Virginia Medicare Supplemental Insurance (Medigap)

Medicare supplemental insurance, also called Medigap policies, is a type of insurance designed to pay for the medical expenses that Medicare doesn't cover. It's available to residents of Virginia who meet eligibility requirements. These requirements are:

• You must be a senior resident of Virginia age 65 or better
• AND you must be already enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B (the Original Medicare plan) at the time of your application

OR

• You are a resident of Virginia under age 65 who has certain types of disabilities or end-stage renal disease
• AND you are already enrolled in the Original Medicare Plan

Medigap policies in Virginia and throughout the United States do not offer prescription drug coverage. As of January 6, 2001, prescription drug benefits are covered under the Medicare Part D plan. If you require prescription drug coverage, you'll need to add Part D onto your regular Medicare Plan.

Medicare supplemental insurance does not cover long-term care, such as the care received in nursing homes, hearing aids, glasses, dental and vision, or private-duty nursing. However, a few private insurance companies, such as Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Virginia, may offer select additional coverage benefits when you sign up for a Medigap policy through the company.

The best time to buy a Medigap policy in Virginia is during your 'open enrollment period'. This period is the first six months after you are both age 65 (or higher) AND enrolled in Medicare Part B. During your open enrollment period, an insurer may not use medical underwriting to determine your eligibility for your Medigap plan. It cannot refuse to sell you any of the Medigap policies it sells, charge you a higher monthly premium because of pre-existing medical conditions, or make you wait for coverage benefits to kick in. However, it may be able to delay coverage of pre-existing conditions.

Medicare supplemental insurance is sold in Virginia through private insurance companies. It's important that you shop around so you can compare premiums, policy availability, and added benefits like dental and vision care.