Both Plan G and Plan N keep every Duke Health doctor, because Medigap is not a network — any physician who accepts Original Medicare accepts every Medigap plan. Plan G costs roughly $135–$190/month in Durham County for a 65-year-old non-smoker and covers the $283 Part B deductible plus Part B excess charges. Plan N costs roughly $115–$160/month but adds up to $20 copays per office visit and up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission. If you see Duke specialists frequently, Plan G usually wins on total annual cost. For your specific situation in Durham County, call Rob Simm at (828) 761-3326 — free, no obligation.

What Durham families ask

What worries people most about choosing between Plan G and Plan N?

These are the four questions I hear every week from Durham County residents comparing Medigap plans.

Will I lose access to my Duke oncologist or cardiologist?

No. Medigap plans are not networks. Every Duke physician who accepts Medicare assignment accepts Plan G and Plan N equally. Network restrictions only apply to Medicare Advantage plans.

How much more does Plan G actually cost per year?

In Durham County, Plan G runs about $20–$30/month more than Plan N. But Plan G eliminates the $283 Part B deductible and all office visit copays — so if you visit specialists 10+ times per year, Plan G often costs less overall.

What are Part B excess charges and should I worry?

Part B excess charges occur when a doctor charges up to 15% above the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers them; Plan N does not. Most Duke physicians accept assignment (no excess charges), but some independent contractors at Duke do not.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later if I get sick?

After your 6-month Medigap open enrollment window, NC carriers can require medical underwriting. A new diagnosis could mean denial or higher rates. Choose carefully during your initial window — it is the only guaranteed-issue period.

⚠️ Your 6-month Medigap window does not reset

You have exactly one 6-month open enrollment window after turning 65 and enrolling in Part B to buy any Medigap plan with no health questions. Once it closes, NC insurers can deny you Plan G based on pre-existing conditions. If you are approaching 65 in Durham County, do not wait — call (828) 761-3326 before your window closes.

The difference

What does a Medicare.gov search miss that a Durham broker catches?

What do you need to know?	Medicare.gov	Rob Simm — NC #10447418
Duke network verification	Generic provider directory, often months stale	Direct contract verification with each carrier for Durham County
Plan G vs Plan N math	Lists both plans — no break-even analysis	Run your actual visit frequency and calculate which plan saves you more
Part B excess charge risk	Not mentioned in plan comparison	I check which of your Duke doctors accept assignment and which do not
Medigap + Part D pairing	Two separate tools, no cross-check	I match your medications to the lowest-cost Part D plan alongside your Medigap choice
Rate history by carrier	Shows current premium only	I show you 3–5 year rate increase history per carrier in Durham County
Cost to you	$0 (your time and guesswork)	$0 — carriers pay the same commission regardless of which plan you choose

2026 Medicare numbers

What are the key 2026 Medicare costs that affect Plan G vs Plan N?

$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. Plan G covers it. Plan N does not.

$9,350

MA in-network out-of-pocket max

2026 cap on in-network Medicare Advantage spending. Medigap has no OOP max because it covers nearly everything.

$2,100

Part D out-of-pocket cap

No catastrophic Rx costs in 2026. Insulin capped at $35/month. You need a separate Part D plan with Medigap.

💡 Broker Tip — Durham County

Many Duke Health physicians are independent contractors whose network participation varies by Medicare Advantage carrier — but with Original Medicare + Medigap, that complexity disappears entirely. If keeping stable, long-term access to Duke specialists is your priority, Medigap Plan G or Plan N paired with a standalone Part D plan is the cleanest path. I verify every Duke provider relationship before enrollment.

— Rob Simm, Licensed Medicare Broker, NC #10447418

10 minutes. You'll know where you stand.

Rob Simm · Licensed NC Medicare Broker · NPN #10447418

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Real scenario · Durham County

What does Plan G vs Plan N actually cost a Durham resident who sees Duke specialists regularly?

Plan N — 12 specialist visits/year

$2,363/yr

$140/mo premium ($1,680) + $283 Part B deductible + $240 in copays (12 visits × $20). Plus potential Part B excess charges from independent Duke contractors.

Plan G — 12 specialist visits/year

$2,040/yr

$170/mo premium ($2,040) + $283 Part B deductible. Zero copays. Zero excess charges. Predictable total cost every year, no matter how often you see Duke specialists.

It pays to talk to the right broker

Does it cost me more to enroll through a broker instead of directly?

It doesn’t — 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

Will Plan G or Plan N affect which Duke Health doctors I can see?

No. Both Plan G and Plan N are Medigap plans that work with Original Medicare. Any Duke physician who accepts Medicare assignment accepts both plans. There is no network restriction with Medigap — your access to Duke specialists is identical on either plan.

What is the real cost difference between Plan G and Plan N in Durham County?

For a 65-year-old non-smoker in Durham County in 2026, Plan G typically runs $135–$190/month and Plan N runs $115–$160/month. Plan N saves $20–$30/month in premium but adds up to $20 copays per office visit and up to $50 per ER visit not resulting in admission. Plan G also covers Part B excess charges, which Plan N does not. For a personalized comparison, call (828) 761-3326.

Do I still need a standalone Part D drug plan with Medigap?

Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You must enroll in a separate Medicare Part D plan. In 2026, Part D out-of-pocket costs are capped at $2,100 per year, and insulin is capped at $35 per month. A licensed broker can match your specific medications to the lowest-cost Part D plan in Durham County.

Can I switch from Plan N to Plan G later if my health changes?

In North Carolina, you can switch Medigap plans after your initial 6-month open enrollment window, but the new carrier can require medical underwriting. If you develop a serious condition, you may be denied Plan G or charged a higher rate. That is why choosing the right plan during your initial enrollment window matters — call (828) 761-3326 before that window closes.

Is there a fee to have Rob Simm compare Plan G and Plan N quotes for me?

No. Brokers are paid by the insurance carrier when you enroll, and the commission is identical regardless of which plan or carrier you choose. There is no cost to you for the comparison, the consultation, or ongoing service after enrollment.

Related Medicare guides

Medicare Enrollment in NC – 2026 Guide Extra Help/LIS Eligibility NC 2026 Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in NC Extra Help / LIS in NC – 2026 Eligibility Guide Working Past 65 – Medicare Enrollment Special Enrollment Periods in NC Cheap Health Insurance Without Employer Coverage Free Medicare Quotes Online

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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