Original Medicare covers many of your healthcare expenses, but it’s up to you to pay for out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles and copayments. A Medigap plan offsets these expenses to save you money. Virginia residents can choose from 10 different Medicare Supplement plans, including two high-deductible options. Enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan is easiest during your Open Enrollment Period, which is the six months that start the month you get your Medicare Part B coverage and end the month you turn 65. During this time, insurers can’t charge you more or deny you coverage because of preexisting conditions.
Medigap Plan Cost Virginia
Most Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in a Medigap Plans Cost Virginia Advantage plan instead of Original Medicare choose a Medicare Supplement to fill the gaps in their coverage. Medicare Advantage plans provide all the benefits of Original Medicare plus prescription drug coverage and additional perks like gym memberships. Virginia Medicare Advantage plan offerings vary by county, so enter your ZIP code to view the available options near you.
Compared to traditional Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans typically offer lower monthly premiums and lower annual out-of-pocket costs. Some plans also include dental and vision coverage. Medicare Advantage plans aren’t for everyone, however, and you should consider your healthcare needs and preferences before choosing a plan.
You’ll need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B to qualify for a Virginia Medicare Supplement policy. You should also enroll in Medicare Part D to cover your prescription drugs.
The most popular Medicare Supplement plans in Virginia include Plan F and Plan G. Both offer excellent coverage, but Plan G offers the most cost savings at an average monthly premium of $95 for a non-tobacco user. This compares to $105 for Plan F. Plan N is another option, but it doesn’t include coverage for doctor excess charges or the Part B deductible.
Regardless of which Medicare Supplement plan you choose, it’s important to find the best Medicare insurance provider. You should pay attention to factors such as price, customer service reputation, and the number of complaints filed against the company. For example, Mutual of Omaha is the best provider for Plan G in Virginia with cheap premium rates and a low number of complaints.
If you’re not sure which Medicare plan is right for you, contact a licensed insurance agent. They can help you determine your unique healthcare needs and provide advice about Medicare Advantage and Supplement insurance options that may work for you.
In addition to offering Medicare Advantage and Medigap insurance, some companies in Virginia also offer Medicare prescription drug plans, dental, vision, and hearing coverage. If you need assistance with the cost of your medications, look for a Medicare Part D prescription drug card to save on generic and brand-name drugs. In most cases, you can use your Medicare card at participating pharmacies to obtain discounted prescription drugs. You can learn more about Medicare cards and other ways to save on your medications at the Bureau of Insurance website.