Proudly Proving Ulster County Medicare Solutions
Ulster County, New York, is a region defined by its rugged landscape—ranging from the peaks of the Catskill Mountains to the banks of the Hudson River—and a history that predates the founding of the United States.
A Brief History of Ulster County
Ulster County was one of the original 12 counties of New York, established on November 1, 1683. It was named after the Irish province of Ulster, a title held by the Duke of York (later King James II).
1. Early Settlements and Conflict
Before European arrival, the land was inhabited by the Esopus people (part of the Lenape nation). Dutch traders arrived in the early 1600s, establishing a post at Rondout (now part of Kingston) in 1614. Tensions over land led to the Esopus Wars (1659–1664), which eventually resulted in the Dutch and later English gaining control of the region.
2. The Birthplace of New York State
Ulster County holds a prestigious spot in American history: Kingston was the first capital of New York State.
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In 1777, the New York State Constitution was drafted and adopted in Kingston.
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The British burned the city later that year in retaliation, forcing the government to flee, but the “Stockade District” in Kingston still features stone houses from that era.
3. Economic and Social Evolution
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The D&H Canal: In the 1800s, the Delaware & Hudson Canal made the county an industrial hub, transporting coal and “Rosendale cement”—the very cement used to build the base of the Statue of Liberty and the Brooklyn Bridge.
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Abolition: The county was the birthplace of Sojourner Truth, who was born into slavery in the town of Esopus around 1797 and became one of the nation’s most powerful voices for abolition and women’s rights.
How Medicare Helps Residents in Ulster County
Today, Ulster County has a significant population of retirees attracted by the Hudson Valley’s beauty. Medicare plays a vital role in ensuring these residents have access to the county’s healthcare networks, such as Nuvance Health and Westchester Medical Center Health Network (WMCHealth).
Local Plan Availability
Beneficiaries in Ulster County can choose between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage (Part C). For 2026, there are approximately 22 Medicare Advantage plans available in the county, many of which offer:
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$0 Monthly Premiums: Many plans provide coverage without an extra monthly cost beyond your Part B premium.
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Integrated Benefits: These plans often bundle dental, vision, and hearing coverage, which Original Medicare typically does not cover.
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Part D (Prescription Drugs): Most Advantage plans in the area include drug coverage, or residents can purchase standalone Part D plans to pair with Original Medicare.
Specialized Programs
Ulster County offers unique support systems to help seniors maximize their Medicare benefits:
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HIICAP (Health Insurance Information, Counseling and Assistance Program): Run through the Ulster County Office for the Aging, this program provides free, unbiased counseling to help residents navigate the “alphabet soup” of Parts A, B, C, and D.
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Medicare Savings Programs (MSP): For lower-income residents, the county helps coordinate MSPs that can pay for Part B premiums and reduce prescription drug costs.
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Dual Eligibility (D-SNPs): For those who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid, specialized plans (Dual Special Needs Plans) are available to coordinate care, often including transportation to medical appointments at no cost.