I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Virginia and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Virginia for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Virginia Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Virginia
Whether you live in a major Virginia metro or a small town, we work with Virginia residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Virginia's major regions include: Northern Virginia, Hampton Roads, Richmond Metro, Southwest Virginia, Shenandoah Valley, Central Virginia.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Virginia. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Virginia's Medicare market: what you need to know
Virginia has a notable military retiree population (TRICARE for Life), particularly in Hampton Roads and Northern Virginia. This affects Medicare planning since TFL works as a Medicare supplement.
Snowbird and travel note: Virginia has milder winters than northern states but many retirees still winter further south. Original Medicare plus a Medigap (or TFL for military retirees) works best for those who travel.
VICAP is run through the Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services. Virginia has a large military retiree population that uses TRICARE for Life as a Medicare supplement; this requires Part B enrollment to maintain TFL coverage.
Top Medicare carriers in Virginia
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Virginia
- Anthem
- Humana
- UnitedHealthcare
- Optima Health
- Aetna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Virginia
- Anthem Blue Cross
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Cigna
- Aetna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Virginia (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
Virginia Medigap rules
Virginia does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in Virginia?
Medicare costs in Virginia for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Virginia residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $125-180/month for Plan G in Virginia
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Virginia resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for Virginia residents
- VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) (SHIP): 1-800-552-3402 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Virginia Medicaid: 1-855-242-8282 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Virginia: dars.virginia.gov
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Virginia zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your Virginia situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Virginia residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Virginia zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for Virginia Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Virginia clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Virginia: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Virginia: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for Virginia residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Virginia residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
Virginia Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Virginia?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Virginia residents pay an average of $125-180/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Virginia typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Virginia?
Virginia has 30-40 plans in metro areas in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 45% of Virginia Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Virginia?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Virginia are Anthem, Humana, UnitedHealthcare, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Anthem Blue Cross, Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Virginia?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Virginia?
Virginia residents can call VICAP (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program) at 1-800-552-3402 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 1-855-242-8282. Visit dars.virginia.gov for more state aging resources.
