What Are the Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in West Virginia?
With a median age of 41, West Virginia has one of the oldest populations of any of the 50 states. That means there are potentially a lot of West Virginians who are looking for information about Medicare Insurance. The federally funded program is the main source of insurance for individuals age 65 and older and for some younger residents who are disabled. One thing to be aware of is that Medicare Insurance has some “gaps” in what is covered by Medicare Parts A and B, such as copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Also called Medigap, a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan in West Virginia can remedy some of the “gaps” in coverage. Private insurance companies throughout West Virginia offer Medigap plans.
As of 2020, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans will no longer sell Medigap Plans C or F to newly eligible Medicare members. Congress has decided that new Medigap plans will no longer be allowed to cover the Part B deductible after January 1, 2020. This will only affect Medicare Supplement Plans C and F as these are the only Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible. Anyone enrolled in a Medigap Part C or F as of December 31, 2019, will be grandfathered and will be able to continue to use their plan as long as they want.
West Virginia residents looking for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan need to first look at their specific coverage needs to determine what Medigap plan they might want to consider.
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia
The government-approved Medicare Supplement Insurance plans help protect consumers in most states, including West Virginia. The statistics below outline the most popular Medigap plans selected by West Virginia residents. Throughout West Virginia, insurance companies which sell Medigap plans offer the same basic benefits. However, there may be different prices depending on where you live and the insurance carrier. In addition, each insurer in West Virginia may not offer each of the Medigap plans.
As reported by AHIP, 91,308 West Virginia beneficiaries enrolled in a Medigap policy in 2019. Below is the breakdown of the number of West Virginia enrollees by Medigap plan type.
| Plan | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment # | 755 | 719 | 3,293 | 226 | 148 | 48,370 | 24,353 | 103 | 667 | 2,502 | 409 | 284 | 0 | 8,681 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
| Plan | Enrollment # | |
|---|---|---|
| A | 755 | |
| B | 719 | |
| C | 3,293 | |
| D | 226 | |
| E | 148 | |
| F | 48,370 | |
| G | 24,353 | |
| H | 103 | |
| I | 667 | |
| J | 2,502 | |
| K | 409 | |
| L | 284 | |
| M | 0 | |
| N | 8,681 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
While a Medigap policy will help pay for things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Medicare Parts A and B, it is important to note that your West Virginia Medicare Supplement Insurance plan does not include coverage for prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to help you with prescription drug costs. One other option is to consider a West Virginia Medicare Advantage plan, which typically includes prescription drug coverage and may also include other benefits, such as dental, vision, gym memberships and hearing coverage.
To learn more about your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan options in West Virginia, you can work with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent. We act as your advocate. Our licensed sales agents can guide you through the Medicare maze to better understand Medigap plan options and answer any questions you might have throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare Insurance plans in West Virginia.
West Virginia residents cannot have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. A Medigap plan can also not be used to pay for any expenses for a Medicare Advantage plan.
When is the West Virginia Medicare Supplement Plan Enrollment Period?
Initial enrollment timeframes are very important. Enrollment for West Virginia Medicare Supplement Insurance plans begins the first day of the month you turn 65 years old. You also must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B in order to get a Medigap plan.
West Virginia residents have six months to buy a Medigap Supplement plan. West Virginia residents under the age of 65 can check with the Social Security Administration office for additional enrollment periods.
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is during the initial 6 months you are eligible for Medicare. It’s a smart idea to get a jump on enrollment. You can enroll as early as 64 and 6 months of age. During this important six-month period, companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cannot use underwriting. In other words, during this window of time your acceptance is guaranteed. However, if you apply for Medicare Supplement Insurance outside of this 6-month timeframe, you will be subject to a physical exam. If you apply for Medigap coverage after the first six months of eligibility, a company can refuse to sell you a plan or premiums may also adjust depending on current health status and pre-existing health conditions.
Is a West Virginia Medicare Supplement Plan Right for You?
Throughout West Virginia, you’ve got options when it comes to choosing a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. SelectQuote, an independent third-party company which specializes in helping Consumers understand the ins and outs of Medicare, can help to ensure you’re getting all the available Medicare benefits you deserve. In addition, we can help you stay up to date with the annual updates made to Medicare plans by insurance companies. SelectQuote is here to help you find the right West Virginia Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to meet your needs and budget.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
