Medicare Supplements, Medigap, Part A, Part B Insurance in Hurst

Are you close to turning sixty-five? If you or your family is hitting this milestone age soon, then it’s time to look at Medicare. Do you know what it covers? Where are the gaps in coverage? When are you eligible to sign up? Enrolling in Medicare can be an overwhelming and confusing experience. Benefits may differ from those you had while under a private policy.

Medigap is private health insurance designed to help pay healthcare costs that aren’t covered by Medicare. Each Medigap plan covers different costs and services.  Ashford Insurance offers a selection of Medicare Supplement Plans from many top carriers in Texas.

Medicare Supplements are standardized by the Federal Government. They are labeled A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N. 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.

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 six months, 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 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, that if you leave an employer plan you may not be able to go back on it.

Depending on the Medigap 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 are not paid by Part B (some plans also cover 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.

  Why choose a Medicare Supplement plan?

  Medigap can help pay out-of-pocket expenses that Original Medicare doesn’t cover. An Original Medicare plan paired with a Medigap policy can offer comprehensive coverage, which will likely result in lower out-of-pocket expenses. Medigap policies can vary, but the most comprehensive coverage is offered through Medigap Plan F. Compared to Medicare Advantage, you will keep the same larger network of doctors under Original Medicare. Many Medicare Advantage plans require you to go through their network of doctors and other health providers, while Original Medicare paired with Medigap Plan F will often have a larger network of doctors.

  If you are eligible to switch Medigap policies because you’re within your six-month Medigap open enrollment period or eligible due to a specific circumstance or guaranteed issue rights, then Medigap offers a “free look period.” This means you have 30 days to decide if you want to keep the new Medigap policy. You won’t cancel your first Medigap policy until you’ve decided to keep the second Medigap policy, and you will need to pay both premiums for one month.

  Do not forget about your prescription drug coverage.

  There are two ways to get Medicare prescription drug coverage, either through a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) or through a Medicare Advantage Plan with prescription drug coverage (MA-PD). Let the sales agents at Ashford Insurance help you discover the most affordable Medicare plans available to you, and to understand when your coverage starts, what’s covered, and what to expect.

  Medigap policies don’t cover everything

  Medigap policies generally don’t cover long-term care, vision or dental care, hearing aids, eyeglasses, or private-duty nursing.

  Insurance plans that aren’t Medigap

  Some types of insurance aren’t Medigap plans, they include:

  • Medicare Advantage Plans (like an HMO, PPO, or Private Fee-for-Service Plan)
  • Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
  • Medicaid
  • Employer or union plans, including the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program (FEHBP)
  • TRICARE
  • Veterans’ benefits
  • Long-term care insurance policies
  • Indian Health Service, Tribal, and Urban Indian Health plans

  Ashford Insurance Also offers Medicare Advantage and Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plans.

  Whether a Medicare supplement, 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 no 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 on 817-952-3153.

  Click Here if you need Dental or Vision Insurance.