Free Medicare resources for Burlington, Florence, Union, Hebron, Walton, and Verona residents. Local SHIP counselor contacts, plan options, Medicaid offices, and enrollment guidance.
SHIP counselors are federally funded, free, and do not sell insurance. Always call before choosing a plan. These are your best local resources.
⚠ St. Elizabeth is the dominant in-county system. Most KY-based Advantage plans include it. Ohio-side hospitals vary by plan — always check before enrolling.
Unlike Ohio, Kentucky does NOT have a Medigap birthday rule. You only have guaranteed issue rights for Medicare Supplement plans during your initial 6-month open enrollment window at age 65.
After that 6-month window, Medigap insurers in Kentucky can use medical underwriting — meaning they can charge you more or deny coverage based on your health history. Enroll in Medigap at 65 if you want it. Don't wait until you're sick.
When using Medicare.gov to compare plans, use your specific ZIP code for accurate results:
When comparing Part D plans, verify your preferred pharmacy is in-network. Major pharmacy chains in Boone County:
Most major Part D plans include all chains above. Verify using Medicare.gov drug plan finder.
Yes — St. Elizabeth Healthcare (with campuses in Florence and Edgewood) accepts Original Medicare. If you have a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan, St. Elizabeth is covered with no network restrictions. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, verify that your specific plan includes St. Elizabeth in its network — most Kentucky-based Advantage plans do, but always confirm before enrolling, especially for specialist and surgical services.
For free Medicare counseling: call LINK of NKY at 859-491-0522. They serve all of Boone County including Burlington and can conduct phone consultations so you don't need to travel to Covington. For enrollment in Parts A & B: the Florence SSA office (7310 Turfway Rd) is the closest SSA location to Burlington — appointment recommended. For Medicaid questions: Boone County DCBS is located at 3000 Conrad Lane, Burlington.
In Florence (41042), Medicare Advantage plans are typically available from Humana, Aetna, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare (AARP), Devoted Health, and WellCare. Plan availability and premiums change each year during Open Enrollment (Oct 15 – Dec 7). Many plans have $0 premium beyond the Part B premium. Use Medicare.gov/plan-compare with zip code 41042 to see current plans, star ratings, and drug formularies for your specific medications and preferred doctors.
It varies significantly by plan. Some Kentucky-based Medicare Advantage plans include Cincinnati Ohio health systems in their networks; others do not or include them only as out-of-network (at higher cost-sharing). Before enrolling, go to your prospective plan's provider directory and search specifically for UC Health, TriHealth, and Christ Hospital. PPO plans generally give more Ohio access than HMO plans. If Ohio provider access is important to you, consider a Medigap plan instead — Medigap has no networks and covers any provider accepting Medicare in any state.
