In West Virginia, Medicare Supplement plans help many seniors with their medical costs. Medicare doesn’t pay for everything, and the peace of mind that comes with a Medigap policy can make retirement easier.
We’re here to help explain what you need to know about Medicare Supplements in West Virginia. Also, we’ll provide insight on other supplemental insurance, such as Advantage plans and Part D drug plans.
Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia for 2021
West Virginia is like most states in that it offers 12 Medigap plans, letters A through N. These plans are standardized by the federal government, meaning that the benefits for each are the same across carriers, but the premiums that the carriers charge vary.
However, West Virginia is unique because it’s one of four states to give beneficiaries a guaranteed-issue situation if their employer-sponsored plan’s benefits become substantially reduced.
Medigap Premiums in West Virginia
In West Virginia, most carriers use the attained-age pricing method. The cost of Plan G for a 65-year-old woman in Charleston would start at $105.97 per month. Yet, a 75-year-old woman in the same ZIP Code would pay about $135.03 per month.
Many factors determine your Medigap rates. To get the most accurate Medigap quote, you’ll need to speak to an insurance agent. Outside of the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, Medicare beneficiaries usually need to go through underwriting. In some cases, that means you won’t qualify for a policy.
Medigap for Disabled Under 65 in West Virginia
Unlike most states, West Virginia doesn’t require insurance companies to offer a Medigap policy to those under 65. However, a small number of carriers in the state do offer Medigap plans to disabled individuals under 65. Yet, if you obtain Medicare due to a disability and are under 65, an Advantage plan could be a better option for you since the cost of Medigap under 65 is so high.
Medicare Advantage Plans in West Virginia
Advantage plans are available throughout West Virginia. The plans you can select from depends on your county. Advantage plans are different from Medigap plans in several ways.
First, they are often described as replacement plans because the insurance company pays your claims instead of Medicare.
These plans also involve networks, as they are usually PPOs and HMOs. But, they come with extra benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
With premiums starting at $0 per month in West Virginia, an Advantage plan can be tempting. It’s essential to keep in mind that the policies with lower premiums also come with higher maximum out-of-pocket limits.
But, as with most things, there are pros and cons to Medicare Advantage plans. Before signing up for an Advantage plan, make sure your preferred doctors are in-network.
West Virginia Part D Prescription Drug Plans
For those who don’t already have drug coverage through an employer or an Advantage plan, choosing a Part D plan should be a priority. If you delay enrolling in this coverage, you could incur a penalty for the life of your policy.
Part D premiums start at $7.30 per month in West Virginia. For this price, it makes sense to enroll, even if you don’t currently have any prescriptions. You never know when you’ll need coverage.
Keep in mind, though, that plans with lower premiums also tend to have higher annual deductibles. For example, the deductible for the cheapest plan is $445.00 per year, whereas the most expensive plan has a $0.00 annual deductible.
Be sure to check the plan’s formulary before enrolling to ensure that it covers medications you take regularly.
Ancillary Options for Medicare in West Virginia
If you’re going with a Medigap plan, keep in mind that dental care isn’t part of the package. More than half of Americans who lack dental insurance skip necessary dental care. Avoid being part of this statistic by speaking to an agent about purchasing a dental plan. They are available at affordable prices, as are vision and hearing policies.
Resources for Medicare Help in West Virginia
Those with lower incomes could benefit from the Medicare Savings Program. If you don’t qualify for the Medicare Savings Plan, you could still apply for Extra Help paying for Part D.
The CMS Newsroom has Medicare information relating to topics beneficiaries could find useful. Also, West Virginia’s SHIP resource can help by providing counseling. They can be a very helpful resource during the Annual Enrollment Period.
FAQs
How to Apply for Medicare in West Virginia
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