Proudly Assisting with Sullivan County Medicare Solutions
Sullivan County, New York, is a region defined by its rugged Catskill mountain beauty and a storied cultural legacy that has shifted from early industry to world-renowned tourism.
Geography & Early History
Located about 75 miles northwest of New York City, Sullivan County was officially carved out of Ulster County on March 27, 1809. It was named in honor of Major General John Sullivan, a hero of the American Revolutionary War.
In its early years, the county’s economy was built on its natural resources. The vast forests fueled a massive tanning and timber industry, while the numerous streams and rivers provided water power for mills during the Industrial Revolution. By the mid-19th century, the arrival of the railroad made the area accessible to city dwellers seeking “clean mountain air.”
The Golden Age: The Borscht Belt & Woodstock
The 20th century saw Sullivan County become a global cultural icon:
-
The Borscht Belt: From the 1920s through the 1970s, the county was home to hundreds of Jewish summer resorts and bungalow colonies. Famous hotels like Grossinger’s and The Concord hosted legendary entertainers and served as the inspiration for the film Dirty Dancing.
-
Woodstock 1969: Though named after a town in Ulster County, the legendary Woodstock Music & Art Fair actually took place on Max Yasgur’s farm in Bethel, Sullivan County. Today, the site is home to the Bethel Woods Center for the Arts.
How Medicare Helps Residents in Sullivan County
For the county’s roughly 80,000 residents, Medicare serves as a critical health safety net, particularly given the area’s rural nature and its significant population of retirees.
1. Medicare Advantage Options
As of 2026, Sullivan County residents have access to a robust selection of Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans.
-
Plan Variety: Residents can choose from approximately 25 different plans, including PPOs, HMOs, and HMO-POS options.
-
Affordability: Over half of these plans (14 options) are offered with a $0 monthly premium (beyond the standard Part B premium).
-
Popular Providers: Highly enrolled plans in the area include AARP (UnitedHealthcare), Aetna, and MVP Health Care.
2. Local Support & Counseling (HIICAP)
The Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program (HIICAP) provides free, unbiased counseling to Sullivan County residents. They help seniors:
-
Navigate the Annual Enrollment Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7).
-
Compare Part D prescription drug plans to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
-
Apply for “Extra Help” to pay for prescription medications.
3. Medicare Savings Programs (MSP)
For low-income seniors, Sullivan County’s Medical Assistance Unit administers Medicare Savings Programs. These programs (like QMB and QI-1) can pay for the Part B monthly premium, which puts hundreds of dollars back into a resident’s pocket annually.
4. Home Health & Specialized Services
Because parts of the county are remote, Medicare-certified agencies like Sullivan County Public Health Services provide essential home health care. This includes:
-
Physical and occupational therapy.
-
Speech-language pathology.
-
Long-term home health care as an alternative to nursing home placement.