Medicare Guides Written for Washington — Not Copied from a National Template
There's no shortage of Medicare information online. Most of it is generic, written for a national audience, and leaves Washington residents guessing about what actually applies to them. The guides here are different. I wrote them based on questions I hear from real people in Pierce County, Kitsap County, Mason County, and across western Washington — people who want straight answers, not another page that sends them back to Medicare.gov.
Read as much or as little as you want. There's no form to fill out, no obligation to schedule anything. When you're ready to talk, I'm here.
Medicare Part A
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
Medicare Part A
Find the Guide That Matches Where You Are
Each resource below is organized by situation. You don't need to read everything — just start with the one that fits where you are right now.
Medicare Part A
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
Medicare Part A
How to Avoid Medicare Scams in Washington
Medicare fraud targeting seniors in Washington is a real and growing problem. This guide covers the most common scam tactics circulating in our region, the warning signs to watch for, and what to do if something doesn't feel right.
New to Medicare: Turning 65 in Washington
If you're approaching 65 and trying to figure out what Medicare actually covers, when to enroll, and what choices you'll need to make, this is where to start. I walk through the Parts, the timelines, and the decisions that catch people off guard — with Washington-specific context throughout.
Annual Enrollment Period Plan Review
Every fall between October 15 and December 7, Medicare beneficiaries can change their coverage. Most people don't review their plan — and quietly absorb premium increases or lose access to their preferred doctors. This guide explains what to check, what's changed in Washington plan options, and how to decide whether to stay or switch.
Medicare Part A
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
For hospital stays, skilled nursing care, hospice, and some home healthcare.
Medicare Part A
Medigap Plan G vs. Plan N in Washington
How $0-Premium Medicare Advantage Plans Work
Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement in Washington
Blogs
Still Have Questions After Reading?
These guides are a starting point. If you've read through one and still have questions specific to your situation — your prescriptions, your doctors, your county — I'm glad to help. A free 15-minute consultation costs you nothing and comes with no pressure to enroll in anything.
Frequently Asked Questions About Medicare in Washington
Is Medicare the same in Washington state as in the rest of the country?
The federal structure of Medicare — Parts A, B, C, and D — is the same everywhere. But the plans available to you, the premiums you'll pay, and the programs you may qualify for vary significantly by state and even by county. Washington has its own Medicaid program called Apple Health, its own Medicare Savings Programs, and a specific set of Medicare Advantage and Supplement carriers operating in each county. That's why generic national guides often leave Washington residents with more questions than answers.
Where can I find Medicare information specific to Washington state?
The Washington State Health Insurance Benefits Advisors (SHIBA) program offers free, unbiased counseling for Washington residents and is a solid starting point for official guidance. The guides on this page are meant to complement that — written from my own experience working with seniors across western Washington, with context you won't find in a government brochure.
Do I have to schedule a call to use these resources?
No. Everything here is free to read with no strings attached. I put these guides together because I think people make better decisions when they understand their options first. If you read through them and want to talk through your specific situation, I'm available — but there's no requirement to reach out.
What's the difference between Medicare.gov and what you've written here?
Medicare.gov is the authoritative source for federal program rules, and I'd never suggest ignoring it. What it can't do is tell you which plans are available in Mason County, how Washington's Apple Health program interacts with Medicare, or what I've seen go wrong for seniors in Kitsap County when they pick a plan without comparing their specific prescriptions. That's the gap these guides are meant to fill.
I'm not turning 65 yet. Is there anything here for me?
If you're within a year or two of 65, the turning 65 guide is worth reading now — Medicare enrollment windows open earlier than most people expect, and missing them can result in permanent premium penalties. If you're helping a parent or spouse navigate their coverage, the AEP plan review guide is a good place to start.
