Medicare in Virginia: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide

Virginia Medicare Snapshot

Virginia has a strong, geographically complete Medicare market — 141 MA plans from 12 carriers covering 133 of 134 counties and independent cities for 2026 (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Virginia's plan mix leans HMO-POS and PPO: 36 HMO-POS, 34 PPO, 25 HMO, 10 HMO D-SNP, and 8 HMO-POS C-SNP plans, reflecting both the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)-to-Medicare transitions concentrated in Northern Virginia and broader provider networks needed across the state's mix of metros, suburbs, and rural areas.

The average consolidated MA premium is $19.05/month (median $0) — close to the national average, with most Virginia beneficiaries finding $0-premium plans. The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026. On the supplement side, Virginia has 32 carriers offering Plan G with attained-age rating.

Plan Types Available in Virginia

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In Virginia, 141 MA plans are available for 2026 from 12 carriers (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Plan type mix: 36 HMO-POS, 34 PPO, 25 HMO, 10 HMO D-SNP (dual-eligible special needs), and 8 HMO-POS C-SNP (chronic condition special needs). The mix of HMO-POS and PPO plans gives beneficiaries flexibility — particularly valuable for federal retirees in the DC metro who may have established provider relationships across state lines.

County availability ranges from 72 MA plans in Richmond City to 33 plans in Harrisonburg City. Top carriers by plan count: Humana (45 plans), UnitedHealthcare (39 plans), and Aetna Medicare (13 plans). Average star rating is 3.83.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Virginia has 32 carriers offering Plan G in the TPP rate database (TPP rate DB, CY2026). The full set of 12 federally standardized plan letters (A through N, plus high-deductible variants HDG and HDF) is available statewide under standard federal rules. Virginia uses attained-age rating — premiums increase as you age.

Plan F is closed to new enrollees as of January 1, 2020 under MACRA / the 21st Century Cures Act; the same closure applies to High-Deductible Plan F (HDF) — only beneficiaries who became Medicare-eligible before January 1, 2020 may still purchase Plan F or HDF. High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is the post-2020 high-deductible Medigap option and is offered in Virginia by 25 carriers. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →

Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Virginia is CMS PDP Region 7 — Virginia alone. For 2026, there are 9 standalone PDP plans from 5 carriers. Average total premium is $48.89/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape).

Costs in Virginia

Medicare Advantage Premiums

The average consolidated MA premium in Virginia is $19.05/month (median $0) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). The standard Medicare Part B premium is $202.90/month in 2026.

The top three carriers by plan count are Humana (45 plans), UnitedHealthcare (39 plans), and Aetna Medicare (13 plans) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Average star rating is 3.83.

Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG

Medigap premiums in Virginia vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and rating method (attained-age in VA, so rates rise with age). Across the 32 carriers offering Plan G in Virginia (non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85), monthly premiums range from approximately $110 to $578/month (TPP rate database, CY2026).

High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 25 Virginia carriers; premiums range from approximately $102 to $538/month across ages 65–85, non-tobacco rates (TPP rate database, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the $2,950 deductible (2026).

Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark

For 2026, Virginia Part D premiums average $48.89/month across 9 standalone PDP plans. The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for PDP Region 7 (Virginia) is $24.56/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).

Virginia-Specific Medicare Rules

Virginia Medigap Protections

Virginia follows standard federal Medigap rules. You have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

After this window closes, medical underwriting applies and coverage is not guaranteed. Virginia does not have a Birthday Rule or other annual switch right. Enrolling in Medigap during the initial Open Enrollment Period is especially important. VA uses attained-age rating, so when comparing carriers, ask for both current premium and a projection over 5–10 years.

FEHB-to-Medicare Coordination (Federal Retirees)

Virginia has one of the largest concentrations of federal retirees in the country, particularly in Northern Virginia (Fairfax, Arlington, Loudoun, Prince William). Federal retirees with FEHB (Federal Employees Health Benefits) coverage face specific coordination decisions at age 65:

• FEHB continues without enrolling in Medicare, but Part A is premium-free for most workers, so most federal retirees enroll in Part A.
• Whether to enroll in Part Bdepends on your FEHB plan's structure, whether you want to switch to Medicare Advantage, and the Part B Late Enrollment Penalty risk if you defer.
• Medigap vs. keeping FEHB: Some federal retirees keep FEHB as the secondary payer to Medicare; others switch to Medigap. The math depends on FEHB plan, spouse coverage, and projected health needs.

Contact OPM, your FEHB plan, and Virginia VICAP (1-800-552-3402) before making decisions — this coordination is more complex than the standard Medicare path. Working past 65 and Medicare →

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Virginia offers Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) administered by the Virginia Department of Medical Assistance Services (DMAS — Virginia Medicaid):

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.

Apply through your local DMAS office or contact Virginia VICAP (1-800-552-3402) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →

Virginia VICAP

Virginia VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) provides free, unbiased counseling on all Medicare options statewide. Administered by the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services (DARS).

Phone: 1-800-552-3402
Website: https://www.vda.virginia.gov/vicap.htm

Enrolling in Medicare in Virginia

Standard Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. After this window, medical underwriting applies (Virginia has no Birthday Rule).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →

Virginia VICAP Counseling

Contact VICAP at 1-800-552-3402 for free one-on-one Medicare guidance statewide.

Frequently Asked Questions