Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia
Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) plans in West Virginia from private, Medicare-approved insurance companies. Not only does Medigap help cover the copays and coinsurance that Original Medicare doesn’t take care of, but these policies may also provide coverage against excess charges and emergency healthcare costs incurred when traveling overseas.
The cost and accessibility of Medigap policies are contingent on your age, gender, insurance provider, and state of residence. In West Virginia, these plans are regulated by a local insurance commissioner, and laws are enacted at a state level.
When searching for a Medigap plan that meets your budget and healthcare needs in West Virginia, it is essential to assess the cost and accessibility of all available options.
Key Takeaways:
- There are ten Medigap plans to choose from.
- In West Virginia, Medigap Plan G is the most popular.
- Plan G premiums range from $130 to $260 per month.
- Apply during your Medigap Open Enrollment period to avoid medical underwriting.
Types of Medigap Plans in West Virginia
You can find every standardized type of Medigap plan in West Virginia, but the most extensive coverage is available through Plans F and G. These are also the most popular.
Following are some critical points about differences among some of the plans:
- Plan F is the most comprehensive option, covering the Part B deductible. However, this plan is only available to people eligible for Medicare before January 2020.
- Plan G is the most comprehensive for newer beneficiaries. Pays for excess Part B charges so you can see any Medicare provider even if they charge more than the Medicare-approved amount.
- Plan N is an increasingly popular option with lower premiums but requires the policyholder to pay a copay for doctor and emergency room visits.
- Plan K is one of only two plans with a set out-of-pocket limit. Once you reach and pay the deductible for Part B, your plan will cover 100% of expenses.
- High Deductible Plan G has the same benefits as Medicare Plan G; however, it has an annual deductible of $2,700 that has to be paid by the member before any medical claims are covered.
What’s the Most Popular West Virginia Medigap Plan in 2023?
Plan F is the most popular plan, offering the most comprehensive coverage and paying the annual Part B deductible. But because Plan F is only available to those eligible before January 2020, Plan G is becoming more popular because it offers comprehensive coverage except for the Part B deductible. Plus, Plan G is widely offered by most Medigap insurance companies.
What’s the Best Medicare Supplement Company in West Virginia?
Based on our review of several key factors, Cigna is the top Medicare Supplement company in West Virginia.
Although Cigna Medigap plans may provide some of the most affordable options in West Virginia, cost should not be the only factor when selecting a Medicare Supplement provider. Every company has its own unique pros and cons based on its coverage methods.
Cigna stands out among the competition due to its cost-effectiveness, numerous plan options, household discounts on premiums, and excellent customer satisfaction ratings.
To make an informed decision, this chart compares Cigna with other Medicare Supplement companies in West Virginia. You’ll find helpful information here, like sample premiums and ratings.
| Plan G Cost | Company | Financial Strength |
|---|---|---|
| $130 | Cigna | A |
| $131 | Mutual of Omaha | A+ |
| $147 | Aetna | A |
| Plan N Cost | Company | Financial Strength |
|---|---|---|
| $94 | Mutual of Omaha | A+ |
| $95 | Cigna | A |
| $99 | Aetna | A |
What Do Medicare Supplement Plans Cover?
Medigap policies may cover the following:
- Part A coinsurance and hospital costs for an additional 365 days after Medicare benefits have been used
- Part B copayments or coinsurance rates
- The first three pints of blood that are needed
- Part A hospice care coinsurance or copayment amounts
- Skilled nursing facility care insurance rates
- The deductible amount required for Part A
- Part B deductible (only available on specific plans) for people eligible before 2020
- Excess charges
- Foreign travel emergency services
How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost in West Virginia?
If you enroll during your open enrollment period, you can expect to pay $130 to $260 monthly for Medigap plans A, G, and N in West Virginia.
However, your monthly premium will vary based on your insurer and how they rate premiums.
Medigap policies can be rated in three ways:
- Community-rated: Your premium is not based on age; the price may only change due to inflation or other factors.
- Issue-age rated: The amount you pay for your policy is based on when you purchase the insurance, and your premium will not increase as you get older. Inflation or other external forces are the only things that can raise prices.
- Attained-age-rated: Your premium cost depends on how old you are when buying the policy, and it can go up as time goes by because of money value factors such as inflation.
How to Choose a Medigap Plan in West Virginia
As you compare plans available in your area, consider these factors:
Monthly premium: This is paid in addition to your Part B monthly premium. It is a set amount you pay each month, regardless of whether or not you use your benefits. The premium costs are determined based on several factors, such as the type of plan selected, age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence.
Plan options: With every type of plan, you are offered basic coverage for Part A copays and coinsurance, at least a portion of the Part B copays and coinsurance, three pints of blood, and hospice care. However, other benefits may not be included. Check which benefits are most important to you before finalizing your purchase.
Insurance provider: Always check the ratings and reviews to understand other people’s experiences when looking for a carrier. You can also contact a company representative to discuss their customer service levels and responsiveness.
Extra discounts: Some insurance companies offer additional benefits or discounts once you become a member. For example, you may have access to discounted hearing aid providers or eyeglass suppliers.
When to Sign Up
If you want to get the best price on your Medicare Supplement Insurance, it’s recommended that you buy a plan as soon as possible after enrolling in Parts A and B of Medicare.
If you are 65 or older and enrolled in Parts A and B of Medicare, Medigap Open Enrollment starts on the first day of your birthday month and lasts six months. An insurance company cannot use medical underwriting to determine whether to accept your application or charge a different price during this period.
There are specific situations where you have the guaranteed right to purchase a Medigap policy, regardless of your health condition or any preexisting conditions.
The following reasons include:
- Moving out of the coverage area while in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare SELECT Plan
- Your existing Medicare Advantage Plan leaving Medicare coverage
- Your other insurance plan outside of Medicare is ending
- You are within your trial right period
- Your plan coverage ends through no fault of your own
How to Sign Up
You can sign up for a Medigap plan by contacting one of our agents and ensuring you’re in your open enrollment period or have guaranteed issue rights. Then, fill out the application and decide when you want your policy to begin.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Cigna is a leading provider of Medigap plans in West Virginia, offering various coverage options to meet multiple needs.
The best Medicare Supplement plan in West Virginia is Plan G. It offers comprehensive coverage for most of the gaps left by Original Medicare.
Medicare Plan G in West Virginia is $130-$170 per month on average. It provides additional coverage, such as doctor’s office visits, emergency care, and hospitalizations.
Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia can range from $50 to $260 per month. The cost of Medicare Supplement plans varies depending on the type of plan, the benefits offered, and the coverage level selected.
Next Steps
We specialize in guiding Medicare beneficiaries through their Medicare insurance options. We work with some of the nation’s top-rated Medigap carriers to ensure you get the best possible service. Take a deeper look at the plans by reviewing our Medicare Supplement Plans Comparison Chart. Additionally, you can give us a call today to learn more or request a quote online.
Article Resources:
- Types of Medigap Plans
- How Much Do Medigap Plans Cost?
- When Can I Apply for a Medicare Supplement Plan?
- How Do I Enroll in a Medigap Plan?
- When Can I Change Medigap Plans?
- Can I Be Denied Medigap Coverage?
- CMS Medicare Services
- West Virginia State Health Insurance Assistance Program
- West Virginia Medicare Premium Assistance Programs
Disclaimer:
Average quotes are for sample purposes only. Actual premiums are based on several factors, including health conditions, age, location, tobacco status, gender, and insurance provider.
