Medicare in Clay County by the numbers
| Clay County | West Virginia | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents age 65 and older | 1,785 | 380,679 statewide |
| Share of residents age 65+ | 22.9% | 21.5% statewide |
| People with Medicare | 2,512 | 458,491 statewide |
| Enrolled in Medicare Advantage | 1,792 | 259,694 statewide |
| Medicare Advantage share | 71.3% | 56.6% statewide |
Data: U.S. Census Bureau (2023 population estimates); CMS, September 2026. Medicare Advantage share is enrollees divided by people with Medicare.
Clay County ranks 50th of 55 West Virginia counties by number of residents age 65 and older, with about 1,785 people in that age group, or 22.9% of residents (statewide: 21.5%). Another 594 residents are age 60 to 64 and will reach Medicare eligibility within about five years (see our turning 65 guide). Among residents 65 and older, 62% are 65 to 74, 30% are 75 to 84 and 9% are 85 or older (Census 2023 estimates). About 71.3% of people with Medicare in Clay County are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. That is higher than the West Virginia average of 56.6%. A county average does not tell you which kind of plan fits you. Whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare with a Medigap plan is the better fit depends on your doctors, your prescriptions and how you want to handle costs, so we compare both for your ZIP code.
Who has Medicare in Clay County
Clay County sits in a metro area, which the USDA defines as counties in metro areas of fewer than 250,000 population. That usually means more doctors, more hospitals and more plan choices in the area.
CMS counts 2,636 Medicare beneficiaries in Clay County (2023). Their average age is 70, younger than the West Virginia average of 72. About 33% are “dual eligible,” meaning they have both Medicare and Medicaid, higher than the state figure of 20%. Where many people have both, special plans for dual-eligible members can matter; see our Medicaid and dual eligible guide, since availability varies by plan and area.
Among people in Original Medicare in Clay County, CMS reported about 597 emergency room visits and 224 inpatient hospital stays per 1,000 beneficiaries in 2023, which is lower than the state average for emergency visits (684) and close to it for hospital stays (250). About 8% received home health care. These figures describe how people use care under Original Medicare; they do not show what any plan covers or costs.
Sources: CMS Medicare Geographic Variation, 2023; USDA Rural-Urban Continuum Codes, 2023.
Insurers choose which counties to serve each year, which means the Medicare Advantage and Part D plans you can pick in Clay County can be different from the ones offered next door. We are not based in Clay County; we help Clay County residents by phone or video call.
Hospitals and doctors near Clay County
CMS Hospital General Information lists no acute care, critical access or children’s hospital located inside Clay County. Residents often use hospitals in neighboring counties, which matters for Medicare Advantage because a plan’s network may include or leave out the hospital you use. We check your hospitals and doctors before you enroll.
Where people live in Clay County
The largest communities in Clay County by 2023 Census population estimates are Clay (375). Each figure counts only the people living inside the county.
Census ZIP Code Tabulation Areas mostly within Clay County number 12: 25019, 25030, 25043, 25088, 25111, 25113, 25125, 25133, 25141, 25164, 25211, 25285. Your exact ZIP code is what decides which plans you can join.
Questions about Medicare in Clay County?
Reach out to us: fill out our short form or call (571) 354-0146, and a licensed agent will compare the plans available to you, check your doctors and drugs, and stay with you each year at renewal. For general Medicare information, the federal helpline is 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Medicare resources from official sources
- Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov, searchable by ZIP code.
- HealthCare.gov if you are not yet on Medicare.
- Medicare Care Compare for hospitals and doctors.
- Social Security: Medicare to enroll or check status.
- West Virginia Offices of the Insurance Commissioner: West Virginia’s insurance regulator, including agent license lookup.
Coverage we offer Clay County residents
Here is what we can help Clay County residents with, drawing on plans from many insurers: life insurance, final expense insurance, annuities, Medicare Advantage, Medicare Supplement (Medigap), Part D drug plans, ACA health insurance, ICHRA and group health insurance.
Get a clear answer for Clay County
A short call is enough to compare your options. Our help is free to you.
Get my plan comparisonMedicare guides for Clay County residents
- What Medicare Part D actually costs
- Medicare 101 for families
- How to read your Medicare Annual Notice of Change
- When can you switch Medicare plans? Every enrollment window
Clay County compared with similar West Virginia counties
| County | Residents 65+ | Medicare Advantage share | Dual eligible share | Area type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wirt County | 1,213 | 60.1% | 31% | Metro |
| Morgan County | 4,531 | 44.8% | 13% | Metro |
| Boone County | 4,741 | 71.2% | 28% | Metro |
| Brooke County | 5,495 | 54.5% | 14% | Metro |
| Hampshire County | 5,874 | 46.7% | 19% | Metro |
| Hancock County | 7,010 | 48.2% | 13% | Metro |
See every West Virginia county in our West Virginia directory or go to our West Virginia Medicare hub.