West Virginia's Best Medicare Supplement Plans & Companies
If you're a resident of West Virginia currently enrolled in Original Medicare, you have the option to bolster your Part A and Part B coverage with Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap plans). In West Virginia, there are ten distinct plan options, each designed to cover various out-of-pocket expenses.
In this article, we delve into the top West Virginia Medigap plans and insurance companies for plan year 2024.
Table of Contents
What You Need to Know
- Private insurance companies offer supplemental Medicare insurance in West Virginia, not the government.
- Supplemental Medicare insurance is available in 10 different plan options, labeled A through N, each providing a different level of Medicare coverage.
- West Virginia residents become eligible for supplemental Medicare insurance at age 65.
- All plans offer coverage for Medicare Part A coinsurance and hospital costs, Medicare Part B copayments or coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood.
- Most plans also cover the Medicare Part A deductible and Skilled Nursing Facility coinsurance.
- It's important to note that Medicare Supplement Insurance does not cover long-term care, vision, dental, hearing aids, or private-duty nursing.
- The average costs for a 65-year-old can vary significantly based on factors such as gender, tobacco use, your location in West Virginia, and the level of coverage you select.
- A Medicare Supplement Plan is not classified as health insurance; it falls under indemnity insurance and operates under its own set of rules.
The 5 Best Medicare Supplement Plans Sold in West Virginia
There are ten different Medicare Supplement Plans. These plans are labeled A through N and are standardized by the federal Medicare program.
The top-rated plans in West Virginia for 2024 include Medicare Supplement Plan F, Plan C, Plan D, Plan G, and Plan N. They are considered the best because they provide the most extensive coverage.
Which one of these plans is the best choice for you?
HELPFUL READING: Medicare Plan G vs Plan N: Which is Better?
An easy way to quickly understand the ten plans is to refer to a Medigap plan chart. This chart illustrates how each policy helps cover the Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B out-of-pocket costs (deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments) for West Virginia residents.
Understanding Your Medigap Plan Options in West Virginia
Everyone on Medicare has different needs. Your age, gender, West Virginia zip code, use of medical services, providers, emergency care, supplies, and durable medical equipment are all factors you need to consider.
That's because all of these things play a role in your plan options. Carefully consider your need for outpatient care and inpatient care.
When Best = Most Coverage Available in West Virginia
Most Medicare insurance experts in West Virginia will tell you that opting for Plan G is the wisest decision if you're enrolling in Medicare with one or more chronic health conditions. This plan offers the most extensive coverage available for those who qualify for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020.
CRUCIAL: While Plan F provides slightly more coverage than Medicare Supplement Plan G, it comes at a significantly higher cost and is only available to beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before 2020.
- Get Plan F and Plan G Quotes in Your Zip Code
- See All Companies Offering Plan F in West Virginia
- See All Companies Offering Plan G in West Virginia
When Best = Robust Coverage & Monthly Budget Benefits
If you're enrolling in Medicare and find yourself in excellent health or in need of solid coverage but are concerned about the cost of Plan G, consider Medicare Supplement Plan N as a viable option. Plan N provides comprehensive coverage everywhere in West Virginia for inpatient hospital stays and most medical expenses.
Plan N is a suitable choice for healthy individuals due to its cost-sharing feature. In exchange for lower monthly premiums, beneficiaries in this plan are responsible for a modest copayment for doctor's office visits (up to $20) or emergency room visits (up to $50).
When Best = Most Affordable Coverage in West Virginia
Many West Virginia beneficiaries don't require comprehensive coverage or simply can't manage it in their budget. If you're concerned about the monthly premium burden, consult with your insurance agent regarding Medicare Supplement Plan K and the High Deductible Plan G (HDG).
RELATED: How Does High Deductible Plan G Work?
These two plan options represent the most economical choices available. Many well-informed West Virginia seniors prefer these plans over a Medicare Advantage plan.
Are Plan A, B, C, D, L, and M Offered in West Virginia?
Medicare Supplement Plan A represents the most fundamental coverage available. Surprisingly, in many areas of West Virginia, its cost exceeds that of Plan N. Why pay more for less?
Medicare Supplement Plan C and Plan D provide coverage similar to Plan G but come at a higher cost. Additionally, similar to Plan F, Plan C is exclusively accessible to West Virginia beneficiaries who enrolled in Medicare prior to 2020.
It's worth noting that only a select few insurance companies in West Virginia offer Plan L or Plan M.
Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield... What's the Difference?
Every Medigap insurance company in West Virginia must follow federal and state insurance laws. Carriers must offer the standardized Medicare plans identified by letters A through N.
For instance, a Plan F from Aetna Medicare has the same out-of-pocket cost coverage and benefits as a Plan F policy from Mutual of Omaha, United Healthcare, Humana, Cigna, or Blue Cross Blue Shield. This is why Medigap plans are easier to compare than Medicare Advantage plans.
The big difference is the company standing behind the plan and how the company rates their plan for future premium increases. It's important to get a company's Medigap rate increase history before making a decision.
In some cases West Virginia state laws affect enrollment rules and how carriers can rate their plans. For more information, visit the West Virginia Department of Insurance website at http://www.wvinsurance.gov/.
Medicare Supplement Plan F Companies in West Virginia
Medicare Supplement Plan F (Medigap Plan F) is West Virginia’s most popular Medigap plan. Here are the 10 best companies that offer Plan F policies in West Virginia based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan F in West Virginia
Medigap Plan F is standardized like all Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia. Insurance carriers are required to cover certain benefits. Plan F is the most comprehensive plan because it covers all gaps in Original Medicare.
Although Original Medicare does not cover foreign travel medical emergencies, Plan F does (up to 89%). In addition to this extra benefit, companies may offer limited additional features. One example is Physician Mutual’s Preventive Care and Hearing Loss Testing benefits.
Medicare Supplement Plan G Companies in West Virginia
Medicare Supplement Plan G (Medigap Plan G) is rapidly gaining popularity with West Virginia seniors. With Plan F no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries, Plan G is the new gold standard. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan G policies in West Virginia based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan G in West Virginia
All Medigap plans in West Virginia, including Medigap Plan G, are standardized. Insurance companies must provide the standard coverage. Plan G covers all gaps in Original Medicare except the Part B deductible. And it only covers 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies that fall within your policy’s limits.
Companies may offer additional features like UnitedHealthcare’s fitness program, Renew Active, or the Silver Sneakers fitness program.
Medicare Supplement Plan N Companies in West Virginia
Medicare Supplement Plan N is similar to Plan D (not to be confused with Medicare Part D) but covers Medicare Part B coinsurance costs differently. Due to its lower cost and good coverage, it's catching the attention of many Arizona seniors. Here are the 10 best insurance companies that offer Medigap Plan N policies in West Virginia based on our reviews (click for details):
Required Benefits of Plan N in West Virginia
All Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia are standardized, including Medigap Plan N. Like Plan G, Plan N does not cover the Part B deductible. It also does not cover Part B excess charges. But it does cover 80% of foreign travel medical emergencies up to the policy’s limits.
Medicare limits the types of extra benefits companies can offer. One excellent additional benefit is UnitedHealthcare’s NurseLine, which lets you talk to an experienced nurse, day or night.
Medicare Eligibility for Medicare Supplement Plans
In West Virginia, you have the opportunity to apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP). This six-month period commences upon your enrollment in Medicare Part B. Your Medicare eligibility date determines your available plan types.
Under federal law, you are granted guaranteed issue rights throughout your Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This means you can secure a Medigap plan during this period, regardless of your health history or chronic health conditions. You can apply with any insurance company in West Virginia that sells Medicare Supplement Insurance.
Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan in West Virginia typically involves assistance from a licensed insurance agent. If you don't have an insurance agent, we recommend HealthCompare, an Allstate company. You can reach them at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711). They sell policies from the leading insurance companies nationwide, and there's no obligation.
Is a Medicare Supplement Right for You?
Why You Should Consider a Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan:
- You expect the need for frequent healthcare services now and/or in the future and want to limit your deductibles and co-pays.
- You can afford the monthly premiums of Medicare Supplement Insurance and don't qualify for Medicaid.
- You want the freedom to choose your doctors and other Medicare providers without network restrictions.
- You need nationwide coverage and/or travel abroad.
- You are in your Initial Enrollment Period and have guaranteed issue rights to join a Medigap plan regardless of your health condition.
- You don’t want a Medicare Advantage plan and the hassle of referrals and pre-authorization to receive healthcare services.
Explore Alternatives to a Medicare Supplement When:
- You don’t expect the need for frequent healthcare now or in the future.
- You missed your Medigap open enrollment period and cannot pass medical underwriting to get the Medigap policy you want.
- You want a Medicare Advantage plan with low or no monthly premiums.
- You have Medicaid, TRICARE, VA, retiree benefits, or other coverage options that will pay for most of your Medicare out-of-pocket expenses.
- You prefer an HMO or PPO plan with a Part D prescription drug plan, Silver Sneakers, and routine dental, vision, and hearing care.
- You can adhere to the rules and restrictions of a Medicare Advantage plan.
Alternatives to West Virginia Medicare Supplement Plans
If you have determined that a West Virginia Medicare Supplement Plan is not the right fit for your needs, or if none of the 10 plan types align with your budget, there are several alternative options:
- Opt to stay with Original Medicare, add a Medicare Part D plan to get prescription drug coverage, and cover all Part A and Part B deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments out-of-pocket. Please note: This approach carries significant financial risk, regardless of your current health status.
- If you meet the qualifications for both Medicare and Medicaid or have a serious health condition, consider enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plan.
- If you are enrolled in the VA health system, you can receive all your healthcare services from your nearest VA hospital. In such cases, the VA will bill Medicare and cover the remaining costs.
- Explore the option of enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan featuring a low maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limit and reasonable copayments.
As you explore these Medicare coverage alternatives, remember that the choice you make can have a significant impact on your healthcare and financial well-being. Take the time to assess your unique needs and preferences. Should you require further clarity or assistance in navigating the options available to you in West Virginia, don't hesitate to reach out to our preferred agency, HealthCompare, at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Next Steps
The next step is to get a FREE Medigap Rate Comparison Report. It will arm you with all of the information you need to make an informed decision.
Get Your Free Medicare Supplement Rate Comparison
MedicareWire is a Medicare consulting agency. We are not insurance agents. Our job is to help people navigate Medicare without marketing interference.
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If you would prefer to speak with an agent, our preferred, nationwide agency is HealthCompare, an Allstate company. Give them a call at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711).
Citations & References
- Costs of Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- What's Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)?, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Find a Medigap policy that works for you, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How to compare Medigap policies, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- How Original Medicare works, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023
- Your Medicare coverage choices, Medicare.gov, Last Accessed October 4, 2023