Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia may help pay for a variety of healthcare costs, including hospital coinsurance and your Part A deductible. This page explains your Medicare Supplement options in West Virginia, how the program works, and who qualifies.

What is Medigap in West Virginia?

Medicare Supplement Insurance is more commonly known as Medigap, since it helps "fill the gaps" when you have Original Medicare. The word "gaps" refers your out-of-pocket costs. It does not mean your Medigap plan will pay for services that aren't included with Original Medicare, like prescription lenses and dental care.

Unlike Medicare Advantage plans, there is no limit to your yearly out-of-pocket costs under Original Medicare (Part A, hospital insurance, and Part B, medical insurance). A lengthy hospital stay or chronic health condition could result in substantial medical bills.

Medigap plans are standardized, which means every Plan A (or B, C, etc.) offers the same benefits no matter which insurance company sells you the plan.

What does Medigap cover?

Medigap coverage varies based on the plan you choose. At a minimum, every plan pays for your Part A coinsurance and gives you 365 extra lifetime reserve days for hospital care. For plan details, see the following table:

If you need prescription drug coverage, this is available with a Medicare Part D plan.

Medigap Plan C and Medigap Plan F in West Virginia

As of January 1, 2020, Medigap Plan C and Medigap Plan F are no longer available to new Medicare beneficiaries. You can get similar benefits – minus coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible – with either Medigap Plan D (instead of C) or Medigap Plan G (instead of F).

Who qualifies for Medicare Supplement Insurance in West Virginia?

If you have Original Medicare and are age 65 or older, you're eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance in West Virginia. Most states also require coverage for people who aren't yet 65 but who qualify for Medicare due to a disability. West Virginia, however, is not one of them.

When is the best time to join a Medicare Supplement plan in West Virginia?

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period (OEP) is the best time to join a Medicare Supplement plan in West Virginia. This is one of the few times you have a guaranteed issue right, which means your application does not have to go through medical underwriting. This protects you from being denied a Medigap policy or paying more for it due to your age or medical history.

Open Enrollment lasts for 6 months, beginning the first day you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Original Medicare.

If you qualify for Medicare due to a disability, you also get an Open Enrollment Period when you turn 65. Your application will be treated as though you were brand-new to Medicare.

How to choose a Medigap plan in West Virginia

It's important consider your future healthcare needs when choosing a West Virginia Medigap plan. Medical underwriting may make it impossible for you to get more comprehensive Medigap coverage when you really need it.

Once you decide on the coverage you want, it's time to look at price. There are three basic pricing methods:

• Community rated: Also known as no-age rated, these plans charge the same premium regardless of age. Over time, you'll pay less for a community rated Medigap plan.
• Issue-age rated: Premiums are based on your age at the time you join the plan, not your age throughout the life of the policy. They may rise over time due to inflation, though.
• Attained-age rated: Premiums are based on your age at the time you join the plan and will rise as you get older. You pay more over the life of your policy with this pricing method.

Comparing Medigap plans in West Virginia is easy with our Find a Plan tool. Just enter your location information to review Medicare plan options in your area.