Proudly Providing Schoharie County Medicare Solutions
Schoharie County, New York, is a scenic, rural area located just west of Albany. Known for its deep limestone caverns and fertile river valleys, it offers a blend of natural wonder and deep-rooted American history.
A Brief History of Schoharie County
The name “Schoharie” is derived from a Mohawk word meaning “floating driftwood,” referring to the debris that frequently collected at the junction of the Schoharie and Fox Creeks.
-
Palatine Settlement (Early 1700s): The area was originally inhabited by the Mohawk people. In the early 1710s, German Palatine refugees, who had been living in camps along the Hudson River, traveled through the wilderness to settle here, establishing seven “dorfs” (villages) along the Schoharie Valley.
-
The Breadbasket of the Revolution: During the American Revolutionary War, the county was vital to the Continental Army. Its rich soil produced so much wheat that it was nicknamed the “Breadbasket of the Revolution.” Because of its importance, the valley was a frequent target for British-allied raids, most notably the “Burning of the Valleys” in 1780, led by Sir John Johnson and Mohawk leader Joseph Brant.
-
The Old Stone Fort: Built in 1772 as a High Dutch Reformed Church, this building was stockaded and turned into a fortress during the war. It still stands today as a museum and is one of the few remaining revolutionary-era forts in the state.
-
19th Century & Beyond: The county was officially formed in 1795. In the 1800s, it became famous for its natural resources, specifically the discovery of Howe Caverns, which remains one of the most popular natural tourist attractions in the Northeast.
Medicare in Schoharie County
For the county’s approximately 30,000 residents, a significant portion of whom are seniors (over 23%), Medicare serves as the backbone of healthcare. Because the county is rural, the way Medicare is utilized often differs from urban centers.
Available Plan Options (2025–2026)
Residents have two primary paths for coverage:
-
Original Medicare (Part A & B): Many residents use traditional Medicare, often paired with a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan to cover out-of-pocket costs.
-
Medicare Advantage (Part C): For 2026, there are roughly 24 Medicare Advantage plans available in the county. Popular providers in the region include CDPHP, MVP Healthcare, and Wellcare. About 14 of these plans are offered at a $0 monthly premium.
Local Support and Resources
Because navigating insurance can be complex in a rural area, the county provides dedicated local support:
-
HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program): Hosted through the Schoharie County Office for the Aging, this program provides free, unbiased counseling to help residents compare Part D (drug plans) and Advantage plans.
-
NY Connects: This service helps Medicare beneficiaries access long-term care services, transportation to medical appointments (vital in a county without a major city), and home-delivered meals.
Healthcare Access
Medicare helps cover services at local hubs like Cobleskill Regional Hospital and various primary care clinics. In a region where the patient-to-physician ratio is higher than the state average (roughly 3,318:1), Medicare’s Telehealth coverage has become an essential tool for residents to consult with specialists in Albany or Cooperstown without the long drive.