Medicare Supplement · Chapter 3 · NC & SC Licensed
Medicare covers a lot — but not everything.
Traditional Medicare (Parts A and B) has gaps: deductibles, coinsurance, and no cap on out-of-pocket costs. A Medicare Supplement plan — also called Medigap — fills those gaps so a serious health event doesn't turn into a serious financial event.
What Medicare Supplement covers
Medicare Supplement plans are standardized — a Plan G from one carrier covers exactly the same things as a Plan G from another carrier. The difference between carriers is price and financial strength.
The most popular plans (G and N) cover the Part A hospital coinsurance and costs, the Part A deductible, the Part B coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and — in the case of Plan G — almost everything except the Part B deductible.
You can use any Medicare-accepting doctor or hospital in the country — no network restrictions. The claim goes straight from the provider to Medicare and then to the supplement carrier.
How Duane approaches Medicare supplement
No carrier bias.
The benefits are identical across carriers for the same plan letter. Duane compares rates across multiple carriers to find the most competitive option for your age and situation — not the one that pays the highest commission.
He connects it to the bigger picture.
Medicare supplement decisions are often connected to long term care planning, final expense insurance, and sometimes preneed planning. Duane can address all of these in context rather than in isolation.
Timing matters — and he explains why.
Medigap enrollment rules are not obvious. The window around your Part B effective date is the only time you're guaranteed the right to buy any plan regardless of health. Duane explains what that means for your specific timeline.
The most common plans — in plain language
The most comprehensive plan available to new Medicare enrollees. Covers everything except the Part B deductible (~$257/year in 2025). Usually the best value for people who want predictable costs.
Covers most of what Plan G covers, but with small copays at the doctor and ER ($20/$50). Usually a lower premium — worth comparing if you have fewer doctor visits.
Covers the basics — hospital coinsurance, the first 3 pints of blood, hospice care coinsurance. Lower premium but more exposure. Usually not the best value unless budget is the primary constraint.
Licensed in NC and SC for Medicare Supplement. SC Medicare Supplement licensing pending — NC clients currently. Duane will be clear about what's available in your state when you call.
Getting Your Affairs in Order
Most people don't need all of these at once — but knowing which chapter you're in helps.
Turning 65? Already on Medicare and wondering if you're in the right plan?
Call or text (919) 822-2010. A 15-minute conversation is usually enough to get you pointed in the right direction.