Key takeaways

  • Over 1.5 million people in Washington are enrolled in Medicare, with access to a variety of plans including Medicare Advantage, prescription drug plans, and Medigap.
  • Original Medicare, comprising Part A and Part B, is a federal program with a standard monthly premium for Part B.
  • Washington residents can enroll in Medicare during specific periods, such as the initial enrollment period, the general enrollment period, and the open enrollment period, with special enrollment periods available under certain life events.

Medicare is a health insurance program for people ages 65 years and older, as well as people of any age who have certain health conditions and disabilities.

It’s made up of four parts:

  • Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance) are known as Original Medicare.
  • Part C, also known as Medicare Advantage, is an alternative to Original Medicare.
  • Part D, which is prescription drug coverage.

You can also purchase a supplemental insurance plan (Medigap) to help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with Original Medicare. Medicare Advantage beneficiaries are not eligible for Medigap.

Read on to learn more about your Medicare options in Washington and when to enroll.

Snapshot of Medicare in Washington

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in Washington for the 2026 plan year:

  • A total of 1,545,839 residents of Washington are enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $21.91 in 2025 to $18.20 in 2026.
  • There are 126 Medicare Advantage plans available in Washington for 2026, compared with 125 plans in 2025.
  • All Washington residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • For 2026, 10 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in Washington, and the lowest monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D plan is $0.
  • Roughly 21.67% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in Washington for 2026.

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different aspects of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: Original Medicare is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Original Medicare includes limited prescription drug coverage.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some Medicare Advantage plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): Medigap plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in Washington, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 years if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

Choose a plan that:

  • has doctors you like and facilities convenient to your location
  • covers the services you need
  • provides affordable coverage
  • has a high star rating for quality and patient satisfaction from CMS

Medicare has a helpline with staff available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week (excluding some federal holidays) to answer your questions. You can call Medicare at 800-633-4227 (TTY: 877-486-2048).

For personalized health insurance counseling, contact Washington’sState Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA)at 800-562-6900 (360-586-0241).

More than 1.5 million Washington residents are enrolled in Medicare. Several private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage, Medigap, and stand-alone prescription drug coverage throughout the state.

Overall, monthly premium costs have decreased for Medicare Advantage plans in Washington. You can find plans available in your area using the Medicare online tool.