West Virginia Health Insurance

About 300,000 WV residents are without West Virginia health insurance, a number that is down 20% from last year. Why do so many residents of WV use online tools like the one on this page to look for health insurance policies?

West Virginia isn’t exactly the healthiest place to live either with a high prevalence of smoking, obesity, cancer deaths, an escalating rate of violent crimes (even though the numbers are still currently considered low) and the highest number of preventable hospitalizations. Families looking for health insurance in West Virginia truly need to find affordable policies that will provide both preventative and sick care. Just over 75% of children have all their immunizations and just fewer than 75% of children live in poverty.  Coincidence? Health experts say no.

So, what does West Virginia have going for it?  There are a low number of binge drinkers, infectious diseases rates are low and women are able to get adequate prenatal care.  It’s not much, and it proves that things could be a lot better. The first step to getting coverage is to know what you need, and then understand your options.

West Virginia High Risk Health Insurance

AccessWV – West Virginia Health Insurance High Risk Pool - AccessWV is the high risk pool created by the state of West Virginia for those who have been turned down for medical insurance because of pre-existing conditions.  It also provides coverage for those who are eligible under HIPPA and the IRS Health Coverage Tax Credit Program.  Premiums are based on age, the plan chosen, and the county of residence.  Three different plans are available.

West Virginia Low Income Health Insurance

• WVCHIP – West Virginia Health Insurance For Uninsured Children -WVCHIP is the state sponsored health insurance children under the age of 19 of working families in West Virginia that can not afford health insurance.  Premiums and policy (co-pays and deductibles) are based on income.

• Free Clinics – If all else fails, West Virginia has a number of free clinics through the state where you can receive care on a first come first serve basis.

• Medicare and Medicaid – Government funded programs

West Virginia Health Insurance Plans

There are a variety of options available for anyone in the market for WV health insurance.  Be sure to shop around to find the best price and policy to suit your needs.  If you need to, enlist the help of an independent insurance agent to help you.  He or she can help research policies and answer any questions that you may have.

• HMO – Health Maintenance Organization/Managed Care – a fixed fee is paid every month regardless of if you use your medical care or not.  A lot of times the HMO will provide their own doctors and clinics that you have to use.

• PPO – Preferred Provider Organization - PPOs allow patients to use their own doctor and if he or she is in the PPO network costs will be less.  There is no need to get a referral to a specialist since you are free to use whatever doctor(s) you want.

• POS - Point of Service – The insurance company provides you with a list of participating doctors that you have to pick a primary care physician from.  Any trips to the ER have to be approved and you need a referral for a specialist.

• Fee for service plan – The most traditional of plans where you pay for your health services up front and submit a claim to your insurance company for reimbursement of some of all of the costs.

• HSA – Health Savings Account – Allows you to take out pre-tax dollars to put away in a savings account to use for health care expenses such as co-pays, insurance premiums, doctors visits, prescription drugs, and medical equipment.

• Discount Medical Plans – These are not health insurance plans, although they are often times marketed as if they were.  You pay a monthly fee and in return you get discounts on some medical expenses.  Make sure to research them carefully to make sure you are truly getting a real discount.

• HIPAA – A West Virginia HIPAA health insurance plan is designed to offer guaranteed issue individual coverage to WV residents that meet certain criteria.

• COBRA – A West Virginia COBRA health insurance plan is a group continuation plan.

West Virginia Individual Health Insurance Plans

Finding a cheap West Virginia health insurance plan is usually pretty easy. The key is to compare rates from multiple companies to find the best deal.

West Virginia Health Insurance Companies

This is a partial list of providers in West Virginia. Use independent auditors like A.M. Best and Moody’s and the West Virginia Department of Insurance to investigate each company in depth .

Mountain State Blue Cross Blue Shield

Unicare

Aetna

Assurant

Celtic Insurance Company

Golden Rule

Humana

Find West Virginia Health Insurance Quotes Now!

Start your search for West Virginia health insurance today by comparing policies from top West Virginia health insurance companies side by side. 

We have provided an easy to use tool at the top of the page to allow you to get the free quotes you need to help you decide on the right West Virginia health insurance policy.

Find WV health insurance quotes now!