Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in West Virginia. With more than 441,300 West Virginia beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in West Virginia. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
West Virginia Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
West Virginia Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in West Virginia
Who Qualifies for Medicare in West Virginia?
Medicare covers most West Virginia residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled West Virginia residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in West Virginia works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in West Virginia
West Virginia’s State Health Insurance Assistance Program (WV SHIP) is a free, federally regulated service that helps seniors navigate their Medicare options. WV SHIP counselors can answer questions about:
- Medicare Part A and Part B
- Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage (Medicare Part D)
- Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap)
- Medicare Advantage Plans (HMOs and PPOs)
- Long-term care insurance
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB and QI)
- Prescription drug assistance programs or drug discount cards offered by your state and pharmaceutical companies
- Medicaid and other insurance programs (including free or reduced-fee health care programs)
WV SHIP counselors can help you understand your Medicare benefits, identify and compare health insurance options, and protect you from paying too much on your medical care and prescription drugs.
Contact: Call 877-987-4463, 304-558-3317, or use the search tool on West Virginia’s SHIP website.West Virginia’s Senior Medicare Patrol is a volunteer-based, federally funded organization that works to raise awareness about Medicare fraud, misuse, and billing errors. SMP volunteers work in conjunction with SHIP counselors to deliver information to seniors through one-on-one sessions, public events, and community-based workshops.
Contact: Call 855-254-1720West Virginia Legal Aid provides free civil legal services and counsel to senior West Virginians age 60 and older, with a focus on economically or socially disadvantaged, disabled, and rural seniors. The statewide organization maintains a network of participating lawyers who can assist seniors, and also maintains a current library of plain-language resources that provide in-depth information on Medicare and other legal issues related to seniors.
Contact: Call 1-800-229-5068West Virginia Medicare Premium Assistance Programs: Seniors and qualified adults with disabilities who have difficulty paying their Medicare Part A and Part B premiums, co-pays, and deductibles may qualify for financial assistance through one of two West Virginia Medicare Premium Assistance Programs. Applicants may qualify for either the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) or the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLIMB) program.
Contact: Call 304-558-0628Barbour County Senior Center: Located in the City of Philippi, the Barbour County Senior Center offers a range of educational, support and advocacy services to older adults. Seniors can access State Health Insurance Assistance Program counselors at the center, speak with a social worker about local resources, and get referrals to low-cost legal services that specialize in Medicare Advantage issues. The center also hosts information workshops that help seniors understand their rights and responsibilities related to Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans.
Contact: Call 304-457-4545Kanawha Valley Senior Services is a non-profit organization that provides programs of service to individuals in the Kanawha Valley. The organization’s mission is to help seniors age successfully. Services for Medicaid and Veteran recipients may extend from 18 years and older. Kanawha Valley Senior Services, Inc. coordinates and cooperates with other county agencies to assure that health, educational, recreational, intergenerational, and economic benefits are readily available to senior citizens. Five KVSS representatives are available to provide seniors with unbiased information about Medicare, Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans
Contact: Call 304-348-0707
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of West Virginia. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in West Virginia so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.