Last Updated on September 14, 2020 by Lindsay Engle

Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia provide many seniors with complete Medicare coverage. Many top companies offer supplemental coverage at a competitive price. The same policy doesn’t benefit everyone; beneficiaries that consult a broker will save time as well as money. Also, brokers have the skills to identify the most competitive policy in a service area in minutes.

West Virginia Medicare Supplement Plan Eligibility

Medicare beneficiaries are eligible for a Medicare Supplement Plan if they meet certain criteria. The individual has to be at least 65 years of age and also currently carrying Medicare Part B.

An Open Enrollment Period starts the first day of the month of your 65th birthday and continues for 6-months. During OEP beneficiaries will have entitlement for Guarantee Issue rights.

GI rights prevent insurance companies from denying coverage or charging beneficiaries a higher premium because of health issues. Most agents recommend applying for Medigap during this time.

Although, Medicare beneficiaries can apply for Medigap anytime; underwriting could be a requirement once the OEP period is over.

If a beneficiary sees the benefits from an employer group policy are experiencing a reduction, they qualify for Medigap with GI rights.

West Virginia Medicare Benefits for the Disabled under 65

State laws don’t require insurance carriers to offer beneficiaries under 65 a Medigap policy. The premium for a Medigap policy on a beneficiary under 65 would be much higher than for someone turning 65.

Insurance companies know that beneficiaries under 65 have a disability and will likely have higher claims. Most beneficiaries under 65 will benefit more from advantage coverage.

Then, upon turning 65 you can enroll in Medigap with GI rights; giving you the best premium on a policy.

Medicare Supplement Plan Prices in West Virginia

Each state’s individual insurance companies will determine what they will decide to charge for insurance premium rates. Most policies in this state are attained age rated; so, policies increase because of age.

Many top Medigap insurance carriers offer a competitive rate for Medigap. Our agents are ready to help you discover your best policy, to learn about costs call us.

The only way to get an accurate quote is from a licensed professional. Also, never cancel active coverage for a quote. A quote is only a quote until a policy is active.

Medicare Advantage Plans in West Virginia

31% of West Virginia residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan.

Oftentimes referred to as a Medicare Replacement Plan as it takes over the benefits offered by Medicare. Medicare Advantage is an alternative to Medicare Supplement coverage.

Medicare Advantage (MA) plans are Part C; these plans include Part A, Part B, and sometimes Part D. However, these types of plans have limitations, restrictions, and guidelines requirements.

If you consider this coverage, look through the plan thoroughly to ensure the coverage will be sufficient. Additionally, you must understand the policy will change annually.

The coverage, doctor network, drug formulary, and guidelines can change any time. Beneficiaries will have more consistency with a Medigap policy.

This type of coverage can benefit people that don’t qualify for Medigap or can’t afford Medigap.

West Virginia Prescription Drug Plans for Medicare

Part D covers some of the medications your doctor prescribes. When you don’t purchase this coverage promptly, you risk incurring a Part D penalty for late enrollment.

Beneficiaries must select Part D coverage during the Initial Enrollment Period. It’s after this enrollment phase that beneficiaries without Part D will receive a penalty when they do select a policy.

No Medigap policies on the market today include Part D, that coverage must be purchased separately. Medicare doesn’t cover Part D medications. However, Medicare will cover Part B medications.

The lowest premium Part D policy is only $15 a month; this is ideal for someone with certain generics or no medications. Someone with higher costing drugs could save more money by purchasing a policy with more coverage.

Resources for Medicare Help in West Virginia

Those with a lower income could benefit from the Medicare Savings Program (MSP). If you don’t qualify for MSP you could still apply for Extra Help paying for Part D.

The CMS Newsroom has Medicare information relating to topics beneficiaries could find helpful. Then the State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) provides a resource for beneficiaries that need help understanding benefits.