Calculate your Medicare costs in West Virginia for 2026. 23 Medicare Advantage plans available.
West Virginia has approximately 23 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with an average MA premium of $16/month (vs. the $17/month national average). West Virginia uses standard Medigap underwriting rules. Buy during your 6-month open enrollment window for guaranteed acceptance. Free Medicare counseling is available through WV SHIP at 1-877-987-4463.
Medicare in West Virginia works the same as nationwide — it is administered by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, several important aspects of Medicare vary by state, including the number and quality of Medicare Advantage plans available, Medigap regulation, and state-specific assistance programs.
In West Virginia, there are approximately 23 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, compared to a national average of around 40 plans per area. The average MA premium in West Virginia is $16/month. Fewer plan options mean less competition, but West Virginia seniors can still find quality Medicare Advantage coverage. Use our comparison tool above to evaluate whether Advantage or Original Medicare better fits your needs.
Medigap (Medicare Supplement) insurance in West Virginia follows standard federal rules. Insurers use attained-age rating in most cases, meaning premiums increase as you age. Your best opportunity to buy Medigap is during your 6-month open enrollment period — the 6 months starting the first month you have Part B and are 65 or older. During this window, insurers cannot deny coverage or charge more due to health conditions.
Margaret is 64 and will turn 65 in March 2026, becoming eligible for Medicare in West Virginia. She worked for 30+ years paying Medicare taxes (so Part A is free). Her 2024 MAGI was $88,000 (single filer — below the $106,000 IRMAA threshold).
If Margaret chose Medicare Advantage instead: average premium in West Virginia is $16/month. Her total MA cost would be $201/month (Part B + MA premium), saving her approximately $206/month compared to Original Medicare with Medigap. However, she would face network restrictions and copays for services.
Medicare Advantage Plan Availability (23 plans in West Virginia)
West Virginia has 23 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with an average premium of $16/month. Plan availability varies by county — you may have more or fewer options depending on your specific location within West Virginia. Use medicare.gov's plan finder or contact WV SHIP to see all plans available at your address.
Income-Related Adjustments (IRMAA)
Your Part B premium is the same regardless of which state you live in — it's determined by your income. In 2026, singles earning over $106,000 (or couples over $212,000) pay IRMAA surcharges on top of the standard $185/month Part B premium. IRMAA is based on your 2024 tax return. If your income has decreased due to retirement or a life event, you can appeal the surcharge using SSA Form SSA-44.
Medigap Underwriting in West Virginia
In West Virginia, Medigap premiums typically use attained-age rating, meaning your premium increases each year as you age. Buying a Medigap policy at 65 during your open enrollment window locks in your best rate — you may not be able to buy or switch plans at the same rate later if your health changes.
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In 2026, approximately 23 Medicare Advantage plans are available in West Virginia. The number of plans varies by county — urban areas typically have more options than rural counties. The average Medicare Advantage premium in West Virginia is approximately $16/month in 2026, compared to the national average of $17/month. You can compare all available plans at medicare.gov during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or when you first become eligible for Medicare.
West Virginia follows standard federal Medigap rules. Insurers can use attained-age rating, issue-age rating, or community rating. Most use attained-age rating, meaning premiums increase as you age. Your guaranteed issue window is the 6 months following your Part B effective date — buy during this period to avoid medical underwriting. After this window, insurers can deny coverage or charge more based on health status.
West Virginia's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is called WV SHIP. SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to West Virginia Medicare beneficiaries. Counselors can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, understand your Medicare rights, file appeals, and navigate billing problems. Contact West Virginia SHIP at 1-877-987-4463 — all services are free and provided by trained volunteers. This is an excellent resource for unbiased plan comparison guidance.
Medicare enrollment timelines are the same in West Virginia as nationwide. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. If you miss your IEP, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 – March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1. If you have employer health coverage through active work, you have a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D is October 15 – December 7. Contact WV SHIP at 1-877-987-4463 for personalized enrollment guidance.
In West Virginia, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185/month in 2026 (same for all states). Part A is typically free if you paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the average MA premium in West Virginia is approximately $16/month. With Original Medicare plus a Plan G Medigap supplement and Part D drug coverage, total premiums typically run $400–$450/month for most seniors in West Virginia. Your actual costs depend on your income (which affects IRMAA surcharges), specific plan choice, and coverage type. Use our calculator above for a personalized estimate.
Medicare Disclaimer
These calculators provide estimates based on 2026 Medicare data for educational purposes only. Medicare costs and coverage vary by plan, location, and individual circumstances. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or medicare.gov for official information. Consult a licensed Medicare advisor for personalized plan comparison. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the US government.