Proudly Providing Erie County Medicare Solutions
Erie County, located in the westernmost corner of New York State, is the most populous county in the region and serves as a major hub for commerce, healthcare, and culture.
A Brief History of Erie County
Erie County has a rich history tied to its strategic location on the shores of Lake Erie and the Niagara River.
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Early Inhabitants: The area was originally home to the Eriez Indians, for whom the county and lake are named. By the mid-1600s, they were conquered by the Iroquois Confederacy.
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Establishment: Significant European-American settlement began after the American Revolution following the Holland Land Purchase. Erie County was officially established on April 2, 1821, when it was carved out of Niagara County.
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The Erie Canal: The opening of the Erie Canal in 1825 transformed the region. Its western terminus in Buffalo turned the city into a global shipping and rail powerhouse, making it one of the most prosperous cities in the world during the late 19th century.
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Presidential Ties: The county is notable for its connections to U.S. Presidents. Millard Fillmore lived and is buried there; Grover Cleveland served as the Erie County Sheriff and Mayor of Buffalo; and Theodore Roosevelt was inaugurated at the Wilcox Mansion in Buffalo following the assassination of William McKinley at the 1901 Pan-American Exposition.
How Medicare Helps Residents in Erie County
With roughly 18% of the county’s population being seniors (over 65), Medicare is a vital pillar of the local healthcare system. It provides comprehensive coverage through several local and federal programs.
1. Medicare Advantage (Part C)
Residents in Erie County have robust choices when it comes to private Medicare plans. For 2026, there are 46 Medicare Advantage plan options available.
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High Quality: Over 52% of these plans are rated 4 stars or higher by CMS.
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Local Popularity: Major local and national insurers like Univera SeniorChoice, AARP/UnitedHealthcare, and Aetna are the top choices for residents.
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Extra Benefits: Most of these plans include “extras” not found in Original Medicare, such as dental, vision, hearing, and $0-premium options.
2. Financial Assistance Programs
Because Erie County has a diverse economic landscape, several programs help lower-income residents afford their Medicare costs:
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Medicare Savings Program (MSP): Administered by the Erie County Department of Social Services, this program helps pay for Medicare premiums and cost-sharing.
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EPIC (Elderly Pharmaceutical Insurance Coverage): A New York State program that helps seniors 65+ with the cost of prescription drugs, acting as a secondary payer to Medicare Part D.
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Extra Help: A federal program that assists with Part D (prescription drug) premiums and co-pays.
3. Local Support & Counseling
The Erie County Department of Senior Services offers the Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP). This provides residents with free, unbiased one-on-one counseling to help them:
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Navigate the differences between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
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Choose the best Part D drug plan.
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File claims and appeals.