Tarrant County Medicare with Medicaid Insurance

Medicare and Medicaid are two different government programs that provide health insurance to people over 65, people with disabilities, and people with low incomes. In Tarrant County, you can get Medicare benefits through Original Medicare, or you can choose a Medicare Advantage Plan.

• Original Medicare: Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). With Original Medicare, you pay a monthly premium for Part B, and you may also have to pay a deductible and copayments for some services.
• Medicare Advantage Plans: Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by private companies that have been approved by Medicare. Medicare Advantage Plans typically include all of the benefits of Original Medicare, plus some extra benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, dental care, and vision care. You may have to pay a monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage Plan, but your out-of-pocket costs may be lower than with Original Medicare.

If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may be eligible for a Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (D-SNP). D-SNPs are Medicare Advantage Plans that are designed specifically for people who have both Medicare and Medicaid. D-SNPs typically have lower out-of-pocket costs than other Medicare Advantage Plans, and they may offer additional benefits, such as transportation assistance and help with managing your health care.

To be eligible for a D-SNP, you must:

• Be enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid
• Live in the plan’s service area
• Not have End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure)

If you think you may be eligible for a D-SNP, you can contact your local Social Security office or a Medicare insurance agent for more information.

Here are some of the benefits of having both Medicare and Medicaid:

• Reduced out-of-pocket costs: With both Medicare and Medicaid, you may have lower out-of-pocket costs for health care services, such as doctor visits, hospital stays, and prescription drugs.
• Expanded coverage: Medicare and Medicaid cover a wide range of health care services, but there are some gaps in coverage. Having both programs can help you get the care you need without having to pay out-of-pocket.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that you have both Medicare and Medicaid can give you peace of mind knowing that you are covered for your health care needs.

If you are considering enrolling in a Medicare Advantage Plan or a D-SNP, it is important to compare plans and understand the benefits and costs of each plan before you make a decision. You can compare plans on the Medicare website or by contacting a Medicare insurance agent.