to Medigap plans. The new Med Supp application includes roughly 20 health questions, and your answers impact both your rate and eligibility. Some pre-existing conditions may lead to a higher rate or possibly a denial.
If you’re in this situation, just give us a call at 800-930-7956. A member of the Senior65.com team will be happy to offer you free advice. Just remember, don’t cancel your old policy until you have a new one lined up. For more details, check out our comprehensive article, “Medicare Insurance Switching: Ultimate Guide.”
Do consider North Carolina Medigap discounts
North Carolina Medigap plan providers may offer discounts to save on your monthly premium cost. The following options are available from most providers:
(Don’t) North Carolina Excess Charges
Part B Excess charges occur when doctors bill above Medicare’s limit. If they opt out of Medicare assignment, they can charge up to 15% extra. However, Medigap plan G covers 100% of excess charges, meaning your insurer handles these additional costs. Explore more in our article “How to Avoid Medicare Excess Charges“.
Don’t forget to enroll in a separate Prescription Drug Plan
North Carolina Medigap does not cover prescription drugs at the pharmacy, so you must enroll in a separate Part D drug plan.
Here’s an easy step-by-step guide to Medicare drug plan quotes and enrollment.
Do keep your NC Medigap plan if you move out of state
If you move out of North Carolina to other states, your Medigap plan is portable, which just means you can keep your plan (source). These plans are portable and have a national network so it will work in your new state just like it does in NC. Your Medigap price may increase if you if you leave North Carolina.
Don’t leave your NC Medigap plan until you enroll in a new plan
If you try to switch your NC Medigap plan to another North Carolina Medigap plan from the same or different provider, you will usually have to go through medical underwriting. Since you can be denied coverage or charged extra due to preexisting conditions, do not leave your current plan until you are accepted by your new plan.
Do ask questions about North Carolina Medigap
While we have gone over a lot of information, you probably still have questions about North Carolina Medigap plans. Feel free to leave a comment below or give one of our licensed agents a call at 800-930-7956.
Our agents can NOT charge you a fee for a quote or to enroll you in a plan.