Medicare Supplement Plans in WV Guide and Resources

West Virginia residents can purchase Medicare Supplement Plans from private insurance companies, which help cover out-of-pocket costs not covered by Original Medicare.

Medicare Supplement Plans are standardized, meaning the benefits are the same across different insurance companies, but the cost and availability may vary.

There are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement Plans available in WV, labeled A to N, with Plan F being the most comprehensive.

Plan F covers 100% of Medicare-approved expenses, but it's also the most expensive option.

Medicare Supplement Insurance is more commonly known as Medigap, since it helps "fill the gaps" when you have Original Medicare.

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.

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.

Cost is a crucial factor to consider when choosing a Medicare Supplement plan in West Virginia. Premiums can vary significantly depending on your insurer and how your premium is rated.

You can expect to pay about $70 to $1,120 each month for a Medigap plan A, G, or N in West Virginia if you enroll during your open enrollment period. Your premium may increase due to inflation or other factors.

There are three ways your Medigap policy can be rated: community-rated, issue-age-rated, or attained-age-rated. Community-rated plans charge everyone the same premium regardless of age, and your monthly premium will not increase as you get older.

Issue-age-rated plans base your premium on your age when you buy the policy, and your premium may only increase due to inflation or other factors. Attained-age-rated plans base your premium on your current age, and your premium will increase as you get older.

Your monthly Medigap premium depends on which plan you choose, the policy pricing structure, and factors specific to you, such as age, gender, location, tobacco use, and whether you're living with someone who is also on Medicare. The average cost of Medicare Supplement premiums in West Virginia ranges from $73-$150 a month.

Here are the three pricing structures insurers use to determine how your policy premium can change over time:

In West Virginia, there are 10 standardized Medicare Supplement plans, each offering different levels of coverage. Every plan of the same type will provide identical benefits.

Plan A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N are the 10 standardized plans available in West Virginia. Each plan provides a unique combination of benefits, and the best one for you will depend on your specific needs.

Plans F and G are the most comprehensive and popular options, offering the most coverage. They also come in high-deductible versions, which require you to pay for Medicare-covered costs up to the deductible amount before your policy pays anything.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits offered by each plan:

Note that Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan, which has an annual deductible of $2,870 in 2025. Plans K and L have out-of-pocket yearly limits of $7,220 and $3,610, respectively.

If you're 65 or older and have Original Medicare, you're eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance in West Virginia.

Your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in both Parts A and B, and lasts for six months.

You can also qualify for guaranteed issue rights in certain situations, such as moving out of the coverage area while in a Medicare Advantage Plan or Medicare SELECT Plan, or if your existing Medicare Advantage Plan leaves Medicare coverage.

To be eligible for Medicare Supplement Insurance, you must have Original Medicare and be age 65 or older, as most states require. However, West Virginia is an exception for people who aren't yet 65 but who qualify for Medicare due to a disability.

Here are some situations that may give you guaranteed issue rights to purchase a Medigap policy:

Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia offer a range of benefits, but it's essential to understand what's included in each plan. Every Medigap plan covers basic benefits like Part A copays and coinsurance, Part B copays and coinsurance, three pints of blood, and hospice care.

The monthly premium is a significant factor to consider when choosing a Medigap plan. It's in addition to your Part B monthly premium, so it affects your monthly cash flow. Your premium amount is determined based on the type of plan you get, your age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence.

To compare Medigap plans, you'll want to consider the benefits, insurance provider, and extra discounts. Every type of plan offers basic coverage, but other benefits may not be included. You should check to see which benefits are most important to you.

Here are the different Medigap plans available in West Virginia, along with their benefits:

If you're looking for resources to help navigate Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia, I've got you covered. There are several organizations and programs available to provide guidance and support.

The Area Agencies on Aging (AAAs) cover four different areas of West Virginia and offer trained professionals who can provide unbiased advice on choosing Medicare plans. You can reach them at (304) 558-3317 or visit their website.

West Virginia's free statewide prescription assistance plan, the West Virginia RX card, is available to all residents of the state. It can help with prescription drug costs and is accepted at 56,000 pharmacies nationwide, including CVS, Target, and Walgreens.

The West Virginia Bureau of Senior Services is another valuable resource, providing information on available programs and services, including Medicare and Medicare Advantage. You can reach them at (877) 987-3646 or visit their website.

Here are some key contacts to keep in mind:

These resources can provide valuable guidance and support as you navigate Medicare Supplement plans in West Virginia.