Proudly Providing Delaware County Medicare Solutions
Delaware County, New York, is a ruggedly beautiful and historically rich region nestled in the Western Catskill Mountains. Known for its rolling hills, pristine rivers, and agricultural heritage, it remains one of the most rural and scenic parts of the state.
Overview & Brief History
Formed on March 10, 1797, Delaware County was carved from portions of Ulster and Otsego counties. It was named after the Delaware River, which forms its southwestern border with Pennsylvania.
Key Historical Milestones
-
Early Inhabitants: Before European settlement, the land was home to the Lenape (Delaware) and Mohawk peoples, who utilized the fertile river valleys for hunting and travel.
-
The Revolutionary Era: During the American Revolution, the area was a frontier battleground. Many early settlers were patriots who received land grants for their military service.
-
The Anti-Rent War (1840s): Delaware County was the epicenter of a major uprising against the semi-feudal “patroon” system. Tenant farmers, often disguised as “Indians” in calico robes, protested the oppressive lease terms held by wealthy landlords. This conflict eventually led to significant land reforms in New York.
-
Economic Evolution: The 19th century was dominated by the timber and tanning industries, fueled by the region’s vast hemlock forests. Later, the arrival of the railroad transformed the county into a dairy hub, famously shipping fresh milk to New York City via “milk trains.”
How Medicare Helps Residents
Because Delaware County has a significantly higher median age (approximately 48.8 years) compared to the rest of New York, Medicare is a vital pillar of the local healthcare system. It provides essential coverage for the county’s large senior population and individuals with disabilities.
1. Access to Local Care
Medicare allows residents to access services at local hubs like O’Connor Hospital in Delhi and Margaretville Hospital. It covers:
-
Part A (Hospital Insurance): Inpatient stays, skilled nursing, and hospice care.
-
Part B (Medical Insurance): Doctor visits, outpatient care, and preventive screenings—crucial for managing chronic conditions prevalent in older populations.
2. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
In 2026, residents can choose from various Medicare Advantage plans. These private plans often combine hospital, medical, and prescription drug coverage into one package.
-
Popular Options: Many plans in the area are HMOs or PPOs, with some offering $0 premiums beyond the standard Part B cost.
-
Extra Benefits: Many local plans include “extras” not found in Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and even fitness memberships (like SilverSneakers).
3. Prescription Drug Support
Through Medicare Part D, residents can manage the cost of medications. Additionally, New York’s EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage) program works alongside Medicare to provide secondary coverage, helping lower-income seniors with their co-payments and deductibles.
4. Local Assistance: HIICAP
Navigating Medicare can be complex, especially in rural areas. The Delaware County Office for the Aging provides the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP).
-
What they do: They offer free, unbiased counseling to help residents compare plans, apply for “Extra Help” (for drug costs), and understand their “Summary Notices.”
Pro Tip: If you or a loved one are in the area and need help with enrollment, you can contact the Delaware County HIICAP office at (607) 832-5750.