Explore your options
Compare options, including Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement, and prescription plans.
Find a Licensed Medicare agent in Washington
Connect with Medicare agents in Washington
Noah Wilson
Toni Aldridge
Kevin Hatfield
Shannon Davis
Tyler Eby
Kayla Torry
Brandon Kauffman
Calvin Fritz
Sara Morrissey
Matt Willenborg
Why work with a Medicare agent
Enroll in Medicare
Get the help you need to enroll in Medicare, from Original Medicare to supplemental coverage.
Use your coverage
Receive extended support to help you use your plan effectively, find doctors, and get savings.
A Snapshot of Medicare in Washington
In Washington, both Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage are popular coverage choices. Approximately 51% of Medicare beneficiaries have Original Medicare, while the remaining 49% have a Medicare Advantage plan.
Washington state residents with Original Medicare often sign up for Medicare Supplement plans, also known as Medigap plans. These plans help reduce out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn't cover. By law, Medigap plans are standardized and assigned letters A-D, F, G, and K-N; plans with the same letter designation provide the same basic benefits, regardless of the insurer.
Washington residents with limited income or resources may qualify for programs that reduce their Medicare costs. The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program can help with Part A and Part B premiums and other Medicare costs; the Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary (SLMB) and Qualified Individual (QI) programs can help with Part B premiums; and the Qualified Disabled Working Individual (QDWI) program can help with Part A premiums. The Extra Help program can help pay some or all of a qualifying applicant's Part D costs.
How to apply for Medicare in Washington?
Medicare eligibility in Washington follows the same nationwide rules as everywhere else in the country. You qualify for Medicare as a US citizen if you meet one of these criteria:
- You're 65 or older
- You have a qualifying disability, such as End-Stage Renal Disease or ALS
- You've received SSDI for 24 months or more
Enrolling in Washington takes three key steps:
- Sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)
- Decide on your supplemental coverage:
- Medicare Supplement (Medigap)
- Medicare Advantage (Part C)
- Part D (prescription drug coverage)
- Confirm your doctors are in network, update your pharmacy with your new plan, and activate any additional benefits included with your coverage
FAQs
What should I look for when getting Medicare help in Washington?
If you need help with Medicare in Washington, you'll want to work with a licensed Medicare agent in Washington. Chapter's Washington Medicare agents have a deep understanding of Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and prescription drug coverage options. They provide free advice and support as you decide on coverage. Call Chapter at (855) 900-2427 to get your questions answered or schedule a free consultation.
What Medigap switching rights do Washington residents have if they already have a Medigap plan?
Washington residents have a lot of flexibility to change their Medigap plan throughout the year. As long as you already have a Medigap plan, you can switch to any other Medigap plan without underwriting. This means insurance carriers cannot deny your application or charge you more based on your health history.
How can where you live within Washington affect Medicare Advantage provider networks?
Private insurers offering Medicare Advantage plans don't always offer the same plan options statewide. They customize their offerings county by county. Different plans will have different provider networks. In general, residents of more rural counties have fewer Medicare Advantage plans to choose from, as well.
How can Washington residents get prescription drug coverage with Medicare?
Washington residents with Original Medicare must sign up for a Medicare Part D plan if they want prescription drug coverage. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D coverage. If yours does, you don't need a standalone Part D plan. When choosing a Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage plan, it's wise to check the relevant plan's formulary. A formulary tells you which drugs the plan covers and how much you should expect to pay for covered medications.
