Virginia Medigap plans (also called Medicare Supplement plans) cover the gaps in Original Medicare, including deductibles, copays, and coinsurance that would otherwise come out of your pocket. This comprehensive Virginia Medigap guide covers available plans, average premiums, top carriers, the birthday rule, guaranteed issue rights, and how to choose between Plan G, Plan N, and other options. Whether you are approaching your initial Medigap Open Enrollment or considering a plan switch, understanding Virginia Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This Virginia Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in Virginia
Standardized plans: A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, N
Every Medigap plan with the same letter provides identical benefits regardless of which carrier sells it. Plan G from one company covers the exact same medical costs as Plan G from another company. The only difference is the premium and the customer service experience. This standardization makes comparison shopping straightforward.
Plan F: Still available in Virginia for beneficiaries who became eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. Plan F covers all gaps including the Part B deductible. New enrollees after 2020 cannot purchase Plan F.
High-Deductible Plan G: Available in Virginia. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
Virginia Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $175/mo | $215/mo | $260/mo |
| Plan N | $120/mo | Varies | Varies |
These are approximate averages. Your actual premium depends on your carrier, zip code, age, gender, and tobacco use. Always compare quotes from at least three carriers before choosing.
How Virginia Medigap Pricing Works
Virginia uses attained-age-rated Medigap pricing. Your premium increases as you age. This means your Medigap costs will rise over time, making it especially important to compare rates annually and switch carriers during open enrollment windows if available.
Household discount: Many Medigap carriers in Virginia offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in Virginia typically pay approximately 10-15 percent more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in Virginia
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in Virginia. Here is how they compare:
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part B Deductible | Not covered (you pay $240/year in 2026) | Not covered |
| Part B Copay | Covered (no copays) | Up to $20 copay for office visits, up to $50 for ER visits not resulting in admission |
| Part B Excess Charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Monthly Premium | Higher | Lower (typically 15-25% less than Plan G) |
| Best For | Predictable costs, no copays | Lower premiums, okay with small copays |
Bottom line: If you want the most comprehensive coverage with no copays at the doctor, choose Plan G. If you prefer lower monthly premiums and do not mind occasional $20 copays, Plan N offers strong coverage at a lower cost.
Top Medigap Carriers in Virginia
Top Medigap carriers in Virginia:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Mutual of Omaha
- Transamerica
- LifeShield National
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in Virginia. However, the cheapest carrier varies by zip code and age bracket.
When comparing Medigap carriers, the benefits are identical for the same plan letter. Focus on premium cost, AM Best financial strength rating (A or higher is strong), customer service reputation, and rate increase history.
Rate increase trend: Virginia Medigap carriers have historically had above average rate increases compared to the national average.
Virginia Medigap Switching Rights
Virginia birthday rule: Effective July 1 2025 Virginia grants a 60-day open enrollment window starting on the enrollees birthday each year allowing them to switch to the same letter plan from any insurer without medical underwriting or health-based rate increases. Insurers cannot deny coverage or charge higher rates based on health status or tobacco use during this window. Only allows switching to the same plan letter not a different one. This annual switching window allows you to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in Virginia
Federal law provides guaranteed issue rights in specific situations where you can buy a Medigap plan without medical underwriting:
- Losing employer/union coverage
- Your Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area
- You joined an MA plan when first eligible and want to switch back within 12 months (trial right)
- Your Medigap carrier goes bankrupt
Virginia-specific guaranteed issue protections: Under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiaries must be offered at least one Medigap plan with premiums capped at age-65 rates, ESRD beneficiaries under 65 receive a separate 6-month open enrollment period, birthday rule annual switching window for same-letter plans, mandatory plan offering rules requiring carriers to offer Plan A plus either C or F and either D or G
Additional Virginia Medigap rules: Virginia uses attained-age rating only for all Medigap carriers. Birthday rule effective July 2025 provides annual 60-day switching window for same-letter plans without underwriting. Under-65 disabled Medicare beneficiaries must be offered at least one plan at premiums no higher than age-65 rates since 2024. ESRD beneficiaries under 65 gained Medigap access in 2024. If a carrier sells any Medigap plan it must also offer Plan A and either C or F and Plan A and either D or G. Tobacco surcharges were banned in 2024-2025 but reinstated for 2026.
Common Medigap Mistakes in Virginia
- Missing your OEP: Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is your best window. After it closes, carriers can deny you or charge higher premiums based on health.
- Choosing by carrier name alone: Medigap plans are standardized. A well-known brand’s Plan G costs more but covers the exact same benefits as a smaller carrier’s Plan G.
- Ignoring rate increase history: Some carriers offer low introductory rates then raise premiums aggressively. Ask for 5-year rate increase history before buying.
- Not comparing at least 3 carriers: Premium differences of 30-50% between carriers for the same plan letter are common.
- Confusing Medigap with Medicare Advantage: They are different products. You cannot have both simultaneously (except during limited trial rights).
Compare Virginia Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in Virginia? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- Virginia State Corporation Commission Bureau of Insurance: https://www.scc.virginia.gov/
- NAIC Medigap Shopping Guide: naic.org
- CMS Medicare & You Handbook: Medicare & You (PDF)
Last verified April 2026. Contact us if you notice outdated information.