Medicare Supplemental Insurance

Here at Ashford Insurance, we represent several of the major carriers for Medicare Supplement plans (aka Medigap policies) and Medicare Part D drug plans. We will help you find the plan that suits your health care needs, and your financial budget as well.

Our goal here at Ashford Insurance is to ensure you understand your options in the Medicare marketplace. We know that this can be a very tedious endeavor and every individual is different; having access to major carriers is the only way to determine what level of coverage will best suit your needs.

If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and B (Original Medicare), Medigap plans can help fill the coverage gaps in Medicare Part A and Part B. Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies and are designed to assist you with out-of-pocket costs (e.g., deductibles, copays, and coinsurance) not covered by Parts A and B.

Medicare Supplement Insurance, also called Medigap coverage, protects people who buy traditional Medicare against many of the additional costs a patient might pay. In return, Medigap charges a premium in addition to what the person already pays for Medicare Parts A (many people get this free), B, and D.

Depending on the Medicare supplement plan you choose, the plan may provide a benefit for (Benefits and cost vary depending on the plan you choose.):

• Part A coinsurance (and most plans provide a benefit for the Part A deductible)
• Some of the out-of-pocket costs not paid by Part B (some plans also cover the Part B deductible)
• Cost of blood transfusions (first 3 pints)
• Cost of up to 365 extra hospital days after you’ve used up your Part A benefits
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance or copayment
• Part A hospice/respite care coinsurance or copayment

You pay a monthly premium and some out-of-pocket costs.

Texas Medicare Supplements are standardized by the Federal Government. They are labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. Each standardized Medigap policy must offer the same basic benefits no matter which insurance company sells it. Cost is usually the only difference between Medigap policies with the same letter sold by different insurance companies. Plan A pays the Medicare hospital and physician coinsurance, the first three pints of blood, and 365 days of hospitalization beyond Medicare. Plans B through N provide these benefits and add more benefits such as coverage for Medicare deductibles, excess charges and limited preventive care, and foreign travel. You can only have one Med Sup plan. No one should try to sell you an additional Medigap plan unless you decide you need to switch policies.

In order to qualify for this type of coverage, you must have Medicare Part A and B. Finding affordable Medicare supplemental insurance is more convenient when you shop for policies online. With access to the internet at home, you can search for a policy with competitive premiums that offers the protection you require to stay healthy and active. In a few easy steps, you can request quotes from multiple providers and receive the financial information you need to choose a policy with confidence.

Medicare supplemental insurance can cover copayments, coinsurance costs and deductibles, saving you a significant amount of money on your out of pocket costs for treatment. When you shop for a policy, you’ll find that prices vary from one insurer to another, and from one plan to the next. The more extensive your benefits, the higher your premium will be. Your age, income, health status, geographical location and other factors may also affect the pricing of your plan.

When you buy a policy, you will pay a monthly premium in addition to your premium for Part B. Certain services and treatments are excluded under supplement plans. Long term care, skilled nursing facilities and hospice may not be included in your benefits. Prescription drugs must be paid for by a Part D policy.

Open Enrollment for Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance is at age 65 for all consumers, including those already receiving Medicare due to disability. The Open Enrollment period is a six-month period, beginning when you are both age 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B, companies must sell you any Medicare supplement plan they offer. After this limited open enrollment period, companies can pick and choose whom they will cover and how much they will charge based on your health. If you have an individual or “bank group” insurance policy, becoming Medicare eligible does not require you to cancel it and purchase a Medicare supplement. Doing so may save premium costs but it is important to compare the benefits before deciding which will work best.

If you are eligible for employer retirement insurance, review the plan carefully to understand what benefits are available and how it works with Medicare. Be aware that employer plans are not standardized and are not subject to the requirements governing standardized Medicare supplement policies. Also, it is important to remember, if you leave an employer plan you may not be able to go back on it.

Life’s full of unexpected moments. Planning ahead with supplemental insurance plans can help you feel more ready to handle the medical costs and out-of-pocket expenses that often accompany these unexpected events. Choose from a wide variety of plans, coverage, deductibles and benefits so you have coverage to fit your health needs and your financial situation.

Remember, as of January 1, 2020, Medigap plans sold to new people with Medicare aren’t allowed to cover the Part B deductible. Because of this, Plans C and F are not available to people new to Medicare starting on January 1, 2020.

Whether an “all-in-one” Medicare Advantage plan or a standalone Part D plan suits you, Ashford Insurance can help. Get a quote for prescription drug plans online now at now cost to you. Or, let one of our licensed agents review your options and find the best drug insurance plan for your unique needs. Just give us a call today at 817-952-3153.