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Original Medicare (Part A and B) programs do not cover all of your health care costs. There are other ways to fill the gaps in coverage. Your options are:

Medicare Advantage/Health Plans (Part C)

• Medicare Advantage/Health Plans Jan. 2008 (pdf)
  List of Medicare Health Plans available in Whatcom County that indicates which clinics accept each plan
  
  
• Compare Medigaps and/or Advantage Plans Side-by-Side
  Medicare’s website allows you to easily compare Medigap policies and Advantage plans in your area.

Medicare Prescription Drug Program (Part D)

Medicare’s Prescription Drug Program (Part D) helps seniors and people with disabilities cover the cost of prescription drugs. Medicare contracts with many private insurance companies to offer several plans that each cover different prescription drugs.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement) Plans

• 12 Standardized Medigap Plans (pdf)
  Find out which medical expenses not covered by Medicare are covered by each Medigap plan.
  
  
• Compare Medigaps and/or Advantage Plans Side-by-Side
  Medicare’s website allows you to easily compare Medigap policies and Advantage plans in your area.
  
  
• Approved Medigap Plans October 2007 (pdf)
  List of Medigap plans available in Whatcom County by insurance company
  
  

WA State Health Insurance Pool

• WA State Health Insurance Pool (WSHIP) Summary
  Read about these insurance options for people who have Medicare and have not passed the health screening (note: Medicare options are located at the bottom of this webpage).
  
  
  • Basic Plan (pdf)
    Open to new enrollment
    
    
  • Basic Plus Plan (pdf)
    Closed to new enrollment, except for current Plan 2 enrollees
    
    
  • WSHIP Basic Plan Application (pdf)
    Download the complete application packet.
    

Public Supplements to Medicare

• Health Coverage Eligibility for Seniors/Disabled (pdf)
  Public options for seniors and people living with diabilities by income level
  
  
• Medicare Savings Programs (pdf)
  For people with lower incomes, the Medicare Savings Programs can be a big help. If you qualify, the state may pay your Medicare Part A premium, Part B premium, any late enrollment penalties, and/or give you supplemental coverage at no cost. Check this chart to see if you qualify. If not, see our other resources on supplementing Medicare.