Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in the District of Columbia (DC). With more than 94,200 DC beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in DC. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
DC Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
District of Columbia Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in DC
Who Qualifies for Medicare in the District of Columbia?
Medicare covers most District of Columbia residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled District of Columbia residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in District of Columbia works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in the District of Columbia
The DC State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) provides free health insurance information, education, and counseling services to Medicare beneficiaries and seniors who live in DC. In addition to assistance with health insurance issues, SHIP also assists seniors with resolving unpaid medical bills, making appeals for denials of medical services, and obtaining prescription medications.
SHIP can answer questions and provide assistance on issues relating to health insurance including Medicare, Medicaid, Medigap (Medicare supplemental insurance), Medicare+Choice (Medicare managed care), long-term care insurance, long-term care, federal employee health benefits, unpaid medical bills, HMOs, durable medical equipment, and hospice care. Contact: Call (202) 727-8370
The Qualified Medicare Beneficiary (QMB) program helps District residents who are eligible for Medicare pay for their Medicare costs. This means that Medicaid will pay for the Medicare premiums, co-insurance, and deductibles for Medicare-covered services. It also means that you will receive extra help with your costs under the Medicare prescription drug benefit (Part D), which will limit the amount you pay for your prescriptions to only a few dollars each. Contact: Call (202) 994-6272
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of DC. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in DC so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.