Original Medicare in Raleigh (Parts A and B) helps beneficiaries cover a significant portion of healthcare costs. However, there are still gaps in healthcare coverage that can grow costly for beneficiaries. To fill in the gaps in medical coverage, 36.80% of the 353,691 Original Medicare enrollees use Medicare Advantage plans.
Medicare plans in Raleigh, North Carolina
Supplemental Medicare plans help Raleigh, North Carolina beneficiaries reduce their Medicare costs. These plans cover the healthcare expenses that Original Medicare Parts A and B don’t. The quotes in this article reflect the premiums and advantages of a 65-year-old female beneficiary.
Cheapest Medicare Advantage plans in Raleigh, North Carolina
In Raleigh, Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in one of the 37 available North Carolina Medicare Advantage plans. Of those 353,691 beneficiaries, 45.15% are male, and 54.85% are female. All of the Medicare Advantage plans in Raleigh, North Carolina have a premium of $0.
Alignment Health is the cheapest Medical Advantage plan available in Raleigh, North Carolina. The maximum out-of-pocket premium for this plan is $2,499. However, the star rating is not available.
The next cheapest option for a Medical Advantage plan is UnitedHealthcare. This plan has a five out of five-star rating, making it extremely high-quality. Plus, the MOOP is only $3,600.
The next cheapest option is BlueCross Blue Shield (BCBS) of North Carolina, which is a health maintenance organization (HMO). It’s rated highly, with four out of five stars. The MOOP is $5,900.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Star Rating |
| Humana | $0 | $7,550 | REGIONAL PPO | 4 |
| BCBS of North Carolina | $0 | $5,900 | HMO | 4 |
| Alignment Health | $0 | $2,499 | HMO-POS | N/A |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,500 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $3,600 | HMO-POS | 5 |
Wondering why Medicare Advantage plans are beneficial? We have your answers here: Why Medicare Advantage plans are Good.
Affordable Medicare Supplement plans in Raleigh, North Carolina
Medicare Supplement plans in North Carolina are also referred to as Medigap plans. They work in conjunction with Medicare. They cover the healthcare costs that Medicare doesn’t cover, such as coinsurance.
Each Medigap letter plan provides the same benefits, no matter your state or what carrier you enroll with. However, monthly premiums do vary depending on your state.
The top letter plan that’s the most affordable is Plan HDF. This plan is a very popular option in Raleigh, North Carolina. The lowest premium is $30, and the highest is $70.28, making it very affordable for most beneficiaries.
Another popular and affordable letter plan is Plan HDG. This option has the lowest premium of $30 and the highest premium of $67.27. These rates are incredibly comparable to Plan HDF premiums.
Finally, another popular option is Plan N, another affordable option. The lowest premium is $72.21, and the highest is $274.22.
| LETTER PLAN | LOWEST PREMIUM | HIGHEST PREMIUM |
| PLAN A | $84.51 | $341.62 |
| PLAN B | $112.70 | $263.89 |
| PLAN C | $114.73 | $307.82 |
| PLAN D | $106.00 | $289.64 |
| PLAN F | $107.94 | $308.23 |
| PLAN HDF | $30.00 | $70.28 |
| PLAN G | $97.27 | $289.98 |
| PLAN HDG | $30.00 | $67.27 |
| PLAN K | $46.83 | $90.00 |
| PLAN L | $59.00 | $205.62 |
| PLAN M | $71.71 | $233.66 |
| PLAN N | $72.21 | $274.22 |
If you’re wondering how to apply for Medigap plans, we’ve created this helpful resource to make your life easier.
Average Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
North Carolina Medicare Part D plans provide coverage solely for prescription medications. These help you cover prescription medication costs that other plans, such as Medigap plans and Medicare Advantage, don’t. However, some Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, known as MAPD plans.
Every Part D plan available in Raleigh, North Carolina has a deductible of $480. Most programs have a three-star rating, except Humana has a four-star rating, and Clear Spring has a 2-star rating.
Humana is a high-quality, average option with a $22.70 premium. The most affordable option is Aetna, with a $7 premium; another extremely affordable option is Wellcare, with a $12.90 premium.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | DEDUCTIBLE | STAR RATING |
| Aetna | $7.00 | $480 | 3 |
| Wellcare | $12.90 | $480 | 3 |
| Clear Spring | $18.10 | $480 | 2 |
| Humana | $22.70 | $480 | 4 |
| Elixir | $29.00 | $480 | 3 |
If you sign up for a Medicare Part D plan, you will most likely receive an Explanation of Benefits. Here’s an explanation of what an EOB is.
Medicare Special Needs plans
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are a subset of Medicare Advantage plans. You can enroll in an SNP for additional coverage if you have a chronic condition or special needs. However, these types of plans are only available in select areas.
Every SNP available in Raleigh, North Carolina has a premium of $0. Almost every option is a health maintenance organization (HMO), except UnitedHealthcare, which is a preferred provider organization (PPO). UnitedHealthcare is a more expensive option with a MOOP of $7,550.
The most affordable SNP in Raleigh is Wellcare (HMO). It has a MOOP of $3,450, making this an extremely popular plan to enroll in. This SNP is available for dual-eligible beneficiaries.
Another affordable option is Liberty (HMO). This plan has a MOOP of $5,000. It’s only eligible for people who have chronic or disabling conditions.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | Plan Type | Eligibility |
| UnitedHealthcare | $0 | $7,550 | REGIONAL PPO | Dual |
| Wellcare | $0 | $3,450 | HMO | Dual |
| Aetna | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | Dual |
| Liberty | $0 | $5,000 | HMO | Chronic or Disabling |
| Alignment | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | Dual |
FAQs
What are the requirements for Medicare in Raleigh, North Carolina?
To qualify for Medicare in Raleigh, North Carolina, you must be 65 or older. Otherwise, you’re also qualified if you have been on Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for at least two years. Finally, you also qualify if you have end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or Lou Gehrig’s disease.
What are the four types of Medicare in Raleigh, North Carolina?
There are four types of Medicare available in Raleigh, North Carolina. Part A provides inpatient and hospital coverage. For outpatient and medical coverage, Part B can help. Part C is here for you if you need an alternative way to receive your Medicare benefits. Finally, Part D provides prescription drug coverage.
When can you apply for Medicare in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Generally, beneficiaries are first eligible to apply for Medicare in North Carolina starting three months before they turn 65. After you turn 65, you’re eligible for three months after. If you don’t sign up when you’re eligible, you might have to wait to sign up. This may cause you to go months without coverage and possibly pay a monthly penalty.
Can I get Medicare without qualifying for full Social Security benefits in Raleigh, North Carolina?
Just because you’re not eligible for full Social Security retirement benefits does not mean you can’t apply for full Medicare benefits. Medicare is still available to you. However, you will have to contact Social Security to get signed up.
How do I sign up for Medicare for the first time?
If it’s your first time signing up for Medicare, you can apply for Social Security Medicare benefits online. This is the easiest and fastest way to sign up.
How to sign up for Medicare plans in Raleigh, North Carolina
No two people have the same insurance needs. Finding the right Supplemental Medicare plan can take time, but it will help ensure your financial health. If you need help, we work with every carrier to compare top programs. We’ll help you find the best option for you in Raleigh. Give us a call or fill out our quotes form to find out more.
