Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Original Medicare Parts A and B can purchase Medigap coverage to pay for some of the out-of-pocket expenses that are not covered by the government-run health insurance program. These supplemental plans are available for purchase in the state of Virginia from private insurance providers. The most popular plan among Medicare recipients is Plan F. However, a newer plan that offers lower premiums is gaining popularity, Plan N. In order to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan in the state of Virginia, you must be enrolled in Parts A and B of the Medicare program and be a resident of the state of Virginia. Depending on when you enroll in your Medicare Supplement plan, you may be required to answer medical underwriting questions. Generally, it is best to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan during your open enrollment period, which begins the month you are enrolled in Part B of Medicare and ends three months after the month you turn 65. During this time, you cannot be charged more or denied coverage for having pre-existing conditions.
In the state of Virginia, there are 10 different Medicare Supplement Plans Virginia that are available for residents to choose from. The Medigap plans are standardized nationwide, meaning that the coverage offered by each plan is the same no matter what insurance company you choose to purchase it from. As a result, you should only consider factors like price and customer service reputation when selecting your insurance provider. For example, Mutual of Omaha is the best choice for Medicare Supplement Plans in VA because they offer affordable rates and few customer complaints.
Besides Medicare Supplement plans, Virginia also offers Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans. Medicare Advantage plans are a great option for seniors who want to combine all of their Medicare Parts A and B services into one plan, while also including prescription drug coverage. Many of these plans offer additional benefits such as dental, hearing, and vision coverage.
Although Medicare Advantage plans provide a more convenient way to get all of your Medicare services in one plan, they are not as comprehensive as a Medicare Supplement plan. As a result, you should always purchase a Medicare Advantage plan in conjunction with a Medicare Supplement plan to ensure that you are receiving the full amount of benefits that you need.
The cost of a Medicare Advantage plan can vary widely, depending on the type of plan and where you live in the state of Virginia. The best way to determine if a particular Medicare Advantage plan is right for you is by comparing the cost of the plan against your current monthly Medicare Part A and Part B copayments and deductibles.
Purchasing a Medicare Advantage plan can be confusing, but the good news is that it is possible to get professional help from a licensed insurance agent. A licensed agent can help you compare Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia to find the best one for your unique needs and budget.