Medicare in Virginia

Medicare Plans in Virginia

You have options for your Medicare coverage in Virginia. Be sure to read about the different parts of Medicare, talk with a specialist, and choose the plan that works best for you.

Original Medicare

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) is managed by the federal government. Most people are automatically enrolled when they become eligible, usually when you turn 65. Here is an overview of the parts of Medicare.

Part A – Hospital Services

Medicare Part A is hospital insurance. Part A benefits cover:

• Inpatient hospital care
• Skilled nursing care facility
• Home health care services
• Hospice care

Most people don't have to pay a monthly premium to receive Part A. You may be responsible for part of the cost of services, and you will have a deductible.

Part B – Medical Services – including preventive care

Medicare Part B is medical insurance. Part B benefits cover:

• Doctors' office visits
• Preventive care
• Lab tests, blood tests and X-rays
• Diabetic screenings and supplies
• Outpatient hospital care

You will have to pay a Part B monthly premium.

Medicare Advantage – Part C

You can choose a Medicare Advantage plan, Part C, to get more coverage than through the government plans. You must have Original Medicare, Part A and B, to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan. They are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.

Medicare Advantage plans must cover all of the services that Original Medicare covers. Most Medicare Advantage plans may also offer benefits beyond Original Medicare.

More Benefits: Depending on the plan you choose and where you live (your ZIP code and county in Virginia), most Medicare Advantage plans may also cover:

• Prescription drugs (Medicare Part D)
• Routine care for your vision and hearing
• Health, fitness and wellness programs

Limited Costs: Medicare Advantage plans have a yearly limit on your out-of-pocket costs. After you reach this yearly limit, you won't have to pay anything for covered services. Yearly limits vary by plan. Be sure to ask.

Prescription Drug Plans – Part D

Medicare Part D is stand-alone prescription drug coverage. You can get Part D through private insurance companies. Certain costs apply depending on the plan you choose. Most people will have to pay a monthly premium. Remember that you can also get prescription drug coverage in many Medicare Advantage plans.

Medicare Supplement Plans in Virginia

You may be interested in a Medicare Supplement plan to help cover some of your out-of-pocket healthcare costs.

Medicare Special Needs Plans (SNPs)

These Medicare Advantage Plans are for people with chronic conditions or special health needs. The benefits, providers and prescription drug formularies are carefully chosen for these unique needs.

Enrolling in Medicare Plans in Virginia

For details on how and when to enroll, please click here

Medicare Savings Programs

If you are enrolled in Medicare and need help paying your costs, you may be eligible for a Virginia Medicare Savings Program. For more information, contact the Virginia Department of Social Services.

Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program If you have questions about Medicare, people from this program will help you. This service is free. Call 1-800-552-3402 or visit their website at https://www.vda.virginia.gov/

Things to remember:

• Benefits and costs vary by the plan you choose and where you live
• With any plan, you must continue to pay your Original Medicare Part B premium
• Review the information and talk with a Medicare expert so you can select the plan that's right for you

How to sign up for your Medicare plan:

• Visit Medicare.gov
• Search the plans you want, choose one and enroll on their website
• Call the plan you're interested in for a paper form to fill out
• Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY: 711) 24 hours a day, seven days a week. If you have both Medicare and Medicaid benefits, contact your state's Medicaid office also