2024 Washington Medicare Plans

Many residents in Washington obtain health insurance by signing up for Medicare insurance coverage. Medicare is a federal national health insurance program for people who are 65 and over, as well as American citizens with certain disabilities and health conditions. The Washington state government also offers various assistance programs to assist Medicare beneficiaries. 

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Washington Medicare Insurance Trends

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on 2024 Medicare trends in Washington:

  • Currently, 1,478,600 residents of Washington are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average Medicare Advantage monthly premium decreased slightly from $29.84 in 2023 to $29.62 in 2024.
  • There are 152 Medicare Advantage plans available in Washington.
  • 100% of Washington residents have access to a Medicare Advantage plan, and 100% have access to plans with $0 premiums.
  • There are 21 different Medicare prescription drug plans offered in Washington for 2024.
  • The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare prescription drug plan is $0.

Medicare Offered in Washington

Medicare is a health care program sponsored by the government which offers financial assistance to American citizens ages 65 and over or those with disabilities.

Original Medicare

The primary coverage for Washington citizens comes from Original Medicare, Part A, and Part B. Medicare Part A covers inpatient care in hospitals, critical access hospitals, and skilled nursing facilities. Hospice care and some types of home health care are included as well.

Medicare Part B covers doctor services and outpatient hospital care, and some health care services that are not covered in Medicare Part A. These include physical therapists and the use of durable medical supplies.

Medicare Part A does not typically require premiums, although in some cases, it may be required. Medicare Part B does require premiums based on the beneficiary’s income.

Both Medicare Part A and Part B may also require the beneficiary to pay for out-of-pocket expenses. These out-of-pocket expenses include deductibles, copays, and coinsurance costs.

Medicare Advantage

Also known as Medicare Part C, these Medicare Advantage Plans can take the place of Original Medicare. These plans are also available from private carriers with approval from Medicare. These plans provide the primary benefits included in Original Medicare, plus additional benefits such as coverage for health care services that are not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B. 

In 2024, companies offering Medicare Advantage plans in the state, with ratings, include:

  • Regence Valience – 4/5 stars
  • Community Health Plan of WA – 3.5/5 stars
  • United Healthcare 
  • WellCare 

These Medicare Advantage plans are based on medicare.gov and their overall rating of plan quality and performance, found here. The choices for your plan vary depending on the county you live in.

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Medicare Supplement Plans

Medicare authorizes many insurance companies in Washington to provide supplemental plans for Original Medicare. These plans, also called Medigap, can cover extra health care services that Original Medicare does not include. People with Medicare Advantage plans don’t qualify for Medigap.

Companies who offer Medigap plans in Washington include:

  • AARP – United Healthcare
  • Garden State
  • Premera BlueCross BlueShield of Washington
  • Sentinel Security
  • State Farm

Source

Washington Medicare Enrollment

Citizens of Washington are eligible for Medicare if they are a U.S. citizen who is 65 years of age or older, or are under 65 but are permanently disabled, have end-stage renal disease, or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis. Use Medicare’s online eligibility tool to see if you qualify. 

Requirements

  • You are 65 or older, and you or your spouse worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
  • You are under age 65 and collect benefits from Social Security or the Railroad Retirement Board for at least 24 consecutive months.
  • You have ESRD or ALS. 

Enrollment Period Dates

Initial Enrollment Period

This is a seven-month window that allows you to sign up for a plan

  • Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
  • Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65

Medicare Open Enrollment Period

This is when you can sign up for a plan, switch a plan or leave a plan

  • Starts October 15th
  • Ends December 7th

Special Enrollment Period

Special enrollment periods allow you to enroll outside the regular enrollment periods under specific circumstances. 

General Enrollment Period

This is when you can sign up for Medicare Part A and/or Part B if you didn’t sign up when first eligible or if you’re not qualified for a Special Enrollment Period.

  • Starts January 1st
  • Ends March 31st

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

This is when you can switch or leave a Medicare Advantage Plan

  • Starts January 1st
  • Ends March 31st

Washington Enrollment Tips & Advice

Before you decide which plan is right for you and your individual needs, decide whether you want original Medicare or a Medicare Advantage plan, make sure you purchase a separate prescription drug coverage plan and a Medigap policy if you choose original Medicare, and look for a plan that has high ratings if you choose Medicare Advantage. 

Here are some additional resources:

How Do I Enroll in a Medicare Plan?

Talk to one of our licensed agents today if you’re unsure about your Medicare coverage or want more information. We’ll find a plan that suits your needs and your budget!

Speak to a
Licensed Agent
1 (855) 710-0541
TTY: 711
OR
Get Your FREE
Medicare Quote