These pages answer one question each, in plain language, with the Washington details that matter: the state's Medigap switching law, Apple Health and its Medicare Savings Programs, PEBB and the WA Cares Fund, the Canadian border, the ferry-served islands, and the state's military and veteran communities. Each one starts with the short answer and links to its sources.
Medigap and plan changes
Can I switch Medigap plans in Washington?
Yes. Washington law lets you replace a Medigap policy with Plan B, D, G, K, L, M or N at any time, with no health questions.
Can I buy Medigap under 65 in Washington?
Only from companies that choose to sell to people under 65, but rates are community-rated and you get open enrollment at 65.
My Medicare Advantage plan is ending in 2027. What now?
Choose by December 31 for no gap, by February 28, 2027 at the latest; guaranteed-issue Medigap until March 4, 2027.
Apple Health and help with costs
Does Apple Health pay Medicare premiums?
Yes, through QMB, SLMB and QI-1, with no asset test and income limits up to 138% of the federal poverty level.
Can I have Apple Health and Medicare Advantage?
Yes, including Apple Health Medicare Connect plans, Washington's name for D-SNPs.
Does Medicare cover dental?
Only in limited medical situations; full Apple Health covers basic adult dental care.
Does the WA Cares Fund work with Medicare?
Yes. Since July 2026 it pays for long-term care help that Medicare generally doesn't cover.
Signing up and Part B
When does Medicare start?
The first day of your birthday month if you sign up early; later sign-ups start the month after.
How do I sign up for Medicare in Washington?
Automatically if you get Social Security; otherwise with Social Security online, by phone or at an office.
Do I need Part B if I'm still working?
Not with group coverage from current work at an employer with 20 or more employees.
Do PEBB retirees need Medicare Part B?
Yes. PEBB retirees and dependents must enroll in and keep Part A and Part B when eligible.
Veterans and military
Can I use VA health care and Medicare in Washington?
Yes, side by side: Medicare doesn't pay at VA facilities, and you choose which to use for each visit.
Does TRICARE For Life require Part B?
Yes, except while the sponsor is on active duty.
Travel, the islands and end-of-life care
Does Medicare work in Canada?
Only in three narrow situations in federal rules, including Point Roberts and the drive to Alaska.
Does Medicare cover an ambulance, ferry or airlift from the islands?
Medically necessary ground, water and air ambulance, yes; ferry fares to appointments, no.
Does Medicare cover Death with Dignity?
No; federal law bars it. Medicare still covers hospice and other end-of-life care.
Getting help
What is Washington's Medicare phone number?
There is no state Medicare office. Medicare's number is 1-800-MEDICARE; Apple Health, DSHS and others are listed here.
Main topics
- Medicare basics and eligibility
- Enrollment, turning 65 and working past 65
- Medicare costs in 2026, 2027 and calculators
- Medigap, Medicare Advantage and Part D in Washington
- Apple Health and Medicare and Medicare Savings Programs
- PEBB, WA Cares Fund, veterans and TRICARE For Life
- Plans ending in 2027 and Washington Medicare contacts
- Medicare glossary
Still have a question?
Official contacts for Medicare, Social Security, Apple Health, DSHS and the Office of the Insurance Commissioner are on our Washington Medicare contacts page.
For help comparing plans from the companies they work with, you can talk with a licensed insurance agent with Benefits Life at (206) SENIORS (206-736-4677), TTY 711, or see plans in your ZIP code.
Sources
- Medicare.gov — Get started with Medicare
- Washington State Health Care Authority — Age 65 and older or Medicare eligible
- Chapter 48.66 RCW — Medicare supplemental health insurance act
Frequently asked questions
Where do these answers come from?
Each answer is based on Medicare.gov, CMS rules, Social Security, the Washington State Health Care Authority, Washington law (RCW and WAC), and agencies such as the VA, TRICARE and WSDOT, and lists its sources at the bottom of the page. Medicare's rules are federal, so each page explains where Washington's programs, laws or geography change the picture.
Who can answer a question about my own situation?
1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and Medicare.gov answer questions about Medicare itself, Social Security handles sign-up and Part B premiums, and Washington Apple Health handles Medicaid and the Medicare Savings Programs. For help comparing plans, you can call a licensed insurance agent with Benefits Life, at no cost to you.
Are 2027 amounts on these pages?
Dollar amounts on these pages are 2026 figures from CMS and are labeled with the year. For what changes in 2027, see Medicare costs in 2027, and check Medicare.gov for the newest amounts.
Medicare in your Washington county
Plans, local agents and help, county by county: Adams · Asotin · Benton · Chelan · Clallam · Clark · Columbia · Cowlitz · Douglas · Ferry · Franklin · Garfield · Grant · Grays Harbor · Island · Jefferson · King · Kitsap · Kittitas · Klickitat · Lewis · Lincoln · Mason · Okanogan · Pacific · Pend Oreille · Pierce · San Juan · Skagit · Skamania · Snohomish · Spokane · Stevens · Thurston · Wahkiakum · Walla Walla · Whatcom · Whitman · Yakima
