Washougal sits at the east end of Clark County's string of cities. It has 18,490 residents (OFM, April 2026), and the Census Bureau's 2020–2024 survey counts about 2,900 of them at 65 or older. That's close to 17%, the same share as Vancouver and noticeably higher than Camas next door at about 13%.
If you are one of those residents and your Medicare Advantage plan has said it won't continue in 2027, this page starts with who can help you, then gets to the rules. I've put extra weight on what happens if money is tight.
Who to call, in order
| Who | Number | Good for |
|---|---|---|
| 1-800-MEDICARE | 1-800-633-4227 (TTY 1-877-486-2048), 24/7 except some federal holidays | Plan comparisons, enrolling, checking what Medicare shows for you |
| SHIBA statewide | 800-562-6900, weekdays 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. | Unbiased volunteer counseling, Extra Help screening |
| Local SHIBA sponsor (Vancouver) | 888-637-6060 or 360-759-4676 | Clark County SHIBA; see the appointment note below |
| Community Living Connections | 360-694-8144 (or 888-637-6060) | Aging and disability services, caregiving, in-home help |
| C-TRAN paratransit info | 360-695-8918 | Whether C-VAN can reach your address |
Sources: Medicare.gov; WA OIC SHIBA pages; Washington Community Living Connections directory; C-TRAN. Checked October 25–26, 2026.
The appointment note: the local SHIBA sponsor for Clark County is the Area Agency on Aging & Disabilities of Southwest Washington, which OIC also lists as the sponsor for Skamania County. On October 26, 2026, its OIC listing read "Currently not accepting appointments. For assistance, call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227." Phone first, and don't drive to Vancouver expecting a sit-down meeting.
The dates, briefly
The ending plan keeps covering you through December 31, 2026. Anything you choose by then starts January 1, 2027. Regular open enrollment shuts December 7, yet people in your spot keep a separate window from December 8 to February 28, 2027 (January choices begin February 1, February choices March 1). Choose nothing, and Original Medicare is what you have when January arrives. If you then want a supplement, Washington's guaranteed issue right for people whose plan ended runs until March 4, 2027. The Washington statewide guide has the full list of Medigap plans and PEBB details.
If your budget is tight
In July 2026, CMS counted 14,225 Clark County residents carrying Medicare and Apple Health (Medicaid) together: 9,311 with full Medicaid benefits and 4,914 with partial benefits such as help with premiums. If you're in that group, or could be, the plan exit plays out differently for you.
- Medicare Savings Programs. These Apple Health benefits pay Medicare premiums, and at the lowest-income level (QMB) they pick up Medicare deductibles and copays too. HCA doesn't count savings or property for them. The application is on washingtonconnection.org, or ask for a paper form.
- Extra Help with drug costs. Anyone on Medicaid, SSI or one of those savings programs is enrolled in Extra Help without filing anything. Everyone else files an application with Social Security.
- Your drugs won't just stop. Extra Help members in a departing plan get moved by CMS into a stand-alone drug plan, as long as they haven't picked 2027 drug coverage on their own. If the assigned plan handles your prescriptions poorly, you can swap it.
- More flexibility later. Medicaid and Extra Help members may change stand-alone drug plans monthly. Full-benefit Medicaid members also get a monthly chance to enter an integrated dual plan (in Washington these go by Apple Health Medicare Connect) if your area has one.
- No late penalty. The Part D penalty for going without drug coverage doesn't apply while you have Extra Help.
- A safety net for gaps. Medicare's LI NET program gives temporary Part D coverage to people who qualify for Extra Help or Medicaid but aren't in a drug plan yet.
If you aren't on Apple Health but your income dropped, apply now rather than in January; the savings can change which coverage makes sense.
Checking doctors from the Washougal side
State and CMS hospital lists show no hospital in Washougal itself; Clark County's acute-care hospitals are in Vancouver. If you switch to another Medicare Advantage plan, confirm your primary care office and that hospital are in its 2027 network, along with any Oregon doctors. With Original Medicare, any provider in the U.S. that accepts Medicare can see you.
For rides, C-TRAN's on-demand service The Current has a Camas/Washougal zone, and C-VAN paratransit reaches approved riders within three-quarters of a mile of a fixed route in Washougal.
This page tracks federal Medicare law and Washington rules, but the end date in your plan's letter is what binds you. Before you sign anything, confirm with 1-800-MEDICARE, SHIBA or a licensed agent.
Washougal residents' questions
I'm on Apple Health too. Do my prescriptions stop when the plan ends?
Where is the nearest SHIBA office to Washougal?
Is there an asset test for Washington's Medicare Savings Programs?
How many Washougal residents are 65 or older?
Sources
- WA OFM April 1, 2026 population
- U.S. Census Bureau ACS 2020-2024, table B09020
- CMS Medicare Monthly Enrollment, July 2026
- WA OIC: Find a local SHIBA office
- WA OIC: Medicare Advantage plan changing or leaving
- WA HCA: Medicare Savings Program
- WA HCA: Apple Health Medicare Connect
- Medicare.gov: Part D costs, Extra Help and LI NET
- CMS CY2027 Enrollment and Disenrollment Guidance
- Washington Community Living Connections directory
- C-TRAN paratransit service
