Rob Simm is a licensed independent Medicare broker in Durham, NC (NC #10447418) who compares plans from every major carrier — Aetna, BCBSNC, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and more — at no cost to you. Unlike national call centers, he verifies Duke Health provider networks directly, checks your prescriptions against every formulary, and ensures you don’t pay penalties from late or incorrect enrollment. In 2026, Durham County has 40+ Medicare Advantage plans and 10 Medigap options to compare. For your specific situation in Durham County, call Rob Simm at (828) 761-3326 — free, no obligation.

What Durham families ask

What should I look for in a Medicare broker near Durham?

These are the four questions Durham families ask most when searching for a local Medicare broker.

Will a broker cost me anything?

No. Medicare brokers are paid by the insurance carrier — the same commission regardless of which plan you choose. You never pay a fee for comparing plans, verifying networks, or enrolling.

Can a broker check if my Duke doctors are in-network?

Yes. Many Duke physicians are independent contractors whose network status varies plan by plan. Rob calls Duke Health directly to verify before recommending any plan — something Medicare.gov cannot do.

Is a broker better than going through Medicare.gov?

Medicare.gov lists plans but can’t advise. A broker compares costs, verifies providers, checks drug formularies, and identifies penalties or enrollment timing issues — then helps you enroll correctly.

Will a broker push me toward one carrier?

An independent broker works with all carriers and earns the same commission from each. No volume bonuses, no carrier steering. The recommendation is based on your doctors, drugs, and budget — period.

⚠️ National call centers can’t verify Duke Health networks

Many Duke physicians are independent contractors — their network participation varies by plan and changes annually. National call centers and 1-800 numbers rely on directories that are often outdated. In Durham County, enrolling in the wrong plan can mean losing access to your oncologist, cardiologist, or primary care doctor mid-year with no way to switch until October. A local broker verifies each provider directly before you enroll.

The difference

What’s the difference between a call center and a local Medicare broker?

What do you need to know?	National Call Center	Rob Simm — NC #10447418
How many carriers?	1–3 contracted carriers	Every major carrier in Durham County
Provider verification?	Reads from online directory	Calls Duke Health directly to verify each doctor
Drug cost analysis?	Generic tier lookup	Formulary-level comparison with copay, coinsurance & mail-order pricing
Penalty check?	Rarely mentioned	Checks employer size, creditable coverage & enrollment timing before you sign
After enrollment?	Different agent every call	Same broker answers the phone next year when something changes
Cost to you?	$0	$0 — same commission from every carrier

2026 Medicare numbers

What are the key Medicare costs in Durham County for 2026?

$202.90

Part B premium per month

2026 standard rate. Higher with IRMAA surcharge based on income above $106,000.

$283

Part B annual deductible

You pay this before Medicare covers 80% of outpatient care.

$9,350

MA in-network out-of-pocket max

2026 cap on in-network Medicare Advantage spending.

$2,100

Part D out-of-pocket cap

No catastrophic Rx costs in 2026. Insulin capped at $35/month.

💡 Broker Tip — Durham County

If you’re retiring from Duke University or Duke Health, your employer coverage likely counts as creditable — but you need written proof. Ask your HR department for a “Certificate of Creditable Coverage” before your last day. Without that letter, you could face a permanent Part B penalty of 10% per year delayed ($20.29/month in 2026) and a Part D penalty of 1% of $37.20 per uncovered month. Rob verifies creditable coverage status before any enrollment. Call (828) 761-3326.

— Rob Simm, Licensed Medicare Broker, NC #10447418

10 minutes. You'll know where you stand.

Rob Simm · Licensed NC Medicare Broker · NPN #10447418

Now pick how you want to move forward — your pace.

PLAN MATCH · 3 MINUTES

Let's start with you.

15-MIN CALL · SAME-WEEK SLOTS

Book on Calendly ▾

Prefer to just talk? (828) 761-3326

Licensed in North Carolina · Serving NC residents only

No pressure · No sales pitch · Your data never sold

Real scenario · Durham County

What happens when you pick the wrong Medicare plan in Durham?

Enrolled without broker

$4,200+

Picked a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan from a TV ad. Lost access to Duke oncologist mid-year. Paid $4,200+ in out-of-network specialist costs before the next enrollment window.

Enrolled with Rob Simm

$0 surprise

Rob verified every Duke provider before enrollment, compared drug costs across all formularies, and found a plan with the same $0 premium that kept every doctor in-network. Same cost. Right coverage.

It pays to talk to the right broker

How does a Medicare broker get paid if it’s free to me?

It doesn’t cost you anything — because I get paid by the insurance carrier to manage your plan. Most call centers get paid more to steer your business toward certain carriers based on volume and contracts. The only thing I’m optimizing for is making sure you’re covered correctly when you actually need it. That’s what keeps people coming back. And referring their neighbors.

Common questions

Frequently asked questions

How much does a Medicare broker in Durham cost?

$0. Medicare brokers are paid by the insurance carrier when you enroll — the same commission regardless of which plan you choose. You never pay a fee for Rob’s help comparing plans, verifying provider networks, or enrolling. Call (828) 761-3326.

What is the difference between a Medicare broker and a Medicare agent?

A Medicare agent typically represents one or a few carriers. A Medicare broker like Rob Simm is independent and licensed with all major carriers in Durham County — Aetna, BCBSNC, Cigna, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and others. Brokers compare across every available plan. Agents sell what they carry.

Can a Medicare broker help me keep my Duke Health doctors?

Yes. Many Duke physicians are independent contractors whose network status varies plan to plan. Rob verifies each provider directly with Duke Health before recommending a plan — something Medicare.gov and national call centers cannot do. Call (828) 761-3326 for a free provider check.

When should I contact a Medicare broker in Durham?

Ideally 3 months before you turn 65, when your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period begins. But you can also contact a broker during the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15–Dec 7), during a Special Enrollment Period (e.g., losing employer coverage, moving), or anytime you want a plan review. Call (828) 761-3326.

How do I verify a Medicare broker is licensed in North Carolina?

Check the NC Department of Insurance website at ncdoi.gov. Rob Simm’s NC license number is #10447418, NPN #10447418. He is AHIP-certified and contracted with all major Medicare carriers serving Durham County.

Related Medicare guides

Medicare Enrollment in NC – 2026 Guide Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in NC Medicare Costs in NC 2026 Working Past 65 – Medicare Enrollment Special Enrollment Periods in NC Best Medicare Plans in Durham County Medicare Agents in Durham County Free Medicare Quotes Online

Get help in nearby NC counties

Wake Orange Guilford Forsyth Buncombe Mecklenburg All NC Counties →

Robert Simm

Licensed Independent Medicare Broker

Helping NC families navigate Medicare since 2014. Independent — I work with all carriers and get paid the same regardless of which plan you choose. I verify provider networks with Duke Health directly and answer my own phone the next year when something changes.

📞 (828) 761-3326 📋 NC #10447418 🏥 AHIP Certified ⭐ 5.0 · 20+ reviews 📍 2731 Meridian Pkwy, Durham NC 27713 🕐 Mon–Fri 9am–7pm ET

Last Updated: 2026-05-03 | Reviewed By: Robert Simm, Licensed Medicare Broker, NC #10447418 | Next Review: October 2026

We do not offer every plan available in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for information on all of your options. GenerationHealth.me and Robert Simm are independent agents not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. This is a solicitation of insurance. A licensed agent may contact you. Information on this page is for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal or financial advice. Plan availability, premiums, and benefits vary by location and carrier. © 2026 GenerationHealth.me