Virginia Medicare FAQ

Medicare works a little differently depending on where you live. Here are direct answers to the questions we hear most from Virginia residents.

  • Medicare enrollment works the same nationwide: sign up during your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period (starting 3 months before your 65th birthday month), during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 - December 7), or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify. Virginia doesn’t have a separate state process - Aleshire Insurance can walk you through which window applies to you at no cost.

  • Original Medicare (Parts A and B) moves with you anywhere in the U.S. Medicare Advantage and Medicare Supplement plans are tied to your state and sometimes county of residence, so a move to Virginia is a Special Enrollment Period trigger that lets you re-shop your plan. Let us know your move date and we’ll confirm your enrollment window.

  • It can. Medicare Advantage plan networks are usually built around specific counties, so if you regularly cross into D.C. or Maryland for care, it’s worth checking how a plan’s network handles providers just across the state line before you enroll. Original Medicare and Medicare Supplement plans don’t have this issue since they’re accepted anywhere Medicare is. We can review your specific providers and location with you.

  • Virginia’s VICAP program (Virginia Insurance Counseling and Assistance Program), part of the state’s Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Aleshire Insurance also offers free consultations - the difference is VICAP counselors don’t sell or recommend specific plans, while our licensed agents can help you compare and enroll directly.

  • Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles your hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan, usually with a network and lower monthly cost. Medicare Supplement (Medigap) pairs with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs and generally offers more flexibility to see any provider that accepts Medicare, typically for a higher monthly premium. Which fits better depends on your health needs, budget, and travel patterns - we can walk through the tradeoffs for your situation.

  • No. Our consultations are free, and we’re not paid by you - plans pay us only if you choose to enroll through us, which doesn’t change your premium. There’s no obligation to enroll after speaking with us.

  • Call 1-800-432-9757 or schedule a free consultation online. We serve Medicare-eligible individuals throughout Virginia, including Virginia Beach, Richmond, Chesapeake, Norfolk, Arlington, Alexandria, Roanoke, and Newport News.