Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia

There are 12 Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia, including two high-deductible plan options with low monthly premiums. Offered by private health insurance companies, Medigap policies are intended to cover the out-of-pocket costs produced by gaps in Original Medicare. From Part B coinsurance and the Medicare Part A deductible to premiums and copayments, those expenses can add up without a Medicare Supplement plan in West Virginia.

Medigap insurance covers those out-of-pocket costs in exchange for a more predictable monthly premium. Each plan covers different expenses, and some are more comprehensive than others.

While all West Virginia Medicare Supplement insurance plans are valuable to the proper beneficiaries, five stand out in value and comprehensive coverage. All beneficiaries should take the time to compare coverage and rates for each plan offered in their service area.

Medicare Supplement Plan G

For West Virginia beneficiaries with Part B effective dates on or after January 1, 2020, Medicare Plan G offers the most comprehensive supplemental Medicare benefits. It doesn't include coverage for the Part B deductible but offers the same benefits as Plan F. There are no restrictions on eligibility for enrollment.

Medicare Supplement Plan N

West Virginia beneficiaries interested in lowering their Medigap premium while maintaining high-value Medicare coverage may consider enrolling in Medicare Plan N. The plan is more affordable than Plans F and G but requires beneficiaries to pay the following out-of-pocket costs on top of the premium:

• Medicare Part B deductible
• Medicare Part B excess charges
• Maximum of $20 for some doctor office visits
• Maximum of $50 for emergency room visits (waived if admitted)

High-Deductible Plan G

High-deductible Plan G is a good option for beneficiaries who don't qualify for Plan F and are interested in minimizing their monthly Medigap premiums. This plan offers all Plan F benefits once the annual deductible is met out-of-pocket. In addition, there are no restrictions on enrollment.

Medicare Supplement Plan F

Medicare Plan F was the most popular Medicare Supplement insurance plan in West Virginia for many years and across the country. It offers the most comprehensive coverage of all plans, covering even the Medicare Part B deductible and Part B excess charges.

The downside is the eligibility restriction that stops new Medicare beneficiaries from applying for coverage. Only beneficiaries enrolled in Part B before January 1, 2020 are eligible.

Medicare Supplement Insurance Cost in West Virginia

Pricing for Medicare Supplement plans is based on various personal factors, including age, gender, and tobacco usage. Zip code is also a factor in rates, and the Medicare Part B enrollment date may impact the plan options available to a beneficiary.

65-Year-Old Female Non-tobacco

Plan F $199 per month

Plan G $140 per month

Plan N $125 per month

When can I apply for a Medicare Supplement plan?

Each West Virginia beneficiary has a unique Medigap Open Enrollment Period with valuable guaranteed issue rights. This period occurs once in a lifetime and ensures that beneficiaries have access to the plan of their choice at the lowest rates available in their zip code.

The Medicare insurance company cannot raise rates due to a current health condition or pre-existing conditions as long as beneficiaries apply during their open enrollment period. In addition, medical underwriting isn't allowed, so beneficiaries with chronic health conditions can get the same rates as healthier applicants.

This period starts the month a beneficiary is at least 65 years old and enrolled in Medicare Part B. Applying outside of this period will allow the insurer to set rates using medical underwriting, and they have the right to deny coverage entirely. In addition, some beneficiaries may qualify for special enrollment periods with guaranteed issue rights after their open enrollment periods have passed.

Working with a licensed insurance agent familiar with Social Security and the Medicare program is the best way for beneficiaries to select the best insurance policy for their individual needs.

FAQ:

When can I change Medigap plans?

West Virginia beneficiaries can technically change Medigap policies at any time but should keep the following in mind:

• Outside the open enrollment period, Medicare insurance companies can raise base rates on current and past medical conditions and other factors. That may mean a substantial increase in premiums from a policy secured during the open enrollment period.
• Insurers can deny coverage to beneficiaries who apply without guaranteed issue rights.
• Beneficiaries can switch Medigap plans during their six-month open enrollment period without penalty or risk of rate hikes and denial.
• A one-month "free look" period allows beneficiaries to switch back to their previous Medigap policy if they don't like the new one. Beneficiaries must pay the premium for both policies for one month to reserve this right.
• When switching to a policy that has benefits not offered by their old plan, insurers may have the right to make the beneficiary wait up to six months to access the new benefits. That wait may also apply to beneficiaries joining a new plan with pre-existing conditions.

The only ways to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, wait times, and potential denial are to take advantage of the open enrollment period or qualify for a special enrollment period with guaranteed issue rights.

Can I be denied Medigap coverage?

Denial for a Medicare Supplement insurance plan in West Virginia is possible when beneficiaries apply outside their open enrollment period without guaranteed issue rights.

Ready to Learn More?

We help educate Medicare beneficiaries on their Medigap options and help them go through the process of reviewing and comparing plans. We work with most of the nation's top-rated Medigap carriers, such as Aetna, Cigna, Mutual of Omaha, and Florida Blue Medicare. Give us a call or request a quote online to learn more about Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan G and Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Plan G in your state. We educate you on the best Medicare plans for your situation, then let you decide.