Medigap Plans Virginia Comparison Guide

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If you're a Virginia resident looking to supplement your Medicare coverage, you're in the right place. There are 10 standardized Medigap plans available in Virginia, each with its own unique benefits and premiums.

Medigap Plan A is the most basic plan, offering the fewest benefits but also the lowest premium. It covers hospital costs, but that's it.

You can choose from a range of insurance companies offering Medigap plans in Virginia, including Aetna, Humana, and Mutual of Omaha.

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Types of Medigap Plans

Medigap plans in Virginia are standardized by the federal government, each with a unique letter name like A, F, G, and N.

You'll pay a monthly premium for a Medigap plan, which can help control costs.

The best time to enroll in a Medigap plan is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, a six-month period after your Medicare Part B coverage begins.

During Medigap Open Enrollment, insurance companies can't ask about your health history or charge you a higher premium based on your health status.

Every standardized type of Medigap plan is offered in Virginia, but Plans F and G offer the most comprehensive coverage and are the most popular.

Plans F and G also come in a high-deductible version.

A different take: Tufts Health Plan

Choosing the Right Plan

Credit: youtube.com, Medicare Supplement Plans in Virginia - Which Plan is Right for You?

Choosing the right Medigap plan in Virginia can be daunting, but there are key factors to consider. The best time to enroll is during your Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which is the six-month period after your Medicare Part B coverage begins.

When comparing plans, consider the monthly premium, benefits, insurance provider, and extra discounts. You'll want to weigh the pros and cons of each plan, including the level of coverage, cost, and any additional perks.

Here are the 10 different Medicare Supplement plans available in Virginia, each labeled with a letter from A to N:

* Plans F and G also offer a high-deductible plan in some states. With this option, you must pay for Medicare-covered costs (coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles) up to the deductible amount of $2,700 in 2023 before your policy pays anything.

How to Choose

Choosing the right Medicare Supplement plan can be a daunting task, but it's essential to consider your unique health and financial needs. You have 10 different plan types to choose from, each labeled with a letter from A to N, and some states even offer high-deductible versions of certain plans.

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To start, think about your budget and what you can afford in terms of monthly premiums. Your premium amount is determined based on the type of plan you choose, your age, gender, tobacco use, and state of residence.

Consider the benefits that are most important to you, such as coverage for Part A copays and coinsurance, Part B copays and coinsurance, and blood (first 3 pints). Every type of plan offers basic coverage for these benefits, but other benefits may not be included.

Research the insurance provider you're considering, looking at their ratings and past experience with customers. You can also contact a company representative to get an idea of their customer service and responsiveness.

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

***Plan N pays 100% of the Part B coinsurance, except for a copayment of up to $20 for some office visits and up to a $50 copayment for emergency room visits that don’t result in inpatient admission.

When to Sign Up

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You can enroll in a Medicare Supplement plan in Virginia at any time if you already have Original Medicare Part A and Part B. However, the best time to enroll is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the first month you have Medicare Part B and you're 65 or older.

This six-month window is a great time to sign up because insurance companies can't ask about your health history, charge you a higher premium based on your health status, or deny your application. You'll get the best price for Medicare Supplement Insurance if you purchase a plan as soon as you're eligible for Medicare and enrolled in Parts A and B.

During the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can't be denied coverage even if you have pre-existing health problems. This is a huge advantage, and it's one reason why signing up during this time is so beneficial.

You can also enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65. However, this period may not offer the same benefits as the Medigap Open Enrollment Period.

Credit: youtube.com, How to Choose the RIGHT Plan for You | Medicare Explained

To determine when you can enroll, take a look at the following situations that give you guaranteed issue rights:

  • 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

Plan Benefits and Costs

Medigap plans in Virginia offer a range of benefits and costs to consider. The most popular Medigap plans cost between $99 and $170 per month, with premiums ranging from $24 to $415 in 2024.

To give you a better idea of what to expect, here's a breakdown of the costs for different Medigap plans in Virginia:

Keep in mind that personal factors like your age, gender, and smoking status can affect your premium, with policies tend to be more expensive if you're a man, older, or smoke.

What's the Cost?

The cost of Medigap insurance can vary significantly depending on several factors. In Virginia, the most popular Medigap plans cost between $99 and $170 per month.

Your premium will depend on your age, gender, and history of tobacco use. For example, a 65-year-old woman who doesn't smoke in Virginia can expect to pay around $135 per month for Plan G.

A fresh viewpoint: 2024 Cost for Medigap

Credit: youtube.com, What Does Plan N Cover? Discover the Benefits and Low Costs of Medicare Supplement Plan N

Medigap policies can be rated in three ways: community-rated, issue-age-rated, and attained-age-rated. This means your premium might only increase due to inflation or other factors, or it could be based on your age when you buy the policy and remain the same over time.

In 2024, Medigap premiums in Virginia range from $24 a month for a high-deductible Plan G to $415 for the highest-cost Plan D. If you turned 65 before January 1, 2020, the highest premium plan is $718/month for Plan F.

Here's a breakdown of the estimated monthly costs for Medigap plans A, G, and N in Virginia:

Your premium will be affected by personal factors like your age, gender, and whether you smoke, as well as economic factors like inflation and the policy's pricing structure.

Cheapest N Mutual of Omaha

If you're looking for the cheapest Plan N in Virginia, Mutual of Omaha is a great option. They have some of the lowest rates for Plan N in the state.

A unique perspective: Bcbs Plan N

Credit: youtube.com, Mutual Of Omaha Medicare Supplement Plans - What Do They Cover?

Their average cost for Plan N is $89 per month, which is $10 less than the state average. Plan N from Mutual of Omaha costs $89 per month.

Mutual of Omaha also has great customer service, with about 60% fewer complaints than expected for a company its size. This, combined with their low rates, makes them an excellent choice for Plan N.

If you're mostly healthy but still want good coverage in case something major happens, Mutual of Omaha also offers a high-deductible version of Plan G. This means you have to pay $2,870 of your own medical bills each year before the plan starts paying.

Here are the average costs for Mutual of Omaha Medigap plans in Virginia:

Keep in mind that these costs are subject to change, so it's always a good idea to check with Mutual of Omaha directly for the most up-to-date pricing.

Top Companies and Plans

If you're looking for top Medigap companies in Virginia, Anthem BCBS and Medico are tied for the highest customer satisfaction rating of 5.0 out of 5.0. Mutual of Omaha and Cigna follow closely with a 4.5 rating.

Credit: youtube.com, The Best Medicare Supplement Plans in 2024 and 2025

Plan G is a popular option in Virginia, offering the same coverage as Plan F except for the Medicare Part B deductible. If you're new to Medicare, Plan G is usually the best choice, or if Plan F costs at least $257 per year more than Plan G.

Here's a brief comparison of the top Medigap companies in Virginia:

Compare Anthem Benefits

When choosing an Anthem Medicare Supplement plan, it's essential to consider the benefits that suit your needs and budget.

Anthem Medicare Supplement Plan N pays 100% of Part B coinsurance, except for certain copayments. This can be a significant advantage, especially for those with ongoing medical expenses.

Plan N also covers 80% of foreign travel costs, which can be a lifesaver for travelers.

Here's a breakdown of the benefits covered by Anthem Medicare Supplement Plan N:

Keep in mind that this plan does not cover Part A deductible, Part B deductible, or Part B excess charge.

Top Companies

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield is the best Medicare Supplement company for most people in Virginia. It offers cheap rates for Plan G, which is the best plan for most people, with a monthly cost of $122.

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Plan G from Anthem gives you excellent coverage, and it's $13 cheaper each month compared to the state average.

Anthem also has excellent customer service, with very few complaints about its Medigap plans. This means people tend to be happy with the service they get.

Medico is another company that offers cheap rates for Medicare Supplement plans, but it's not the best choice for most people. It has about twice the number of complaints overall than an average company its size.

Here are the top Medigap companies in Virginia, ranked by customer satisfaction:

Liberty Medicare represents a variety of Medicare Supplement providers in Virginia, including ACE, Aetna/Accendo, Allstate, and many others.

FAQs About Insurance

Medigap plans in Virginia can be a bit overwhelming, but don't worry, I'm here to help clarify some common questions.

Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.

Most people choose Plan F, G, or N, but the best plan for you may not be the most popular one.

Recommended read: What Is Plan F Medigap

Credit: youtube.com, Virginia Medicare Supplements - Virginia Medigap Plans: Three Things You Should Know

A Medicare Supplement plan can pay for out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover, including your Medicare deductibles and the 20% coinsurance you pay for Part B medical services.

You can also go to any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare patients with a Medicare Supplement plan.

The plans with the most coverage will have higher premiums, so it's essential to consider your budget when choosing a plan.

Medicare Supplement plans do not include prescription drug, dental, and vision coverage, but stand-alone plans for these benefits can be purchased for an additional premium.

Once you're enrolled, a Medicare Supplement plan can give you peace of mind knowing that your benefits are guaranteed as long as you pay your premiums.

Virginia-Specific Information

In Virginia, you can buy Medigap plans from private insurance companies, but not directly from Medicare.

Medigap plans in Virginia are standardized, meaning they offer the same benefits, regardless of the insurance company selling them.

Credit: youtube.com, Medicare Plan G vs Plan N (New Info!)

You can buy a Medigap plan in Virginia during your initial enrollment period, which starts when you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B.

In Virginia, you can also buy a Medigap plan during the annual enrollment period, which runs from October 15 to December 7.

Medigap plans in Virginia do not cover prescription drugs, so you'll need to purchase a separate Medicare Part D plan to cover your prescriptions.

Virginia has a state-specific rule that prohibits insurance companies from canceling your Medigap policy due to a change in your health status.

Choose a Plan with Liberty

When choosing a Medigap plan in Virginia, it's essential to consider your budget and healthcare needs.

Medigap Plan F is one of the most comprehensive options, covering 100% of Medicare-approved expenses for hospital stays, doctor visits, and other medical services.

In Virginia, Plan F is the most popular Medigap plan, with over 50% of beneficiaries enrolled.

Credit: youtube.com, Medicare Supplemental Plan G BEST for YOUR Healthcare Coverage? 🤔

The plan's high premium costs can be a drawback, but it's often worth the investment for those with significant healthcare expenses.

Plan G is another option, which covers 80% of Medicare-approved expenses, leaving 20% for out-of-pocket costs.

In Virginia, Plan G is a popular choice for those who want to save on premiums while still having some coverage for unexpected medical expenses.

Consider reading: Medigap Plan G vs N

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Medigap cost in Virginia?

Medigap premiums in Virginia range from $24 to $718 per month, depending on the plan and your age. Find out which plan fits your budget and needs by learning more about Virginia's Medigap options.

What is the downside to Medigap plans?

Medigap plans, including Plan G, come with significant downsides, including high monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs for Part B premiums and prescription drugs. If you're considering Medigap, it's essential to weigh these costs against the benefits.

Who is the best Medigap provider?

According to our analysis, AARP/UnitedHealthcare is considered the best overall Medigap provider, offering comprehensive coverage and excellent customer satisfaction.

What is the best supplemental insurance for Medicare?

The best supplemental insurance for Medicare varies by need, but top options include Humana for extra benefits, State Farm for straightforward coverage, AARP by UnitedHealthcare for extensive medical care, and Blue Cross Blue Shield for a range of Medigap plans. Consider your individual needs to choose the best fit.

Can I have Medicare Supplement with VA benefits?

You can have Medicare Supplement coverage in addition to VA benefits, but you'll need to understand how they work together and what's covered. Learn more about combining Medicare and VA benefits for comprehensive healthcare coverage.

Alan Donnelly

Writer

Alan Donnelly is a seasoned writer with a unique voice and perspective. With a keen interest in finance and economics, Alan has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of derivatives, particularly in the realm of interest rate derivatives. Through his in-depth research and analysis, Alan has crafted engaging articles that break down complex financial concepts into accessible and informative content.

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