Texas Medicare – Find Medicare Insurance Options

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people who are 65 years old and over, along with younger people with certain disabilities. It 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 doctor visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services.
• Part C is a type of Medicare health plan that combines Parts A and B, and may also include prescription drug coverage.
• Part D covers prescription drugs.

Who is Eligible for Medicare?

You are eligible for Medicare 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. You may also be eligible for coverage if you have a disability or with End-Stage Renal Disease (permanent kidney failure requiring dialysis or transplant).

How to Enroll in Medicare

If you are eligible for Medicare, you will need to enroll in one or more of the four parts. You can enroll during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is seven months before you turn 65, the month you turn 65, and the three months after you turn 65. If you do not enroll during your IEP, you may have to pay a late enrollment penalty.

You can enroll in Medicare online, by phone, or by mail. You can also get help from a local Social Security office or a Medicare-approved insurance agent.

Medicare Costs

The cost of Medicare depends on your income and assets. You may have to pay premiums for Parts A and B, and you may also have to pay copayments, deductibles, and coinsurance for certain services.

Medicare Benefits

Medicare covers a wide range of health care services, including:

• Inpatient hospital stays
• Skilled nursing facility care
• Hospice care
• Home health care
• Doctor visits
• Outpatient care
• Medical supplies
• Preventive services
• Prescription drugs

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are private health insurance plans that offer all of the benefits of Original Medicare, plus some additional benefits. They may also have lower premiums or copays than Original Medicare.

Medicare Part D

Medicare Part D is prescription drug coverage. It is offered by private insurance companies. You may have to pay a monthly premium for Part D, and you may also have to pay copays or deductibles for certain drugs.

Conclusion

Medicare is a complex program, but it can provide valuable health insurance coverage for people who are 65 years old and over, along with younger people with certain disabilities. If you are eligible for Medicare, it is important to understand your options and choose the plan that is right for you.