Virginia Medicare Supplement Plans: What You Need to Know
Virginia's Medicare population is remarkably diverse, spanning major metropolitan areas like Virginia Beach, Norfolk, Richmond, Arlington, and Alexandria to rural communities in the Shenandoah Valley and southwestern Appalachian region. This diversity creates unique healthcare needs that require careful consideration when choosing Medicare coverage.
Virginia is home to world-class healthcare systems including VCU Health in Richmond, Inova Health System in Northern Virginia, Sentara Healthcare in the Hampton Roads region, and UVA Health in Charlottesville. With Medigap coverage, you can access any of these providers without network restrictions.
Unlike Medicare Advantage plans that vary by county, Medigap plans in Virginia are standardized by letter (A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N). This means a Plan G from one company covers exactly the same benefits as a Plan G from another company. The only differences are the premium you pay and the company's customer service.
Virginia's Medigap Open Enrollment Period
In Virginia, your Medigap Open Enrollment Period begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. This 6-month window is critical because:
- Insurance companies cannot deny you coverage for any reason
- They cannot charge you more due to health conditions
- You have guaranteed issue rights to any Medigap plan sold in Virginia
Virginia-Specific Protection
Virginia law requires a 30-day "free look" period for all Medicare Supplement policies. If you purchase a Medigap plan and change your mind, you can cancel within 30 days for a full refund of any premiums paid. This applies whether you're buying your first policy or replacing an existing one.
Most Popular Medigap Plans in Virginia
While 10 standardized Medigap plans are available in Virginia, the most popular choices are:
| Plan | Coverage Level | Best For | VA Monthly Premium* |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | Comprehensive | Most new enrollees (best value) | $130 - $230 |
| Plan N | High with copays | Those wanting lower premiums | $100 - $180 |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive | Those eligible before 2020 | $150 - $270 |
*Premium ranges are estimates and vary by age, location within Virginia, gender, and tobacco use. Contact us for personalized quotes.
Plan G vs Plan N in Virginia
For most Virginia residents new to Medicare, the choice comes down to Plan G or Plan N:
- Plan G covers everything except the Part B deductible ($240 in 2024). No copays, no surprises. Ideal if you want predictable costs and visit doctors frequently.
- Plan N has lower premiums but requires up to $20 copays for office visits and up to $50 for ER visits (waived if admitted). Good choice if you're healthy and want to save on monthly costs.
Virginia Medicare Supplement vs Medicare Advantage
Virginia also has a robust Medicare Advantage market, but these are very different products. Here's how they compare:
| Feature | Medigap (Supplement) | Medicare Advantage |
|---|---|---|
| Monthly Premium | $100 - $270+ | $0 - $50 (some higher) |
| Out-of-Pocket Maximum | Very low (predictable) | Up to $8,850/year |
| Doctor Network | Any doctor accepting Medicare | Network restrictions |
| Referrals Needed | No | Often yes (HMO plans) |
| Prescription Drug Coverage | Separate Part D plan needed | Usually included |
| Extra Benefits | None | May include dental, vision, gym |
Read our complete Medigap vs Medicare Advantage guide to understand which option might be better for your situation.
Virginia-Specific Medicare Considerations
Northern Virginia and DC Metro Access
Northern Virginia residents enjoy proximity to some of the nation's best healthcare facilities, including the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Walter Reed National Military Medical Center in nearby Maryland. Inova Health System operates multiple hospitals across the region. With Medigap, you can access these facilities and specialists without worrying about network restrictions.
Military and Federal Employee Population
Virginia has one of the largest concentrations of military personnel and federal employees in the country. If you're transitioning from TRICARE or Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) to Medicare, understanding your options is crucial. Many retirees find that Medigap provides the flexibility they're accustomed to with their previous coverage.
Hampton Roads and Naval Communities
The Hampton Roads area, including Norfolk, Virginia Beach, Newport News, and Hampton, is home to the world's largest naval base. Sentara Healthcare is the dominant health system in this region. Military retirees transitioning from TRICARE should carefully evaluate whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage better meets their needs, especially if they travel frequently.
Rural Virginia Healthcare Access
Southwestern Virginia and rural areas of the state often have limited healthcare options. Medigap's flexibility to see any Medicare-accepting provider is particularly valuable here, as you can travel to larger medical centers in Roanoke, Charlottesville, or Richmond without network restrictions.
Snowbirds and Travelers
Many Virginians spend winters in Florida or other warm-weather states. Medigap plans provide nationwide coverage, meaning your insurance works with any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare anywhere in the United States. Medicare Advantage plans often have network restrictions that can be problematic when traveling.
Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP)
Virginia offers free Medicare counseling through the Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program (VICAP). While VICAP counselors can provide general Medicare information and help you understand your options, they cannot recommend specific plans or companies. That's where a fee-only Medicare advisor adds value: we can make specific recommendations based on your individual situation.
Frequently Asked Questions: Virginia Medicare
The best time is during your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period, which starts the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Part B. During this time, you have guaranteed issue rights and cannot be denied coverage or charged more due to health conditions.
Yes, but you'll need to go through medical underwriting, which means the insurance company can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health. Virginia follows standard federal Medigap rules and does not have a birthday rule or year-round guaranteed issue like some other states. Some situations trigger "guaranteed issue" rights outside of open enrollment, such as losing employer coverage.
Medigap premiums in Virginia typically range from $100-$270+ per month depending on the plan letter, your age, location (Northern Virginia tends to be more expensive than rural areas), gender, and tobacco use. Plan G generally offers the best value for comprehensive coverage.
Plan F is only available to those who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. If you turned 65 before that date, you can still enroll in Plan F. However, Plan G offers nearly identical coverage (minus the Part B deductible) and often has lower premiums.
Yes. Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage. You'll need to enroll in a standalone Medicare Part D plan separately. We can help you compare Part D options based on your specific medications.