Best Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina 2026
North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing retirement states in the country - Plan G starts at just $95/mo in Greensboro. We compared 30+ carriers to find the best coverage for North Carolina's ~460,000 Medigap enrollees.
North Carolina Has the Highest Plan G Adoption Rate in the Southeast
49% of North Carolina Medigap enrollees choose Plan G - the highest adoption rate of any state we've reviewed. This reflects NC's large and growing retirement population: Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville are among the most popular retirement destinations in the country. Plan G starts at just $95/mo/mo in Greensboro, making it an excellent value for comprehensive coverage.
More than 460,000 people in North Carolina have Medicare Supplement Insurance, or Medigap. North Carolina is one of the fastest-growing retirement states in the country - Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville consistently rank among the top retirement destinations in the Southeast. Plan G starts at just $95 per month in Greensboro, and the state's competitive insurance market with over 30 licensed carriers keeps premiums affordable.
Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in North Carolina, chosen by 49% of Medigap enrollees - the highest Plan G adoption rate of any state we've reviewed. It covers all out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). North Carolina uses attained-age rating, meaning premiums increase as you age, so enrolling during your 6-month Open Enrollment Period at age 65 is the best way to lock in the lowest possible rate.
Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in North Carolina
Our top-rated Medigap carriers in North Carolina, ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score. Premiums shown are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Greensboro. Rates in Charlotte, Raleigh, Asheville, and other regions may vary.
State Farm
Plan G
$153/mo
Plan N
$116/mo
AM Best
A++
Plans
6 types
AARP/UnitedHealthcare
Plan G
$117/mo
Plan N
$84/mo
AM Best
A+
Plans
8 types
Wellabe
Plan G
$113/mo
Plan N
$83/mo
AM Best
A-
Plans
4 types
Mutual of Omaha
Plan G
$135/mo
Plan N
$87/mo
AM Best
A+
Plans
4 types
HealthSpring (formerly Cigna)
Plan G
$130/mo
Plan N
$97/mo
AM Best
A
Plans
4 types
Medicare Supplement Prices in North Carolina
Sample monthly premiums from our top-scoring carriers. Rates shown are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Greensboro and include available household discounts. North Carolina uses attained-age rating - premiums will increase as you age. Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville rates may differ slightly.
| Insurance Company | Plan G Monthly | Plan N Monthly | MedicareFAQ Score |
|---|---|---|---|
| State Farm | $153 | $116 | 4.9 |
| AARP/UnitedHealthcare | $117 | $84 | 4.7 |
| Wellabe | $113 | $83 | 4.5 |
| Mutual of Omaha | $135 | $87 | 4.4 |
| HealthSpring (formerly Cigna) | $130 | $97 | 4.2 |
Lowest available in North Carolina (Greensboro): Plan G from $95/mo | Plan N from $73/mo | Source: CMS Medicare Plan Finder, NerdWallet Feb 2026
Plan G vs. Plan N in North Carolina
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medicare Supplement plans for new enrollees in North Carolina. Here is how they compare.
| Coverage Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A hospital coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance (20%) | Covered | Covered* |
| Part A deductible ($1,736) | Covered | Covered |
| Part B deductible ($283) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Avg. monthly premium (Greensboro) | $130/mo | $93/mo |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but may charge up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission.
In North Carolina, Wellabe is actually the cheapest top-rated option - not HealthSpring. Wellabe offers Plan G at $113/mo with a reasonable complaint record, while HealthSpring at $130/mo has a far-higher-than-expected complaint rate. Also worth noting: BCBS North Carolina (not in our top 5) holds 32.7% of the state's Medigap market - it's worth getting a quote from them as well. If you are a veteran or military family member, USAA is the 5th-largest Medigap insurer in NC and is worth comparing. Always get at least 3 quotes before enrolling.
North Carolina Medigap Rules You Should Know
6-Month Open Enrollment Period
Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period is a one-time 6-month window that starts the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this period, carriers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to pre-existing health conditions. This is the best time to enroll in Medigap in North Carolina.
No Birthday Rule in North Carolina
North Carolina does not have a birthday rule. Unlike California, which allows enrollees to switch to an equal or lesser plan during a 60-day window each year around their birthday, North Carolina enrollees can only switch Medigap plans after their OEP by passing medical underwriting. This makes your initial enrollment decision especially important.
Attained-Age Rating
North Carolina uses attained-age rating, which means your Medigap premium increases as you get older. Premiums are based on your current age and rise each year. Enrolling during your OEP at age 65 is the best strategy to lock in the lowest possible starting rate.
SHIIP - Free Medicare Counseling
SHIIP (Medicare and Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program) is North Carolina's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). It provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. SHIIP counselors can help you compare Medigap plans, understand your options, and navigate enrollment at no cost to you.
BCBS North Carolina - The Dominant Local Carrier
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina is the largest Medigap insurer in the state with 32.7% market share. As an NC-based insurer with deep local roots, it is widely recognized and trusted by North Carolina residents. While not included in our top 5 rated picks, BCBS NC is worth getting a quote from when shopping for Medigap coverage.
Military & Veteran Community - USAA Is Worth Comparing
North Carolina has one of the largest military and veteran populations in the country, home to Fort Liberty (formerly Fort Bragg), Camp Lejeune, and Seymour Johnson Air Force Base. USAA is the 5th-largest Medigap insurer in NC with 1.5% market share. If you are a veteran, active duty service member, or military family member, USAA Medigap is exclusively available to you and is worth comparing alongside national carriers.
Regulated by the NC Department of Insurance
All Medigap plans in North Carolina are regulated by the North Carolina Department of Insurance (NCDOI). The NCDOI maintains consumer resources for comparing plans and handles complaints against carriers. North Carolina also enforces a 30-day free-look period, allowing you to return a new policy for a full refund if you are not satisfied.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Financial Strength
AM Best rating and outlook stability. A++ carriers score highest.
Pricing Competitiveness
Plan G and Plan N premiums compared to the North Carolina state average for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Greensboro.
Plan Availability
Number of standardized Medigap plan letters offered in North Carolina.
Consumer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratio relative to market share and customer review sentiment.
Discounts & Value
Household, loyalty, payment mode, and other available premium discounts.
Last updated: February 2026 | Data sources: CMS Medicare Plan Finder, AM Best, NAIC Complaint Database, NerdWallet, NC Department of Insurance
Explore North Carolina Medicare Supplement Plans
Compare rates and coverage details for specific plan types available to North Carolina Medicare beneficiaries.
Compare Plan G premiums from 30+ carriers in North Carolina. Covers everything except the Part B deductible.
Lower premiums with small copays. A strong alternative to Plan G for healthy beneficiaries.
Lowest monthly premiums with a higher deductible. Best for those who rarely use healthcare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best Medicare Supplement plan in North Carolina?
Plan G is the most popular Medicare Supplement plan in North Carolina, with 49% of Medigap enrollees choosing it - the highest Plan G adoption rate of any state we've reviewed. Plan G covers all out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026). State Farm, AARP/UnitedHealthcare, and Wellabe are consistently top-rated carriers in NC.
How much does Medigap Plan G cost in North Carolina?
In Greensboro, Plan G starts at approximately $95 per month for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. Among our top-rated carriers, Wellabe offers Plan G at $113/mo with a reasonable complaint record. AARP/UnitedHealthcare offers Plan G at $117/mo with an excellent complaint record. North Carolina uses attained-age rating, so premiums increase as you age.
Does North Carolina have a birthday rule?
No. North Carolina does not have a birthday rule. You can only switch Medigap plans without medical underwriting during your initial 6-month Open Enrollment Period or other qualifying guaranteed issue periods. After your OEP ends, carriers can use medical underwriting to deny coverage or charge more based on health conditions.
Is USAA a good option for Medicare Supplement in North Carolina?
USAA is the 5th-largest Medigap insurer in North Carolina with 1.5% market share, reflecting the state's large military and veteran community (Fort Liberty, Camp Lejeune, Seymour Johnson AFB). USAA Medigap is available only to military members, veterans, and their families. If you qualify, USAA is worth comparing alongside national carriers.
What is SHIIP in North Carolina?
SHIIP stands for Medicare and Seniors' Health Insurance Information Program - North Carolina's version of the federal SHIP program. SHIIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling from trained volunteers. Counselors can help you compare Medigap plans, understand your options, and navigate enrollment at no cost.
Why does North Carolina have such high Plan G adoption?
North Carolina has the highest Plan G adoption rate of any state we've reviewed at 49%. This reflects the state's large and growing retirement population - Charlotte, Raleigh, and Asheville are among the most popular retirement destinations in the Southeast. Plan G is the most comprehensive Medigap option available to new enrollees, and NC's competitive pricing makes it an attractive choice.
What is the difference between Plan G and Plan N in North Carolina?
Both plans cover the Part A deductible ($1,736 in 2026) and most coinsurance costs. Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($283/year) with no copays. Plan N also skips the Part B deductible but adds up to $20 copays for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in admission. In Greensboro, Plan G averages about $130/mo vs. Plan N at $93/mo.
When is the best time to enroll in Medigap in North Carolina?
The best time to enroll is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP), which begins the first month you are 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this window, carriers cannot deny you coverage or charge more due to health conditions. North Carolina uses attained-age rating, so enrolling at 65 locks in the lowest possible starting premium.
Find the Best Medigap Rate in Your North Carolina ZIP Code
North Carolina has competitive Medigap premiums and one of the highest Plan G adoption rates in the Southeast. Enter your ZIP code to see exact rates from all available carriers in your area - and remember, your Open Enrollment Period is the best time to lock in coverage without medical underwriting.