Medicare in West Virginia
Written by: Bryan Strickland
Reviewed by: Selah Lee, Licensed Insurance Agent
Key Takeaways
Original Medicare in West Virginia features hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage with the option of adding drug and supplemental coverage.
Most people are eligible at age 65, which opens the door to Medicare Advantage plans that replace Original Medicare while offering additional benefits like dental and vision.
Medicaid in West Virginia covers similar benefits, but eligibility is based on need regardless of age.
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Get Help NowHow Do I Apply for Medicare in West Virginia?
Your options for applying for Medicare in WV include:
- Enrolling online with the Social Security Administration.
- Visiting a local Social Security office.
- Enrolling over the phone at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY: 1-800-325-0778).
Medicare is a federal program that provides affordable healthcare for older Americans nearing retirement. At age 65, you can enroll in Part A (hospital insurance), Part B (medical insurance) or both.
Once enrolled in Original Medicare, you have the option of switching to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan in West Virginia.
If you decide to stay enrolled in Parts A and B, you have the option to add Part D to cover your prescription expenses. You may also choose to add Medigap, (another name for Medicare Supplement insurance) that helps fill in the gaps in out-of-pocket costs like copays and coinsurance. Most Medicare Advantage plans also include drug and supplemental coverage.
Who Is Eligible for Medicare in West Virginia?
If you’re a U.S. citizen or permanent resident of at least five years and are age 65 or older, you qualify for Medicare in West Virginia. You’re also eligible regardless of your age if:
- You have end-stage renal disease or Lou Gehrig’s disease (also known as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis or ALS).
- You have received 24 monthly payments of Social Security Disability Insurance or Railroad Board benefits.
If you are receiving Social Security benefits before you turn 65, you may be automatically enrolled in Original Medicare. If not, you have to apply. Your first chance to sign up is during your Initial Enrollment Period, which starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after your birthday month.
Find a local Medicare plan that fits your needs.
Find Plans TodayWhat Is the Income Limit to Receive Medicare?
Your income isn’t a factor in your ability to sign up for Medicare plans in West Virginia (it’s a different story with Medicaid).
If you or your spouse has worked at least 10 years, you don’t have to pay a monthly premium for Part A.
For Part B, higher-income earners may have to pay more than the standard premium. In 2024, the monthly premium for Part B is $174.70 for anyone with an individual income under $103,000 on their 2022 tax return.
Who Is Eligible for Medicaid in West Virginia?
Each state has its own policies for administering Medicaid, a federal/state program founded alongside Medicare in 1965 that helps those facing a financial need and/or disability regardless of age.
The state of West Virginia oversees the Medicaid program for the state’s residents, offering coverage to all individuals in need with some programs geared toward children and pregnant women. If you’re living with a limited income and have trouble affording healthcare, see if you qualify for Medicaid in West Virginia.
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Call TodayWhat Is the Average Cost of a Medicare Advantage Plan?
According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in 2024 is $20.90.
Every Medicare Advantage plan in West Virginia must offer, at least, the same level of coverage as Original Medicare Parts A and B. Most people on Medicare Advantage plans won’t pay a monthly premium for Part A, but they will still be responsible for the standard monthly premium for Part B.
Medicare Advantage and Original Medicare have different coverage areas. You can use Original Medicare nationwide, but Medicare Advantage is limited to a provider network. The limited network allows Medicare Advantage in West Virginia to offer more affordable options.
What Is the Best Medicare Plan?
In the case of Original Medicare, there’s only one plan, Parts A and B, which does open the option to add Part D and Medigap coverage from private insurance companies.
In the case of Medicare Advantage in West Virginia, there are many plans.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans mirror Original Medicare but are more affordable.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans include options for dental, vision and hearing coverage.
- Some Medicare Advantage plans offer assistance with transportation costs or over-the-counter needs.
- Some may offer all of the above!
Medicare Advantage plans offer a variety of benefits that can be overwhelming. However, it’s simple for a licensed insurance agent at GoHealth to analyze your needs and figure out which plan option is the right fit for you.
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Call TodayMedicare in West Virginia by the Numbers
Medicare
West Virginia
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Table reflects the latest Beneficiary Demographics Data: Medicare Geographic Variation – by National, State & County
Average HCC Score: The Hierarchical Condition Category score gauges a population’s overall health. The score is based on a value of 1.0. Populations with an HCC score of less than 1.0 are considered relatively healthy. The score can be used to estimate health costs.
West Virginia Medicare Resources & Contacts
To be certain you are not leaving anything on the table, let us help. A GoHealth licensed insurance agent can assess your coverage or explain which West Virginia-based resources, like these, may be able to help:
Nationwide Resources
Medicare Learning Guides
Healthcare is personal. So is choosing insurance. If you are new to Medicare, a beneficiary researching options, or a caregiver, we have tailored Medicare Guides for you.
Medicare guide
Before 65 Guide
Understanding health insurance before age 65, especially when considering early retirement
Medicare guide
Medicare Plans Guide
Costs, coverage and enrollment details for each Medicare plan
Medicare guide
Medicare Beneficiary Guide
For those currently enrolled in Medicare
Medicare guide
Low Income and Medicare Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status
Medicare guide
A Caregiver’s Guide
For individuals with a qualifying income status