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Albany Medicare

Proudly Providing Albany Medicare Solutions for Albany County

Albany County, New York, is a cornerstone of American history, serving as the home to the oldest continuously chartered city in the United States and the permanent capital of the Empire State.1 Located at the confluence of the Hudson and Mohawk Rivers, it remains a vital hub for government, technology, and education.2

 

A Brief History of Albany County

The history of Albany County spans over four centuries, evolving from a strategic fur-trading outpost to a political powerhouse.

  • Indigenous Roots: Long before European arrival, the area was inhabited by the Mohican (Algonquian) and Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) people.3 The Mohican nation referred to the area as the “fireplace of the nation.”4

     

  • Dutch Settlement (1600s): In 1609, Henry Hudson explored the river for the Dutch.5 By 1614, Fort Nassau was established, followed by Fort Orange in 1624.6 The settlement was known as Beverwijck (“Beaver District”), reflecting its status as a premier fur-trading center.7

     

  • British Rule and Naming: In 1664, the English took control and renamed the city Albany to honor the Duke of York and Albany (the future King James II).8 In 1686, Governor Thomas Dongan granted the city its official charter—the Dongan Charter—which is the oldest city charter still in effect in the U.S.9

     

  • The State Capital (1797):10 After the American Revolution, Albany’s central location and river access made it an ideal administrative center.11 It became the permanent capital of New York State in 1797.12

     

  • Industrial Innovation: During the 19th century, Albany was the gateway to the West as the starting point of the Erie Canal and a pioneer in the railroad industry.13 It was also the birthplace of perforated toilet paper and the first long-distance airplane flight.14

     

How Medicare Helps Residents in Albany County

For the roughly 315,000 residents of Albany County, Medicare serves as a critical safety net for seniors (65+) and individuals with certain disabilities. The county offers several specific resources and plan options to help residents navigate their healthcare.15

 

1. Medicare Advantage Options

Albany County has a robust market for private Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.16 For 2026, residents have access to:

 

  • Extensive Choice: Approximately 36 Medicare Advantage plans are available in the county.17

     

  • Affordability: Over 20 of these plans are offered with $0 premiums (beyond the standard Part B premium).18

     

  • Local Providers: Popular local options often include plans from CDPHP, MVP Health Care, and national carriers like Aetna and UnitedHealthcare.

2. Financial Assistance Programs

New York State and Albany County provide additional layers of support for low-income beneficiaries:

  • Medicare Savings Program (MSP): This Medicaid-administered program helps pay for Medicare premiums.19 In 2025/2026, eligible individuals can save an average of $8,400 annually.

     

  • EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage): This unique New York program provides secondary coverage for prescription drugs, helping seniors 65+ afford medications that Part D might not fully cover.20

     

  • Extra Help: A federal program that assists with Part D (prescription drug) costs, which is automatically granted to those enrolled in an MSP.21

     

3. Local Support Services: HIICAP and NY Connects

Albany County offers personalized guidance to help residents make informed decisions:

  • HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program):22 Located within the Albany County Department for Aging, HIICAP provides free, unbiased counseling to help residents compare plans and troubleshoot insurance issues.23

     

  • NY Connects: A “no wrong door” resource for long-term care services, helping Medicare beneficiaries find home care, transportation, and nutritional support.24

     

Program Primary Benefit Eligibility Note
Medicare Part A/B Hospital and Medical coverage Generally 65+ or disability
Medicare Advantage All-in-one private alternative Variety of HMO/PPO options
MSP Pays Part B Premiums Income-based (no asset test)
EPIC Prescription drug co-pay help NY residents 65+

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