West 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 West 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 West Virginia Medigap rules helps you make a confident decision.
All information verified against CMS data and state sources as of April 2026.
In This West Virginia Medigap Guide:
Medigap Plans Available in West 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 West 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 West Virginia. You pay a higher annual deductible before benefits kick in, but monthly premiums are significantly lower than standard Plan G.
West Virginia Medigap Rates: Plan G & Plan N
| Plan | Age 65 | Age 70 | Age 75 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plan G | $146/mo | Varies | Varies |
| Plan N | $127/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 West Virginia Medigap Pricing Works
West Virginia uses community-rated Medigap pricing, the most consumer-friendly method. Everyone pays the same premium regardless of age. Your rate will not increase simply because you get older, though carriers may still raise premiums due to inflation or rising healthcare costs.
Household discount: Many Medigap carriers in West Virginia offer 5-12% household or spousal discounts when two people in the same household both have Medigap policies.
Tobacco surcharge: Tobacco users in West Virginia typically pay approximately 10-15 percent typical (varies by carrier) more in Medigap premiums.
Plan G vs Plan N in West Virginia
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medigap plans in West 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 West Virginia
Top Medigap carriers in West Virginia:
- AARP/UnitedHealthcare
- Mutual of Omaha
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Humana
Humana (approximately 113 per month for age 65) typically offers among the lowest Plan G premiums in West 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.
West Virginia Medigap Switching Rights
West Virginia birthday rule: Effective June 11, 2026, West Virginia enrollees get a 60-day guaranteed issue window starting the first day of their birthday month to switch to a plan of equal or lesser coverage from the same insurer or an affiliated insurer without medical underwriting. Requires 24 months of continuous Medigap coverage before switching. If neither the current insurer nor any affiliate has accepted applications for a comparable plan for at least 12 months, the enrollee may purchase from any authorized Medigap insurer. Limited to one switch per calendar year. This annual switching window allows you to change Medigap plans without medical underwriting, potentially finding lower premiums.
Guaranteed Issue Rights in West 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
West Virginia-specific guaranteed issue protections: Birthday rule annual switching right (effective June 2026), loss of Medicaid eligibility, voluntary termination of existing Medigap policy
Additional West Virginia Medigap rules: West Virginia requires insurers to charge uniform statewide Medigap rates (no city-based variation allowed). 38 insurers offer Medigap in the state. A 2019 regulation requires attained-age insurers to adjust rates annually rather than holding flat for years then applying large increases at age-band crossings. Approximately 85218 Medicare beneficiaries had Medigap coverage as of 2022. West Virginia SHIP hotline for free Medicare counseling is 1-877-987-4463.
Common Medigap Mistakes in West 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 West Virginia Medigap Rates
Ready to compare Medigap plans in West Virginia? Use the official Medicare Plan Finder or contact your local SHIP counselor.
Official Sources & Resources
- Medicare.gov: medicare.gov
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner: https://www.wvinsurance.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.