What is a Medicare Advantage Plan in Virginia?

A Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan in Virginia is an alternative to Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare and combine Original Medicare with additional routine benefits and, in some cases, prescription drug coverage. 

Common Plan Types in Virginia

Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia typically fall into a few common structures. Availability depends on your county and ZIP code:

• HMO (Health Maintenance Organization): HMO plans require you to use doctors and hospitals within a defined network. You usually need referrals to see specialists. These plans often have lower monthly premiums and out-of-pocket costs, making them a budget-friendly option for many Virginia residents.

• PPO (Preferred Provider Organization): PPO plans offer more flexibility, allowing you to see out-of-network providers, often without a referral. This added flexibility typically comes with higher premiums or cost-sharing compared to HMOs, but may be preferred by beneficiaries who want broader provider access across Virginia or out of state.

Popular Medicare Advantage Carriers Available in Virginia

Medicare Advantage plan availability in Virginia varies by county and ZIP code, so “popular” carriers may differ depending on local networks, premiums, and benefits. While several national insurers operate across the state, plan options and enrollment levels are influenced heavily by regional provider availability and annual CMS updates.

Some of the major Medicare Advantage carriers offering coverage in Virginia include:

• Humana

• Aetna

• UnitedHealthcare

• Elevance Health

CMS Star Ratings

Medicare Advantage plans are evaluated each year by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) using a 1 to 5-star rating system. These ratings measure plan quality based on factors such as member experience, customer service, preventive care, and chronic condition management.

While higher-rated plans may indicate stronger overall performance, ratings and benefits can vary by carrier and local provider network within Virginia. Beneficiaries should compare both CMS Star Ratings and local plan availability when selecting coverage.

Plan Availability by Top Virginia Counties

Medicare Advantage plan availability in Virginia varies significantly by county and ZIP code. Because plans are offered at the local level, carrier participation, monthly premiums, provider networks, and extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs can vary widely even within the same region. Comparing plans in your specific area is essential to understanding your true coverage options.

Here are some of Virginia’s most populated counties and regions where Medicare Advantage plan availability is especially active:

• Fairfax County: As one of the most populous and urbanized areas in Virginia, Fairfax County typically offers a wide range of Medicare Advantage plans with competitive premiums and broad provider networks.

• Prince William County: A fast-growing Northern Virginia county where plan availability is shaped by expanding healthcare infrastructure and strong carrier competition.

• Virginia Beach City: One of the largest population centers in the state, Virginia Beach often offers multiple Medicare Advantage carriers and a variety of plan types, including HMO and PPO options.

• Henrico County: Located near Richmond, Henrico County residents generally have access to multiple regional and national Medicare Advantage plans, though availability varies by ZIP code.

• Chesterfield County: Another major Richmond-area county where plan offerings reflect a mix of suburban and urban healthcare networks, with differences in premiums and supplemental benefits depending on location.

Because Medicare Advantage plans in Virginia are highly localized, the best way to compare options is by entering your ZIP code to see which carriers, costs, and benefits are available in your exact area.

Disclaimer: Medicare Advantage plan availability, premiums, and provider networks in Virginia vary by county and ZIP code. County-level descriptions are based on general Medicare market trends, population distribution, and typical rural vs. urban plan availability patterns. Actual plan options and benefits are determined by each insurance carrier and may change annually. 

Compare Virginia Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans

Some Virginia beneficiaries prefer the predictability of Original Medicare combined with a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan instead of a Medicare Advantage plan. Medigap policies help cover costs like deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments, and they allow you to see any provider nationwide who accepts Medicare without network restrictions.

If you’re considering whether this path fits your needs better, you can review available options here: . Keep in mind that you cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan at the same time. You must choose one or the other. 

Why choose SelectQuote for your Virginia Medicare plan needs?

With more than 40 years of experience, SelectQuote helps simplify Medicare enrollment by helping you compare plans from a wide range of nationally recognized insurance carriers in minutes. Our licensed insurance agents take the heavy lifting out of your hands by quickly reviewing multiple plan options side-by-side, offering unbiased guidance and support to help you find the right fit. 

SelectQuote is trusted by Medicare shoppers nationwide and is known for:

• Strong customer satisfaction ratings on Trustpilot

• Thousands of localized reviews from Medicare beneficiaries across different states

• Accreditation and recognition from the Better Business Bureau (BBB)

No matter where you live in Virginia, SelectQuote can help you compare Medicare Advantage plan options so you can make coverage decisions with confidence.