Medicare in ZIP Code
17866
—
Watsontown
9808
Population
40.7917
Latitude
-76.5519
Longitude
Key Points
- Your area has 9,808 residents with 19.6% age 65 or older (1,925 people), meaning Medicare coverage is key for the community.
- Median age is 44.6 years with household income of $49,105. These numbers help shape which Medicare plans fit your budget and health needs best.
- Poverty rate is 13.8%, meaning many neighbors qualify for Extra Help reducing Part D drug costs or Medicare Savings Programs that cover Part B premiums.
- 10.6% of residents hold bachelor's degrees, supporting health literacy. All Medicare beneficiaries benefit from free SHIP counseling explaining enrollment options.
- Median home value is $85,900, showing local cost of living. Higher housing costs reduce money available for Medicare plan premiums and out-of-pocket expenses.
Demographic Data
ZIP code 17866 is located in Northumberland County, Pennsylvania, centered near Watsontown, with a total population of 9,808 and a median age of 44.6. This is a suburban community where 19.6% of residents are 65 or older (approximately 1,925 individuals), moderately above the national average. This aging population benefits from robust Medicare plan options and community-based health resources. The racial and ethnic composition includes 80.2% White, 15.4% Black/African American, 4.3% Hispanic/Latino. Approximately 10.6% 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 $49,105, below the national median. Lower-income Medicare beneficiaries may qualify for Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that help pay Part B premiums, or Extra Help (Low-Income Subsidy) to reduce Part D prescription drug costs. The poverty rate is 13.8%. The unemployment rate of 7.8% is above the national average, which may indicate a greater need for social safety net programs including Medicare-Medicaid dual eligibility. The median home value is $85,900 and median monthly rent is $712. Medicare beneficiaries in Northumberland 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
What am I supposed to do first, second, and third with Medicare?
What does Medicare Part B cover?
What counts as creditable drug coverage for Part D?
Why do some Medicare Advantage plans have $0 premiums?
Medicare Advantage Plans
in
Heading
County
Key Takeaways
With 19.6% 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.
With 13.8% poverty here, many qualify for Extra Help paying Part D deductibles, copays, and premiums. Medicare Savings Programs help pay Part B premiums. Pennsylvania SHIP provides free, unbiased counseling on all plan details. They explain costs, networks, and switching options without pushing any single plan. Call year-round.