Medicare in Oregon, Explained in Plain English
Ready to look at real plans? Medicare’s official Plan Finder shows every plan in your ZIP code, with costs for your drugs.
Want free one-on-one help? Oregon’s SHIBA program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 800-722-4134 or visit shiba.oregon.gov.
Is Medicare Free at 65?
Partly. Most people get Part A (hospital insurance) without a premium, because they or a spouse paid Medicare taxes while working, generally for at least 10 years. But Part B (medical insurance) has a monthly premium, and both parts have deductibles and coinsurance.
How Much Does Medicare Cost in Oregon?
Original Medicare costs the same in every state. Here’s what you pay in 2026:
| Part | What it covers | What you pay in 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| Part A: Hospital insurance | Hospital stays, skilled nursing, hospice | $0 premium for most people. $1,736 deductible per benefit period |
| Part B: Medical insurance | Doctor visits, outpatient care, lab work, preventive care | $202.90 a month (more with higher income). $283 yearly deductible, then usually 20% of the cost |
| Part C: Medicare Advantage | A private plan that bundles Part A, Part B, and usually Part D | Varies by plan. In the Portland area, 12 of 32 plans have a $0 premium for 2027 |
| Part D: Drug coverage | Prescription drugs | Varies by plan. In 2027, out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,400 |
Your Two Main Paths
| Path 1: Original Medicare + Supplement + Part D | Path 2: Medicare Advantage | |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Medicare pays first, a Supplement covers most of the rest, and a separate plan covers drugs | One private plan covers hospital, medical, and usually drugs |
| Doctors | Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare | Usually a network of doctors and hospitals |
| Monthly cost | Part B premium plus Supplement and Part D premiums | Part B premium, plus a plan premium that’s often $0 |
| Cost when you get care | Low and predictable with most Supplements | Copays and coinsurance, up to a yearly cap |
| Learn more | Medicare Supplement plans in Oregon and Part D in Oregon | Medicare Advantage plans in Oregon |
Still weighing the two? Read Medicare Advantage vs Supplement.
Medicare’s official Plan Finder shows every plan in your ZIP code, with costs for your drugs.
Want free one-on-one help? Oregon’s SHIBA program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 800-722-4134 or visit shiba.oregon.gov.
What Doesn't Original Medicare Cover?
Original Medicare covers a lot, but not everything. Some common things it doesn’t cover:
- ! Most dental care, like cleanings, fillings, extractions, and dentures
- ! Eye exams for prescription glasses
- ! Hearing aids and exams for fitting them
- ! Non-medical long-term care
- ! Routine physical exams
- ! Cosmetic surgery
- ! Most prescription drugs you fill at a pharmacy (that’s what Part D is for)
Many Medicare Advantage plans add some dental, vision, and hearing benefits. If you’re on Original Medicare, you’d need separate coverage for those.
Medicare and the Oregon Health Plan
If you qualify for both Medicare and the Oregon Health Plan (OHP), Medicare is your main coverage. OHP can help pay for things like Medicare premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance, and it covers some things Medicare doesn’t, like rides to appointments and dental care.
People with both can also choose a dual special needs plan (D-SNP), a type of Medicare Advantage plan built to work with OHP benefits. Here’s how OHP works, and here’s how a Medicare Savings Program can help with Medicare costs.
What's Different About Medicare in Oregon?
Medicare Advantage is popular here.
About 55% of Oregonians on Medicare were in Medicare Advantage or a similar private plan in 2024.
Providence Medicare Advantage plans end December 31, 2026.
Lots of choices in the Portland area.
Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties each have 32 Medicare Advantage plans from 8 insurers for 2027. See the Portland page.
Oregon's birthday rule.
If you have a Medicare Supplement, you can switch to a plan with the same or fewer benefits around your birthday each year. Here’s how Oregon’s birthday rule works.
When Can You Sign Up or Switch?
| Window | Dates | What you can do |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Enrollment Period | 7 months: 3 months before your 65th birthday month, that month, and 3 months after | Sign up for Medicare for the first time |
| Open Enrollment | October 15 to December 7 | Join, switch, or drop a Medicare Advantage or Part D plan |
| Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment | January 1 to March 31 | Already in a Medicare Advantage plan? Make one change |
| General Enrollment Period | January 1 to March 31 | Missed your first chance? Sign up for Part B (penalties may apply) |
Turning 65 soon? Our Turning 65 in Oregon checklist walks you through it.
Medicare’s official Plan Finder shows every plan in your ZIP code, with costs for your drugs.
Want free one-on-one help? Oregon’s SHIBA program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 800-722-4134 or visit shiba.oregon.gov.
Who to Contact About Medicare in Oregon
| For help with… | Contact |
|---|---|
| Medicare questions, 24 hours a day | 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227). TTY: 1-877-486-2048 |
| Signing up for Part A or Part B | Social Security: ssa.gov or 1-800-772-1213 |
| Free, unbiased Medicare counseling | Oregon SHIBA: 800-722-4134 |
| Comparing plans yourself | Medicare’s Plan Finder: medicare.gov/plan-compare |
FAQs
Is Medicare free at 65?
Part A is free for most people. Part B costs $202.90 a month in 2026, and both parts have deductibles and coinsurance.
How much does Medicare cost in Oregon?
Original Medicare costs the same in every state. What varies in Oregon is the price of Medicare Advantage, Supplement, and Part D plans, which depends on the plan and where you live.
What are the things Medicare doesn't cover?
Most dental care, eye exams for glasses, hearing aids, non-medical long-term care, routine physicals, and cosmetic surgery, plus most pharmacy prescriptions unless you have Part D.
How can I contact Medicare in Oregon?
Call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) any time. For free local counseling, call Oregon SHIBA at 800-722-4134.
Can I have Medicare and the Oregon Health Plan?
Yes. If you qualify for both, Medicare is your main coverage and OHP can help with Medicare costs and some extra services.
Medicare’s official Plan Finder shows every plan in your ZIP code, with costs for your drugs.
Want free one-on-one help? Oregon’s SHIBA program offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 800-722-4134 or visit shiba.oregon.gov.
