Dallas County Medicare Plans

Dallas County Medicare Plans

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 or older, certain younger people with disabilities, and people with end-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure). Medicare is divided into four parts:

Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care. Part B covers physician services, outpatient care, some preventive services, and some home health care. Part C (Medicare Advantage) is an alternative to Original Medicare. It combines Part A and Part B coverage with additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision care. Part D covers prescription drugs.

Medicare Part A

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Some home healthcare
• Cost: Free for most people, but there may be a monthly premium if you have less than 40 quarters of Medicare-covered work.

Medicare Part B

• Physician services
• Outpatient care
• Some preventive services
• Some home healthcare
• Cost: Monthly premium of $170.10 in 2023.

Medicare Part C (Medicare Advantage)

• Combines Part A and Part B coverage with additional benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision care.
• Offered by private insurance companies.
• Cost: This varies depending on the plan you choose.

Medicare Part D

• Helps pay for prescription drugs.
• Offered by private insurance companies.
• Cost: Monthly premium of $33.74 in 2023.

How to Enroll in Medicare

You can enroll in Medicare during the following times:

• The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) is the seven-month period that begins three months before the month you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65, and ends three months after the month you turn 65.
• The Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is the seven-month period that runs from October 15 to December 7 every year.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs) are available if you have a qualifying event, such as moving, losing your job, or getting divorced.

To enroll in Medicare, you can:

• Go to the Medicare website and create an account.
• Call the Medicare helpline at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
• Work with a Medicare-licensed insurance agent.

Medicare Costs

The cost of Medicare depends on the type of coverage you choose.

• Part A is premium-free if you or your spouse worked for at least 10 years in Medicare-covered employment, and you are 65 years old and a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. If you are under 65, you may have to pay a premium for Part A.
• Part B has a monthly premium of $170.10 in 2023. You may also have to pay a yearly deductible of $235 in 2023.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) plans have different costs, depending on the plan you choose.
• Part D has a monthly premium that varies depending on the plan you choose. In 2023, the average monthly premium for a standalone Part D plan is $33.74.

Medicare Resources

There are many resources available to help you learn more about Medicare.

• The Medicare website has a wealth of information about Medicare, including eligibility requirements, costs, and coverage.
• The Medicare helpline can answer your questions about Medicare.
• You can work with a Medicare-licensed insurance agent to get help choosing a Medicare plan.