Medicare in ZIP Code
17859
—
Berwick
2637
Population
41.1016
Latitude
-76.381
Longitude
Key Points
- Your area has 2,637 residents with 28.3% age 65 or older (746 people), meaning Medicare coverage is key for the community.
- Median age is 51.0 years with household income of $70,577. These numbers help shape which Medicare plans fit your budget and health needs best.
- Poverty is low at 5.7%, suggesting financial stability. Still, all retirees should compare Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage, and Medigap options.
- 23.3% of residents hold bachelor's degrees, supporting health literacy. All Medicare beneficiaries benefit from free SHIP counseling explaining enrollment options.
- Median home value is $213,300, showing local cost of living. Higher housing costs reduce money available for Medicare plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Unemployment rate is 6.2%. Some older adults work past 65, which affects Medicare eligibility timing and plan choices significantly.
Demographic Data
ZIP code 17859 is located in Columbia County, Pennsylvania, centered near Berwick, with a total population of 2,637 and a median age of 51.0. This is a rural community with a notably high senior population — 28.3% of residents are 65 or older (approximately 746 individuals), well above the national average of 17%. This creates strong demand for Medicare services, local healthcare providers, and senior support programs. The racial and ethnic composition includes 98.2% White. Approximately 23.3% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher — SHIP counselors and community health workers can help residents navigate Medicare enrollment and plan choices.
Economic Metrics
The median household income is $70,577, near the national median. Many residents may find Medicare Advantage plans with $0 premiums to be an attractive option, while others may prefer Original Medicare with a Medigap supplement for broader provider access. The poverty rate is relatively low at 5.7%. The unemployment rate is 6.2%. The median home value is $213,300 and median monthly rent is $808. Medicare beneficiaries in Columbia County should explore all available plan options during Open Enrollment (October 15 – December 7) or consult the Pennsylvania SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program) for free, unbiased counseling on choosing the right coverage.
Interactive Tools / Medicare Calculators
Frequently Asked Medicare Questions
Do rural Utah counties have fewer Medicare Advantage plan options?
Is a $0 premium Medicare Advantage plan too good to be true?
What is the difference between an HMO and PPO Medicare Advantage plan?
What is MOOP and why does it matter for Medicare?
What if my birthday is on the first of the month?
Medicare Advantage Plans
in
Heading
County
Key Takeaways
With 28.3% of your community at age 65+, Medicare is a major topic. You have three main paths: Original Medicare covers 80% of allowed doctor and hospital charges through any participating provider. Medicare Advantage plans bundle coverage with networks and lower costs. Medigap supplements Original Medicare to cover gaps. Enroll during Open Enrollment from October 15 through December 7 annually.
Even with low poverty at 5.7%, free help is available. Pennsylvania SHIP counselors explain Original Medicare, Advantage, Medigap, and Part D prescriptions at no cost. They compare plans and discuss switching without bias. Contact SHIP anytime—it's your federal right to unbiased assistance year-round.