Medicare in Beaverton, OR: What Is Medicare and Who Qualifies in Oregon?

Navigating health insurance as you age can be confusing — especially when it comes to Medicare. Whether you're turning 65 soon or helping a loved one with healthcare decisions, understanding the basics of Medicare is essential. If you're located in Beaverton, OR, this guide will walk you through what Medicare is, who qualifies, and how independent Medicare agents in Beaverton, OR can help.

What Is Medicare?

Medicare is a federal health insurance program primarily for people aged 65 and older. It also covers certain younger individuals with disabilities or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

Medicare has four parts:

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) – Covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care.
  
  

• Part B (Medical Insurance) – Covers doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
  
  

• Part C (Medicare Advantage Plans) – An alternative to Original Medicare, offered by private companies and often includes additional benefits like dental and vision.
  
  

• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) – Helps cover the cost of prescription drugs.

Who Qualifies for Medicare in Oregon?

To qualify for Medicare in Oregon (and nationwide), you typically need to meet one of the following criteria:

✅ Age-Based Eligibility

• You are 65 years old or older.
  
  

• You or your spouse have worked and paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
  
  

✅ Disability-Based Eligibility

• You are under 65 and have a qualifying disability.
  
  

• You’ve been receiving Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for 24 months.
  
  

✅ Other Special Conditions

• You have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease).
  
  

ℹ️ Note: Oregon residents can apply for Medicare through the Social Security Administration or work with an independent Medicare agent in Beaverton, OR for personalized assistance.

Why Work With Independent Medicare Agents in Beaverton, OR?

Choosing the right Medicare plan can be overwhelming. That’s where independent Medicare agents in Beaverton, OR come in. These licensed professionals offer:

• Unbiased Advice: They represent multiple insurance carriers, so they can help you compare plans fairly.
  
  

• Local Expertise: They understand Oregon-specific plans, pricing, and provider networks.
  
  

• Personalized Guidance: Whether you're new to Medicare or switching plans, agents simplify the entire process.

When Should You Enroll in Medicare?

Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday, includes the birthday month, and lasts 3 months after. Missing this window may lead to late enrollment penalties — especially for Part B.

Other enrollment periods include:

• Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): Oct 15 – Dec 7
  
  

• General Enrollment Period (GEP): Jan 1 – Mar 31
  
  

• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP): Triggered by life events (like moving or losing other coverage)
  
  

Local Help: Medicare Support in Beaverton, OR

If you live in Beaverton or nearby areas like Tigard, Hillsboro, or Portland, you're not alone. There are many independent Medicare agents in Beaverton, OR who offer free consultations and no-obligation plan reviews.

Look for agents who are:

• Licensed in the state of Oregon
  
  

• Familiar with Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans in your ZIP code
  
  

• Able to explain plan differences clearly