Trusted ChoiceNABIP National MemberSince 2009Medicare-Specialist Agency
Carriers

Twelve Medicare organizations. Seventy-eight products. Five ACA carriers.

We are independent. We are appointed with twelve Medicare carriers across Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, Part D, DVH, Final Expense Life, and Hospital Indemnity — plus the major NC ACA Marketplace carriers for under-65 clients. When you walk in, we compare across the appointed companies based on your medications, your physicians, your preferred hospital system, and your travel patterns.

No single carrier is the right answer for every client. Mission Health network strength favors Humana for one client; Pardee Hospital network strength favors Aetna for another. AARP-branded Supplements anchor most clients in their 70s; smaller carriers like Bankers Fidelity beat them on price for clients in their early 60s who can clear underwriting. The right plan is the plan that fits you.

Per CMS marketing rules, this page does not list premiums or quote specific products. Come in. We'll compare them at the table with your situation in front of us.

Medicare Carriers

Twelve Medicare organizations we represent.

UnitedHealthcare / AARP
AM Best: A+ · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2009

Largest national PPO network of any Advantage carrier — the most common choice for clients who travel or have family across state lines. AARP-branded Medicare Supplement (underwritten by UHC) is the most-purchased Supplement in the country. Products: MA, MS, Part D.

Humana
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2010

Strongest network at Mission Health in Asheville and surrounding facilities. Humana Walmart Value Rx Part D is widely-chosen by clients who use Walmart pharmacies. Products: MA, MS, Part D, DVH.

Aetna
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2009

Strong at Pardee Hospital in Hendersonville — closer relationship than most Advantage carriers carry. SilverScript stand-alone Part D is well-priced. Aetna Accendo writes competitive Final Expense Life. Products: MA, MS, Part D, DVH, FE.

Cigna / Cigna Healthspring
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2011

Mid-tier Advantage network coverage in WNC. Strong on Cigna Healthspring HMO product line. Cigna DVH pairs well with Cigna Advantage clients. Products: MA, MS, Part D, DVH.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2009

Broadest in-state provider network of any single Medicare Advantage carrier — most NC providers are in the BCBS network. NC Blue Advantage is the product line. Strong in-state recognition with local providers. Products: MA, MS, ACA.

Wellcare
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2014

Wellcare Value Script standalone Part D is often the lowest-premium Part D in North Carolina ($0–$1/month in some zip codes). Limited Advantage presence in WNC. Products: Part D primarily, MA in select counties.

Mutual of Omaha
AM Best: A+ · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2012

Most-chosen Medicare Supplement carrier in WNC among Northbrook clients. Stable rate-history, well-priced Plan G. Mutual Living Promise is a frequently-paired Final Expense Life. Products: MS, FE Life, Hospital Indemnity, Part D.

Devoted Health
AM Best: A- · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2020

Newer MA carrier, growing presence in NC. Tech-forward member experience (mobile app, in-home services partnerships). Worth comparing for clients who are comfortable with digital tools. Products: MA, MAPD.

Alignment Healthcare
AM Best: B++ · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2022

Newer MA carrier focused on chronic-condition management. Not yet available in all WNC counties — worth checking the service area when modeling. Products: MA, MAPD.

Bright Health
AM Best: B · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2019

MA carrier with limited WNC presence. Premiums sometimes lower than incumbents; network is smaller. We include in comparisons but watch the network match carefully. Products: MA.

Bankers Fidelity
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2015

Smaller Medicare Supplement carrier with very competitive Plan G premiums for clients in their early 60s. Strong underwriting flexibility. Products: MS, FE.

Manhattan Life
AM Best: A · A.M. Best
Appointed since 2016

Specialty DVH and Hospital Indemnity carrier. Competitive on basic-tier DVH; flexible Hospital Indemnity benefit menus. Products: DVH, Hospital Indemnity, FE.

ACA Marketplace Carriers (NC)

Five carriers for under-65 clients on the federal Marketplace.

Blue Cross Blue Shield NC
Most NC ACA enrollment

Dominant NC Marketplace carrier — broadest provider network, most plan options across all metal tiers. Strongest at Mission Health and Pardee in WNC.

Aetna NC
Returned to NC Marketplace 2023

Re-entered the NC Marketplace in 2023 after a hiatus. Competitive premiums; smaller provider network than BCBS NC.

UnitedHealthcare NC
Limited NC Marketplace

Available in selected NC zip codes only. Worth modeling when comparing — sometimes the best price for a specific household.

Ambetter (Centene)
Mid-tier NC Marketplace

Narrower network than BCBS but often lower premium. Worth comparing for cost-sensitive clients.

Cigna NC
Limited NC Marketplace

Available in some metro NC zip codes. Comparable to UnitedHealthcare in scope of NC Marketplace presence.

"The CMS marketing rules limit what we can write on a website about pricing or comparisons. Sit with us at the table — that's where the comparison actually gets done."

— Joel Northbrook, RHU

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