Millions of Texans are enrolled in Medicare, about 14% of the state’s population, to be exact. But what is Medicare? How can you become enrolled in Medicare? What are the coverage options for Texans? We will dive deep into these questions and more.
If you have health insurance, you can be better prepared for the unexpected and the routine. This blog will help you find out If Medicare is right for you.
What is Medicare?
Medicare is a federal health insurance program. Medicare coverage is also delivered by private companies contracted through Medicare as well. It was created in 1966 to cover hospital and medical expenses. Today, Medicare has expanded its coverage into four parts, five including Medigap. Those parts are:
- Part A
- Part B
- Part C
- Part D
- Medigap
Are You Eligible for Medicare in Texas?
Medicare is typically for individuals who are 65 and older. However, if you’re younger than 65 years old, you can qualify if you have received disability benefits for two years. In addition, you can be younger than 65 and qualify for Medicare if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS).
What Are the Medicare Insurance Options in Texas?
Medicare is split into different parts that provide different services.
Part A
Original Medicare is the way that many Texans receive their benefits. It is made up of part A and part B coverage. Part A is hospital coverage. Part A also covers care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home health care services. Most people do not have to pay a monthly premium for part A coverage in Texas.
You can receive premium-free Medicare part A coverage if:
- you are aged 65 years or older and have paid Medicare taxes for at least 40 quarters.
- Under 65 and received social security or railroad retirement board benefits and received them for at least 24 months.
- Have ESRD or ALS
Part B
Part B is medical insurance. This covers doctors ‘services, preventative services, and outpatient care. Unfortunately, Part B is not free.
Part C
Part C is also known as Medicare advantage. Medicare part C includes benefits from parts A and B. In addition, some Part C plans usually have extra benefits such as dental, drug, and vision coverage. However, plans vary in what they cover. Medicare part C plans can vary based on the county and zip code in Texas.
Part D
Medicare part D is prescription drug coverage. According to medicare.gov, you must join a Medicare-approved plan that offers drug coverage to receive drug coverage. Plans will vary in cost and drugs that are covered.
Medicare Supplement Insurance
Medicare supplement insurance, also known as Medigap, helps pay for services Medicare does not cover. These services include copays, deductibles, and coinsurance. You are not eligible for Medigap if you are enrolled in a Medicare part C plan.
Enrollment Periods in Texas
Open enrollment for Medicare occurs annually. The enrollment period begins from October 15th to December 7th. You can change how you receive your Medicare coverage, switch Medicare Advantage plans, and join, change, or cancel a Medicare plan during this period.
Bottom Line
Medicare offers many plans. If you enroll in Medicare on time, you can save money. Open enrollment for Medicare is from October 15th-December 7th every year. Medicare is a federal health program that many people in Texas are eligible for. MYCHN accepts Medicare insurance and helps patients in the enrollment process at no cost to the patient. Please visit our website or call (281) 824 – 1480 to learn more.
Resources
https://www.medicare.gov/blog/medicare-open-enrollment-ends-december-7
Medicare in Texas: What You Need to Know (healthline.com)
