Government healthcare resources

If you lost healthcare coverage with UNITE HERE HEALTH, there are available resources to help you.

• Medicaid

  • Qualifications are based on low income. For more information, visit Alaska Department of Health and Social Services.

• Medicare

  • For senior and disabilities services visit Contact information for select DHSS programs and services.
  • The Medicare Information Office is available by appointment only.

    550 West 7th Avenue
    Suite 1230
    Anchorage

    To schedule an appointment, call 907-269-3680.

Additional resources

• Alaska Public Assistance

National Medicare information for age 65 or older

How to sign up for Medicare

Medicare is an insurance program for people age 65 or older. Certain people younger than 65 can qualify for Medicare, too, including those with disabilities and those who have permanent kidney failure. Please note, Medicare provides individual coverage only.

How to apply

• Online

  Social Security website

• Phone

  800-772-1213 • TTY: 800-327-0778

• In person

  Make an appointment at your local Social Security Office.

  Find your local office:

  • Online
  • Phone: 800-772-1213

When to sign up for Medicare without penalty

Initial enrollment period: The period to enroll for Medicare is 7 months long, occurring three months prior to the month of your 65th birthday, the month of your 65th birthday, and the three months after the month of your 65th birthday.

Parts of Medicare

Medicare comes in four Parts: A, B, C and D. Each part covers a different aspect of your healthcare costs.

• Part A: Hospital Insurance

  • Covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care.
  • No cost to you, in most cases.

• Part B: Medical Insurance

  • Covers certain doctors' services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services
  • Costs a monthly premium

  Enroll in Medicare Part B at the same time as Part A to avoid penalties unless you have continued insurance coverage through your employer or during the General Enrollment period of January 1-March 31.

• Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans

  • Covers all services included in Part A and Part B, and in some cases Part D
  • Provided by a private company
  • Premiums vary
  • Learn more to decide what option is right for you: www.medicare.gov

• Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage

  • Adds prescription drug coverage
  • Premiums vary

Medigap Supplemental Policy

• Helps to cover copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B
• Premiums vary