What Are the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Virginia?

While Medicare Parts A and B help to cover many healthcare costs, there are many expenses that they don’t cover, like prescription drug coverage. Once you’re enrolled in Original Medicare, you have the option of choosing a Medicare Advantage plan to help fill in some of those coverage gaps

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What Are the Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Virginia?

Private insurers sell Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia, and the plans cover certain areas within the state. Plan costs vary, too, so as you shop for a Medicare Advantage plan, you’ll need to consider your budget as well as the geographic areas where you’ll most often be receiving care. While specific coverage varies from plan to plan, most Medicare Advantage plans help cover some of these expenses, which aren’t covered by Original Medicare:

Dental, vision, and hearing coverage
Transportation to routine medical appointments
An over-the-counter supply stipend
An out-of-pocket maximum

To determine which plan is best for you, think about the types of healthcare that you’re likely to need, as well as the types of expenses that are most costly or difficult for you to pay.

What Types of Virginia Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available?

There are four main types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Virginia. As you shop for a plan, it’s important to understand how each plan type works, as well as what’s included and excluded:

Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans usually include drug coverage. You’ll typically be required to have a primary care physician, receive referrals for specialists, and choose in-network providers for your healthcare.
Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans are a bit more flexible than HMOs. While PPOs have a preferred network of providers, you can choose to receive out-of-network care for a higher cost. You aren’t required to choose a primary care physician, and these plans usually include drug coverage.
Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS) plans allow you to receive care from any provider who accepts the plan’s payment terms. If a provider doesn’t agree to the terms, you can still get care, but you may pay more. You’re not required to have a primary care or get specialist referrals, and PFFS plans often include drug coverage.
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) always include drug coverage. They’re only available for people with certain health conditions, and require you to have a primary care physician and get referrals to specialists.

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How Do You Sign Up for Medicare Advantage Plans in Virginia?

You must be at least or nearly 65 years old to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan in Virginia, though individuals with certain disabilities may qualify for coverage at a younger age. You can first sign up for Original Medicare during your Initial Enrollment period, which starts three months before your 65th birthday and lasts three months after your birthday. Once you’ve enrolled in Original Medicare, you can choose a Virginia Medicare Advantage plan during three specific times:

During your Initial Enrollment Period
During the Medicare Annual Election Period, which is from October 15 through December 7 each year
During the Open Enrollment Period, which takes place from January 1 through March 31

You can get a free Medicare Advantage quote to start exploring plans today.

Paige Cerulli Paige Cerulli is a freelance content writer and journalist who specializes in personal finance topics. She graduated from Westfield State University and brings more than a decade of professional writing experience to the ConsumerCoverage team. Paige’s work has appeared in outlets including USA Today, Business Insider, and more.