If you live in New York, you have several options for Medicare coverage, including Original Medicare (parts A and B), Medicare Advantage (Part C), and Medicare Part D (drug coverage).

Medicare is a health insurance program offered by the United States government.

New Yorkers are generally eligible for Medicare when they turn 65 years old, but you may be eligible at a younger age if you have certain disabilities or medical conditions.

This article reviews Medicare plan options for those residing in New York, including what to consider when choosing a plan and how to enroll.

Medicare snapshot in New York

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) reported the following information on Medicare trends in New York for the 2026 plan year:

  • 37.82% of people with a stand-alone Part D plan get Extra Help.
  • A total of 3,970,385 residents of New York were enrolled in Medicare.
  • The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium changed from $39.59 in 2025
  • to $40.49 in 2026
  • There are 218 Medicare Advantage plans available in New York for 2026, compared with 241 plans in 2025.
  • All New York residents with Medicare have access to buy a Medicare Advantage plan with a $0 premium.
  • For 2026, 10 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans are available in New York.
  • As in most states, 10 different Medigap plans are offered in New York for 2026.

Medicare is more than just one plan. Different plans and components cover different parts of your healthcare.

  • Original Medicare: This is managed by the federal government and includes two main parts: Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Neither part covers prescription drugs.
  • Medicare Advantage (Part C): These plans are private plans that cover the same benefits as Original Medicare, and may also cover benefits like vision, dental, or prescription drugs. Some plans have limited provider networks, so confirm your doctors and facilities are in-network before enrolling.
  • Medicare Part D: This is another private, stand-alone plan option for prescription drug coverage. You’d enroll in Part D with Original Medicare or with a Part C plan without lumped-in drug coverage.
  • Medicare supplement (Medigap): These plans help cover the gaps in Original Medicare coverage, which might include copays and coinsurance. Medigap plans are standardized in most states, and you can choose among 10 plans to supplement Original Medicare. You cannot use Medigap with Medicare Advantage.

For all private Medicare options, availability varies by county, so check Medicare.gov for what’s available in your area.

If you live in New York, you can qualify for Medicare at age 65 if you’re a U.S. citizen or legal resident for at least 5 years. If you’re under 65 years, you may also qualify through disability or by living with end stage renal disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

When choosing a plan, consider provider networks, costs, and quality ratings. You may be able to join a plan or modify your coverage during one or more of the following enrollment periods:

  • Initial enrollment: Enroll 3 months before to 3 months after the month of your 65th birthday.
  • Open enrollment: Join or change plans from October 15 to December 7.
  • Medicare Advantage open enrollment: Switch Medicare Advantage plans or return to Original Medicare from January 1 to March 31.
  • Special enrollment period: Enroll after a life change, such as losing job-based coverage.

If you’re eligible for Medicare due to a disability, you’ll be automatically enrolled. If you’re eligible based on age, you’ll need to enroll yourself.

When deciding which type of plan works best for you, consider the following:

  • Out-of-pocket costs: Monthly plan premiums aren’t the only cost to consider as you compare plans. You’ll also pay coinsurance, copayments, and deductibles until you meet your plan’s annual out-of-pocket limit.
  • Services covered: All Medicare Advantage plans cover Medicare Part A and Part B services, but other covered services may vary. Make a list of services you’d like your plan to cover, and keep your wish list in mind as you shop around.
  • Doctor choice: Medicare plans generally have a network of doctors and other healthcare providers. Before you choose a plan, make sure your current doctors are in the network.
  • Star ratings: The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has a 5-star rating system that can help you find high quality plans. CMS ratings are based on customer service, care coordination, healthcare quality, and other factors that affect you. To check a plan’s rating, go to CMS.gov and download the Star Ratings Fact Sheet.
  • Healthcare needs: If you have a chronic health condition, such as diabetes or HIV, you may want to look for a special needs plan. These plans offer tailored coverage for people with specific health conditions.

Next steps

When you’re ready to get Medicare or learn more about your plan options, here’s what you can do:

  • To get Medicare parts A and B, fill out the Social Security Administration’s online application. If you prefer, you can also apply in person or by phone.
  • If you want to sign up for a Medicare Advantage plan, you can shop for plans at Medicare.gov. After you choose a plan, you can enroll online.

Who to contact with questions

To learn more about Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans, you can contact:

If you live in New York, you have a number of different Medicare options to choose from.

You can sign up for Original Medicare (parts A and B) and decide whether to add Medicare Part D (drug coverage) or a supplemental insurance plan, also called Medigap.

You may also decide to enroll in a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan. Several private insurance companies in New York offer Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans. It’s important to note, however, that you cannot have Medicare Advantage and Medigap together.