Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania: health insurance
Wilkes-Barre is in Luzerne County. Here is what Wilkes-Barre residents should know about coverage.
Coverage in Wilkes-Barre
Wilkes-Barre has about 44,254 residents (U.S. Census Bureau 2023 estimate).
Plans for Wilkes-Barre residents are determined by Luzerne County, home to about 327,388 people (2023 estimate). Medicare Advantage plans and marketplace plans are offered by area, so use your ZIP code when you compare, and make sure a plan covers Luzerne County before you choose it.
- Turning 65 in Wilkes-Barre? Your Initial Enrollment Period runs seven months around your birthday. PA MEDI (Pennsylvania Medicare Education and Decision Insight, formerly APPRISE) offers free counseling at 1-800-783-7067.
- Buying your own plan? Shop through Pennie.
- Medicaid questions? Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (DHS) handles applications.
Pennsylvania note: Pennsylvania's Medicare counseling program changed its name from APPRISE to PA MEDI in July 2021 -- same program and services, run by the Department of Aging, just under a new name, so older references to APPRISE still point to the same free help.
Medicare plans leaving Luzerne County for 2027
Medicare plans are set by county, so this applies to residents of this city. 13 plans are listed in Luzerne County for 2026 but not for 2027, covering at least 365 people.
| Plan going away | Company | People enrolled (at least) |
|---|---|---|
| UPMC for Life Complete Care (HMO D-SNP) H4279-004 | UPMC Health System | 191 |
| Complete Blue PPO Merit (PPO) H3916-066 | Highmark Health | 135 |
| Wellcare Assist (HMO-POS) H2915-011 | Wellcare / Ambetter (Centene) | 22 |
| Humana Gold Choice H8145-055 (PFFS) H8145-055 | Humana | 17 |
| Aetna Community HealthChoices (HMO D-SNP) H3959-072 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 10 or fewer |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO) H5521-122 | Aetna (CVS Health) | 10 or fewer |
See all 13 plans leaving Luzerne County →
A plan can be listed because it was renumbered or replaced, not only because a company is leaving the county. When the same company keeps other plans there, members are usually moved to a replacement plan. Your plan should send you a notice, and Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 to December 7) is when you can compare and switch. “People enrolled” is the number enrolled in that plan today (CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer). Source: CMS Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files for 2026 and 2027, and CMS enrollment data from September 2026.
Colleges and universities near Wilkes-Barre
Pennsylvania public institutions include Pennsylvania State University, Temple University, University of Pittsburgh. Students and employees at these schools should check their school’s student health or benefits office, because campus plans and employer plans work differently from individual coverage. More about Pennsylvania colleges.
Do Wilkes-Barre and Luzerne County have the same plans?
Plans are offered by service area, and Wilkes-Barre falls under Luzerne County. A plan that serves Luzerne County is generally the one that applies to you.
Do I have to enroll if I call?
No. A call is a conversation about your options.
Wilkes-Barre residents: call 855-367-1095
Call Lander LLC to go over your options. There is no cost to call or to speak with an agent, and you are never required to enroll in anything.
Call 855-367-1095Other major Pennsylvania cities
- Philadelphia
- Pittsburgh
- Allentown
- Erie
- Reading
- Harrisburg
- Bethlehem
- Scranton
- Lancaster
- York
- Altoona
- State College
Reviewed by Richard Lander, licensed insurance agent (NPN 21255551), Lander LLC. Last updated October 3, 2026. This page is educational and is not a quote, an offer of coverage, or legal or tax advice.