Parker County Texas Medicare Plans

There are four parts of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D.

• Part A covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and some home health care.
• Part B covers outpatient care, such as doctor visits, lab tests, and preventive services.
• 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.

Are You Eligible for Medicare?

Generally, you are eligible for Medicare if you are:

• 65 years old or older
• A U.S. citizen or permanent resident
• Living in the United States

You may also be eligible for Medicare if you have:

• A disability and have been receiving Social Security disability benefits for at least 24 months
• End-stage renal disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or a transplant)

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 $148.50 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.