Best Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia (2026)
Compare the top-rated Medigap carriers in West Virginia. Plan G starts at $132/mo with 20+ carriers licensed statewide.
West Virginia Has No Birthday Rule: Your Initial Plan Choice Matters
Unlike California, Oregon, and other states with birthday rules, West Virginia does not give you an annual window to switch Medigap carriers without underwriting. Once your 6-month Open Enrollment Period ends, you will face health questions if you try to change plans. Compare carriers carefully before you enroll and consider long-term rate stability, not just today's lowest premium.
More than 95,000 West Virginia residents have Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap. West Virginia follows standard federal Medigap rules, offering plans A through N with no state-specific modifications. Plan G is the most popular choice for new enrollees, covering nearly all Medicare out-of-pocket costs except the annual Part B deductible ($283 in 2026).
West Virginia does not have a birthday rule or anniversary rule, which means your 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you first turn 65 and enroll in Part B is your best and most important opportunity to lock in coverage. After that window closes, carriers can use medical underwriting to deny your application or charge higher premiums based on your health history.
Plan G premiums in Charleston range from $138/mo (LifeShield National) to $195/mo (AARP/UHC) for a 65-year-old. Highmark BCBS of West Virginia is the dominant local carrier with deep provider networks across the state, while LifeShield National and MedMutual Protect offer the lowest premiums.
Compare the Best Medicare Supplement Plans in West Virginia
Our top-rated Medigap carriers in West Virginia, ranked by the MedicareFAQ Score. Premiums shown are for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker in Charleston. Rates in Huntington, Morgantown, and Parkersburg may vary slightly.
Government Personnel Mutual (GPM)
Plan G
$132/mo
Plan N
$97/mo
AM Best
A
Government Personnel Mutual offers the lowest Plan G ($132/mo) and lowest Plan N ($97/mo) in West Virginia, saving over $100/mo compared to the state average. A-rated by AM Best with strong claims-paying history. Best overall value for West Virginia seniors.
MedMutual Protect (Medical Mutual of Ohio)
Plan G
$141/mo
Plan N
$99/mo
AM Best
A
MedMutual Protect offers the lowest Plan F in West Virginia at $162/mo and a highly competitive Plan G at $141/mo. Their Plan N at $99/mo is the second-lowest in the state. A-rated by AM Best with solid financial stability.
USAA
Plan G
$141/mo
Plan N
$109/mo
AM Best
A++
USAA offers Plan G at $141/mo in West Virginia with an A++ AM Best rating. Only available to military members, veterans, and their eligible family members. If you qualify, USAA is one of the best value carriers in the state with the highest financial strength rating possible.
The Health Plan (THP Insurance Co.)
Plan G
$140/mo
Plan N
$105/mo
AM Best
A-
The Health Plan is a West Virginia-based regional carrier with deep roots in the state. They offer the lowest Plan D at $140/mo and a competitive Plan G at $140/mo. Their local focus means strong provider relationships and responsive customer service for WV residents.
Transamerica
Plan G
$183/mo
Plan N
$135/mo
AM Best
A
Transamerica is the only carrier in West Virginia offering all 10 standard Medigap plan types with issue-age pricing. Your premium is locked at the rate for your age when you enroll, protecting you from age-based increases. Best choice for long-term rate stability.
Medicare Supplement Prices in West Virginia
Sample monthly premiums from top carriers in Charleston for a 65-year-old female nonsmoker. Rates may include available household discounts. West Virginia uses attained-age rating for most carriers, so premiums will increase as you age.
| Insurance Company | Plan G Monthly | Plan N Monthly | Plan F Monthly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Government Personnel Mutual | $132 | $97 | $162 |
| The Health Plan (THP) | $140 | $105 | $168 |
| MedMutual Protect | $141 | $99 | $162 |
| USAA* | $141 | $109 | $189 |
| Philadelphia American | $147 | N/A | N/A |
| LifeShield National | $148 | $110 | $181 |
| WoodmenLife | $156 | $113 | $193 |
| Transamerica | $183 | $135 | $198 |
| Globe Life | $194 | N/A | $218 |
Lowest Plan G for the general public: $138/mo (LifeShield National). Source: WV OIC, FairSquare Medicare, MoneyGeek, May 2026.
Plan G vs. Plan N in West Virginia
Plan G and Plan N are the two most popular Medicare Supplement plans for new enrollees in West Virginia. Here is how they compare.
| Feature | Plan G | Plan N |
|---|---|---|
| Part A coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part B coinsurance | Covered | Covered* |
| Part B excess charges | Covered | Not covered |
| Part B deductible ($283) | Not covered | Not covered |
| Skilled nursing coinsurance | Covered | Covered |
| Part A deductible ($1,676) | Covered | Covered |
| Foreign travel emergency | Covered | Covered |
| Office visit copay | $0 | Up to $20 |
| ER copay (no admission) | $0 | Up to $50 |
| Avg. monthly premium (Charleston) | $138-$195 | $98-$142 |
*Plan N covers Part B coinsurance but may charge up to $20 for some office visits and up to $50 for ER visits that do not result in inpatient admission. West Virginia allows excess charges, so Plan N enrollees should confirm their doctors accept Medicare assignment.
West Virginia has no birthday rule, so your initial enrollment decision is the most important one you will make. Do not just pick the cheapest premium today. Consider long-term rate stability: attained-age plans (most carriers) will increase every year as you age. LifeShield National at $138/mo is the best value Plan G for most West Virginia seniors. Highmark BCBS of West Virginia is the dominant local carrier with deep provider networks in Charleston, Huntington, and Morgantown, but their premiums tend to be higher. If you want the highest financial strength rating, State Farm (A++) at $165/mo with local agents statewide is a strong pick.
West Virginia Medigap Rules You Should Know
No Birthday Rule or Anniversary Rule in West Virginia
West Virginia does not have a birthday rule or anniversary rule. Outside of your 6-month Open Enrollment Period when you first turn 65 and enroll in Part B, you will face medical underwriting if you try to switch Medigap carriers. This makes your initial plan choice especially important.
Standard 6-Month Open Enrollment Period
Federal law gives you a 6-month Open Enrollment Period starting the month you turn 65 and enroll in Medicare Part B. During this window, no carrier can deny you coverage or charge higher premiums due to pre-existing conditions. This is the best time to enroll.
Under-65 Coverage Not Required
West Virginia does not require Medigap carriers to offer coverage to Medicare beneficiaries under age 65 (such as those with disabilities). If you are under 65 and on Medicare, you may have difficulty finding Medigap coverage in West Virginia. Some carriers offer it voluntarily at higher rates.
Attained-Age Rating Dominates
Most West Virginia Medigap carriers use attained-age rating, meaning your premium increases as you get older. Transamerica is a notable exception, using issue-age rating where your premium is locked at the rate for your age when you enroll. Issue-age plans often start higher but can be cheaper over the long term.
Excess Charges Are Allowed in West Virginia
West Virginia does not ban Medicare excess charges. Providers who do not accept Medicare assignment can charge up to 15% more than the Medicare-approved amount. Plan G covers these excess charges; Plan N does not. If your doctors do not accept Medicare assignment, Plan G is the safer choice.
Free Help via West Virginia SHIP
West Virginia's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Bureau of Senior Services. Call 1-877-987-4463 to speak with a trained counselor who can help you compare plans, understand your rights, and enroll. Counselors are located in all 55 counties.
MedicareFAQ Scoring Methodology
The MedicareFAQ Score rates Medicare Supplement carriers on a scale of 1.0 to 5.0 based on five key factors. Our ratings are independent and not influenced by advertising relationships.
Financial Strength (AM Best)
Claims-paying ability and long-term stability
Customer Satisfaction
NAIC complaint ratios and member satisfaction surveys
Premium Competitiveness
Plan G and Plan N rates vs. West Virginia market average
Plan Availability
Number of plan types offered in West Virginia
Discounts and Value
Household discounts, EFT discounts, and added benefits
Last updated: May 2026 | Data sources: NAIC complaint ratios, AM Best ratings, CMS Medicare Plan Finder, WV Office of the Insurance Commissioner, FairSquare Medicare
Frequently Asked Questions
Find the Best Medigap Rate in Your West Virginia ZIP Code
West Virginia has no birthday rule, so your Open Enrollment Period is your best chance to lock in coverage without health questions. Plan G starts at $138/mo in Charleston. Compare all available carriers in your area before enrolling.