Texas Medicare insurance should be easy. Get the help and benefits you deserve today.

Texas Medicare Benefits

Texas Medicare insurance should be easy. Get the help and benefits you deserve today.

Archive for October, 2011

Do Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas Offer Better Coverage Than Medigap Plans?

Thursday, October 27th, 2011

As a federal health insurance program available to Texans, Medicare is helpful for covering a large portion of medical expenses. However, it wasn’t designed to pay for all of your health care costs.  As a result, many Texans are finding that they need to purchase additional insurance to supplement Medicare. There are two types of plans available that provide additional benefits to Original Medicare- a Medicare Advantage plan and a Medigap plan. Learning the difference between the two can help you decide which type of plan will provide you with the most appropriate health care coverage. 

Medicare Advantage

A Medicare Advantage plan, also known as Part C of Medicare, is offered through private insurance companies. Basically, you receive Part A, Part B and Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage). Therefore, you must be enrolled in both Medicare parts A and B and live in an area where there is a plan available to enroll in Medicare Advantage.  While every company offering a Medicare Advantage plan must follow specific rules set by Medicare, there are different out-of-pocket costs and different rules as to how you receive services. Medicare Advantage plans are available as Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) plans, Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) plans, Medical Savings Account (MSA) plans and even Special Needs Plans (SNP).

Coverage

A Medicare Advantage plan provides all of the services that Original Medicare must offer except hospice care and always includes emergency and urgent care. You receive your Medicare benefits directly through your Medicare Advantage plan, including all of Part A, Part B, Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) and sometimes additional benefits not covered by Original Medicare like vision or dental. With every Medicare Advantage plan, you pay one monthly premium for all of your services. Out-of-pocket expenses are different from plan to plan and based on a variety of things including if your Part B premium is paid, whether you have a deductible, how much your copayments or coinsurance is etc.

Things to Consider

You should know that you can only join a Medicare Advantage plan at certain times throughout the year and generally, you are enrolled in a plan for a year. In addition, you must follow the plan’s rules. For example, some plans require that you have a referral to see a specialist, others do not. Many Medicare Advantage plans require that you use certain networks of doctors. Unfortunately, choice is sometimes limited. In fact, Tyler, Wichita Falls or Athens may have fewer choices if any at all when selecting doctors. Be cautious.  In many cases, if you use a doctor who is not part of the plan, you’re services may not be covered.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Medicare Supplement insurance, also called “Medigap” insurance, is health insurance sold through a private insurance company to supplement Original Medicare. In other words, a Medigap plan does not provide your Medicare benefits, but provides additional coverage.  You still receive Part A and Part B through Medicare and pay your Part B premium. Medigap insurance is designed to help you with the “gaps” in coverage that Original Medicare doesn’t pay for like deductibles, copays and coinsurance. Typically, monthly premiums are higher for Medigap plans than for Medicare Advantage, but with some plans no out-of-pocket expenses, this may be a better option in the long run.

Coverage

In Texas, there are 10 Medigap plans available for purchase, each with different combinations of coverage. Some plans cover a portion of your out-of pocket expenses, like your Part B deductible and nothing else.  Some cover all of your out-of-pocket expenses, like Plan F, which is the most popular Medigap plan in Texas. Plan F completely eliminates your deductible, copays and coinsurance. However, Medigap plans do not include prescription drug coverage and you will have to consider a Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Plan separately. Remember, unlike a Medicare Advantage plan, with Medigap insurance, you can see any doctor you choose and there is never a referral needed to see a specialist. Also, any treatment approved by Medicare would be covered on a Medigap plan. There is no need to worry if the plan will approve the treatment.

Deciding between a Medigap plan and a Medicare Advantage plan can be a bit confusing. While Medicare advantage typically offers lower premiums than Medigap insurance and sometimes includes prescription drug coverage, you are generally limited to using doctors within a network and still have to pay out-of-pocket expenses. With a Medigap Plan F, all of your out-of pocket expenses are completely eliminated, but you will need to add prescription drug coverage separately.

Choose wisely when selecting your health insurance. Remember, price is not the only difference between private insurers. Choose only reliable, dependable companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or United of Omaha and get not only reliable health care coverage you can depend on, but also, the peace of mind that comes from knowing you are insured by a company that has earned the trust and respect of Texans.

Now the picture is a little clearer why not take a look at the available Texas Medigap Plans or take a look at quotes at our Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance website.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Can Someone Under 65 Get a Medigap Plan in Texas?

Tuesday, October 25th, 2011

If you are under the age of 65, you may already have Medicare because you are disabled or have End Stage Renal Disease (ERD). In this case, you may be wondering if you are eligible to purchase a Medigap plan in Texas. You already know that Medigap insurance is only available to those who are 65 or older. However, because you are enrolled in Medicare early, you may be eligible to purchase Medigap insurance as well. Take the time to familiarize yourself about the eligibility requirements for Medigap insurance in Texas and make the most informed decisions regarding your health care coverage.

Medicare and Medigap Insurance

Medicare is federally funded health insurance available to most people 65 or older and those under 65 with certain disabilities or ERD. It is designed to help pay for a portion of health care costs and as a result, does not pay for it all. In many cases, people on Medicare purchase a Medigap policy to supplement original Medicare.

Medigap insurance, also called Medicare Supplement insurance, is sold by private insurance companies to fill the “gaps” in Original Medicare. Medigap insurance is useful for helping to pay out-of-pocket expenses that original Medicare doesn’t pay like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Generally, to be eligible to purchase a Medigap policy, you must be 65 and enrolled in both Parts A and B of Medicare. However, there are some exceptions.

If You are Under 65

Federal law does not require insurance companies to sell Medigap plans to people under the age of 65. In fact, even if you have a legitimate disability and are enrolled in Medicare, you might not be able to buy the Medigap policy you want until you turn 65. Some states do not offer Medigap plans at all to those under 65.  In Texas however, insurance companies are required by law to offer at least one kind of Medigap policy for people with Medicare under 65.

While there are 10 Medigap plans to choose from, private insurers in Texas are required to offer Plan A only, meaning that they do not have to offer the other 9 plans.

Open Enrollment and Guaranteed Issue Rights

If you are under the age of 65 and receive Medicare as a result of a disability or ERD, you have a six month open enrollment period which begins the day you enroll in Medicare Part B. However, this open enrollment right only applies to Plan A. Additionally, you may be able to purchase a Medigap plan outside of your open enrollment period, through a Guaranteed Issue Right. If you lose certain types of health coverage, and can prove so with documentation, you will be able to purchase Plan A. Remember, your guaranteed Issue Right is only available for 63 days beginning on the date you received notice or from the actual last day of coverage. Fortunately, insurance companies cannot place restrictions on these policies like waiting periods for pre-existing conditions or exclusions.

Remember, simply because insurance companies in Texas are required to offer Plan A only does not mean that they won’t offer some or all of the remaining 9 plans available in Texas however we no of nothing other than A being offered. Make certain to check with your insurance provider and choose only reliable, dependable insurance companies when purchasing Medigap insurance in Texas. Stay with a provider that Texans just like you have come to know and trust like United of Omaha and rest assured that your health care coverage is in good hands.

If you are on early age Medicare due to a disability and think it might be wise to get a Under 65 Medigap plan in Texas visit our website offering Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance to check rates in your area.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

When Can I Purchase a Texas Medicare Supplement?

Sunday, October 23rd, 2011

In Texas, there are ten Medicare Supplement plans made available for purchase. However, even if you’ve done the research and decided ahead of time which plan works best for you, there are very specific times when you are allowed to buy without going through medical underwriting. The entire state of Texas must follow the same guidelines, so whether you’re in Austin or Tyler, the best time to buy a Medicare Supplement plan is during your initial open enrollment period when you can purchase any policy offered in the state. However, even if you’re not in your open enrollment period you can generally purchase a supplement policy but underwriting could apply. Take a minute to familiarize yourself about your rights and make an informed decision when and if you are ready to buy a Medicare Supplement plan in Texas.

Open Enrollment

For most people, there is a one-time only, six-month period during which you may buy a Medicare Supplement plan. During this period, insurance companies are required to sell you a Medicare Supplement plan –even if you are currently experiencing health problems. However, you must have Medicare Part A & B to buy any Medicare Supplement Plan.

Open enrollment begins on the first day of the month you turn 65 and are enrolled in Medicare Part B. However, you may use your open enrollment more than once in the six month period. For instance, if you purchased a Medicare Supplement plan in San Angelo and then decided to cancel it and purchase another, the new insurance company must sell to you. Remember, while they cannot deny you the policy, you still must have Part A & B to purchase a Medicare Supplement plan. Nevertheless, if you choose to wait several years to purchase Medicare Part B, you still have the rights to an open enrollment period and your six month period begins when you enroll in Part B.

Guaranteed Issue Right

There are some times when you may be able to purchase a Texas Medicare Supplement plan outside of your open enrollment period. Basically, there are “Guaranteed Issue Rights”, also called “Medigap Protections” that apply to Medicare Supplement plans A, B, C, F, K, and L. Unlike with an open enrollment period, there are no restrictions with pre-existing conditions.

You’re guaranteed issue right allows you to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance in certain situations. For instance, if you lose your health care coverage, if you have a Medicare Select policy and you move out of the policy’s service area or if your Medigap policy coverage ends through no fault of your own. In most cases, your guaranteed issue right lasts for 63 days from the date your coverage ends or in some cases, from the date you receive notice that your coverage will be ending.

If you Know you are Losing Your Health Care Coverage

If you know that you will be losing your health care coverage, plan accordingly by keeping good records and shopping wisely for new coverage. In other words, save any and all correspondence including letters, emails or claim denials with your name on them. These papers will serve as proof that your insurance is going to be terminated. In addition, keep the postmarked envelopes as proof of the date when you received notice. When looking for new coverage, shop wisely.  Compare prices and always stay with dependable insurance companies like United of Omaha or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.

While the best time to buy Medigap insurance in Texas is during your open enrollment period, there are other situations where you have a guaranteed issue right. Whether you have Medicare Select insurance in Austin and know that you are moving out of your policy’s coverage area, or your Medigap coverage is ending through no fault of your own, Texas insurance companies must sell you Medicare Supplement Insurance. Protect yourself by saving all documentation from your insurance provider and when you are ready to purchase, choose only reputable, dependable companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or United of Omaha for your Medicare supplement insurance.

For more information on Texas Medicare Eligibility and Enrollment visit our Texas Medicare Supplement website.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Am I required to Purchase Texas Medigap Insurance?

Saturday, October 22nd, 2011

As a Texan, securing dependable health coverage is important to you. You know that at age 65 you’re eligible for Medicare or you may already be enrolled. Either way, Medicare pays for a significant portion of your medical expenses, but it does not pay for it all.

While you’re not required by law to purchase Texas Medigap insurance, without additional coverage, you may end up paying a lot in out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments, even coinsurance. Take some time to learn about Texas Medigap Insurance and make informed decisions about your health care coverage.

What Exactly is Medigap Insurance?

Medigap Insurance, also called Medicare Supplement insurance, is insurance that you purchase from private insurance companies to help supplement your Texas Medicare. In other words, Medicare pays for a lot of your health care costs, but is doesn’t pay for everything. The “gaps” in coverage are still your responsibility and deductibles, coinsurance and even copayments can be costly.  A Texas Medigap policy can help you pay for these out -of-pocket expenses and give you peace of mind in knowing that whenever you need medical attention, you can get it easily.

Why Would I Need Medigap Insurance?

As a Texan 65 or older, you are automatically enrolled in Medicare Part A (hospital coverage) and most are auto enrolled in Part B (medical coverage). In most cases, Medicare pays 80% of the approved cost of covered medical expenses. However, there are monthly premiums that you are responsible for, along with deductibles, copayments and coinsurance. Plus, you are responsible for paying the full cost of services that are not covered by Medicare. In addition, even if Medicare pays for a particular service, certain doctors are allowed to charge more than Medicare will pay. In other words, you are left paying an excess charge.

Choosing a Medigap Plan

You do have the option to purchase a Texas Medigap policy, although you are not required. However, because there are significant gaps in coverage that Medicare doesn’t pay for, many Texans find it helpful. In Texas, there are ten Medigap plans to choose from, each offering different combinations of benefits.  Plans are designated by letters of the alphabet (A through N) and are standardized by the federal government. Basically, that means that a Plan F offered by one insurance company must provide the same coverage as a Plan F offered by another company. Be careful when selecting your Medigap policy. Remember, while insurance companies must offer the same coverage, they vary considerably in terms of cost, reputation and dependability. Make sure to stay with credible, reliable providers like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and United of Omaha- reputable companies that Texans just like you have come to trust.

You Do Not Need Medigap Insurance if…

Medigap insurance is the right choice for many Texans. Nevertheless, there are some situations where you may not need to purchase additional insurance because you are already covered through another policy. You do not need Texas Medigap insurance if you currently have group insurance through an employer or former employer- this includes government and military retiree plans; if you have a Medicare Advantage plan; if you have Medicaid or the Qualified Medicare Beneficiary Program (QMB) pays your Medicare premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. In all of these cases, the gaps in Medicare are covered by insurance and a Medigap policy is not necessary.

You are not required by Texas law to purchase Medigap Insurance. However, considering that Original Medicare only covers a portion of your health care needs, it may be wise to consider a Medigap plan. There are several providers to choose from when selecting your Medigap policy. Look for reliable, dependable providers you can trust like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or United of Omaha.

To find out if Texas Medigap Insurance is the right fit for you and your budget you can visit out Texas Medicare Supplement website and run instant quotes from several companies.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

What are the Basic Benefits of a Medigap Plan D in Texas?

Saturday, October 15th, 2011

Medigap, or Medicare Supplement insurance, helps to pay for some of the gaps in coverage not paid by Medicare.  These out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, coinsurance and copayments can add up fast and Medigap insurance can help. In Texas, there are ten Medigap plans, each with different combinations of benefits. You may have already decided that plan D is the best choice for you, but you’re not completely sure.

Remember, while Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies, the specific benefits are set by the federal government and every Medigap policy must contain at least a minimum level of basic benefits. Take the time to review these benefits and the additional coverage offered through plan D to help you decide if this is the best plan for you.

Basic Benefits

Every single Medigap policy in Texas must provide the same basic benefits. Whether you choose plan D or plan F, the following benefits will be part of your Medigap coverage.

Hospitalization

Hospitalization costs are covered as part of basic benefits. More specifically, daily copayments for all hospitalization costs from the 61st through the 90th day of the Medicare benefit period, Medicare Part A copayments for time after the 90th day and the entire Medicare Part A coinsurance including  365 extra days after Medicare benefits end.

Medical Expenses

As for Part B coinsurance, all Medigap plans offered in Texas pay for your portion of the 20 percent Part B coinsurance for Medicare. Generally, this includes doctor bills, hospital and home health care. Of course, these benefits will only begin after you have met your Part B deductible. Texas Medigap insurance also pays the coinsurance for out-patient drugs and inpatient respite care as long as you meet Medicare’s requirements, including a doctor’s certification of terminal illness. In addition, the first three pints of blood each year under Medicare parts A and B are covered under Texas Medigap basic benefits.

Plan D

In addition to the basic benefits, Plan D offers additional coverage. The entire Part A deductible is covered, as well as any copayments for skilled nursing facility care from the 21st day through the 100th day in a benefit period for post-hospital skilled nursing facility care eligible under Medicare Part A. 

Foreign Travel Emergency Care

Plan D also pays for foreign travel emergency care, so if you are out of the country and need medical care, you are covered. More specifically, plan D pays 80 percent of the billed charges for foreign emergency care- as long as Medicare would have covered the expenses had they occurred in the United States. Also, covered care must begin during the first 60 days outside the United States. The calendar year deductible is $250 and the lifetime maximum benefit is $50,000.

Choose Only Dependable, Reliable Insurance Providers

All Texas Medigap policies are guaranteed renewable regardless of who sells them. This means that regardless of your health, an insurance company cannot refuse to renew your policy unless you fail to pay your premium. Nevertheless, be choosy when deciding between insurance providers. The benefits provided for every Medigap Plan D offered in the state may be the same, but the insurance providers are not.  Always choose credible, reliable companies who have earned the trust of Texans. Remember, policies are guaranteed renewable but the amount of the premium is not. Trust Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or United of Omaha and make certain that your Medigap plan D will be there when you need it most.

Now that you know some of the benefits of a Medigap Plan D in Texas take a look at rates from our Texas Medicare Supplement website. We have been representing quality insurance products since 1993 working with names you know and trust like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, United of Omaha, Aetna and many more.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Mutual of Omaha Controls the Wild Kingdom of Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance

Sunday, October 9th, 2011

Mutual of Omaha? Yes, we all remember the Wild Kingdom for bringing us some of the most exotic and beautiful animals on the planet. The trusted source for everything animal. Now the same can be said for Mutual of Omaha Texas Medicare Supplement insurance. In fact, as a trusted source for Health coverage, you can rest assured that the same dependability and reliability that you enjoyed for years on television is now helping you with health care costs.

What is Medicare Supplement Insurance?

If you’re 65, you’re probably already familiar with Medicare and unfortunately, its limitations. While it helps pay for a significant portion of medical, it doesn’t pay for it all, leaving you with quite a few out-of-pocket expenses. That’s why many people in Texas purchase Medicare Supplement insurance to help pay for those expenses not covered by Medicare like deductibles, copayments and even coinsurance. Having Medicare Supplement insurance, or “Medigap” as its sometimes called, helps make dependable health care coverage affordable.

Choosing Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance

In Texas, there are ten Medigap plans to choose from, each identified by a different letter of the alphabet and each with different combinations of benefits. All Medigap plans are standardized, meaning that regardless of who sells it, all plans with the same letter must offer the same benefits. In other words, a Plan F sold through one company must provide the same benefits as a Plan F sold by another company. This is great news for you, making it much easier to compare plans between companies. In fact, in many cases, the only real difference between companies is price, dependability and name recognition.

In Texas, choosing the right Medicare supplement insurance is really about reviewing each plan and deciding which benefits you need and what price you can afford. For most Texans, Plan F is the most popular because it completely eliminates all out-of-pocket expenses, giving you peace of mind in knowing that your health care costs are covered.

The Mutual of Omaha Difference

There are significant differences among private insurance companies, making it even more important that you chose only reliable, dependable providers when purchasing Medicare supplement insurance in Texas. As for how to choose a Medigap provider, some of the lowest in the state are offered through Mutual of Omaha companies. In fact, in addition to having great rates, they offer convenience with electronic claims processing which eliminates the hassle of paperwork and it’s easy to apply with an agent online. In terms of dependability, United of Omaha, the company Mutual uses in Texas, consistently rates in the top tier for financial strength and ability to meet obligations to policyholders as judged by Standard & Poor’s and Moody’s Investors Service. Serving Texans for over 80 years, United of Omaha delivers dependable, reliable Medicare Supplement insurance at a price you can afford.

Whether you live in San Antonio or Houston, choosing Texas Medicare Supplement insurance should be easy as long as you know what you are looking for. Consider Mutual of Omaha for your Medigap insurance as they offer some of the lowest rates in the state and have a proven track record for dependability that Texans trust.

For more information or to obtain a United of Omaha Texas Medicare Supplement quote visit our Texas Medicare Supplement website. 

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

What Texas Medigap Insurance Policies are Available?

Monday, October 3rd, 2011

If you are 65, or about to turn 65, you’re probably already familiar with Medicare. Medicare is a federal health care plan designed to help people 65 and older pay for some of their health care costs. It was not designed to pay for all medical expenses and as a result, many people turn to Medicare supplement insurance or “Medigap” insurance to help pay for some of the costs that Medicare doesn’t pay for like deductibles, coinsurance and copayments.

Choosing a Medigap insurance policy can be confusing. Even if you have a reputable insurance provider, like United of Omaha, there are still several different plans to choose from, each with different benefits and costs. What Texas Medigap insurance policies are available and how do you know which one to choose? Take the time to learn a little about the available plans and make an informed decision when you are ready to purchase Medigap insurance in Texas.

Available Plans

In Texas, there are 10 Medigap insurance plans available, each designated by a different letter of the alphabet. By law, all Medicare supplement plans are standardized, meaning that a Plan F sold by United of Omaha for instance, must provide the same basic benefits as a Plan F from another company. Each plan has different coverage and costs. There is a high deductible option also available on the F Plan for pairing with health savings accounts and cost sharing options that help to reduce premium amounts.

Every Texas Medigap insurance policy offered includes the same basic benefits. This includes your entire coinsurance for Part B, three pints of blood, hospice coinsurance for outpatient drugs and inpatient respite care, all hospital charges up to 365 extra days past Medicare benefits, all copayment for hospitalization from the 61st day to the 90th day of any Medicare benefit period and Part A copayment for hospitalization beyond 90 days.

Some plans offer even more benefits. For instance, Plans B, C, D, F, G and N also pay your entire Part A deductible. Plans C and F pay the entire Part B deductible. Plans C, D, F, G, K, L, M and N pay for skilled nursing facility care, while Plans F and G pay for Medicare Part B excess doctor charges. C, D, F and G pay for foreign travel emergency care and Plan F also has the high deductible option available.

With an average monthly premium of somewhere around $120 a month for someone turning 65, the majority of Texans choose Plan F because it offers the most coverage, completely eliminating all deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. Texans who choose Plan F have peace of mind knowing that whatever comes their way, they are covered both medically and financially.

Medicare Select

Medicare Select is a type of Medicare supplement policy where it is possible to secure lower premiums by agreeing to use doctors and hospitals within the plan’s network. For instance, if you live in Harris County, you would need to see a doctor in the immediate area who is part of the plan’s network of providers. However, you are still able to choose your own doctor or specialist, as long as he or she is in the network. With a Medicare Select option, if you choose to use an out of network provider, you will have to pay more of the cost. Nevertheless, if you leave a Medicare Select option, insurance companies are required by law to offer you another Medicare supplement plan with comparable benefits.

Choosing a Texas Medigap insurance policy is easy as long as you understand a little about the available plans and how they work. While there are several insurance companies to choose from, make certain to purchase your Medigap insurance  from a dependable, reliable provider like United of Omaha and rest assured that you are securing the best coverage to suit your needs as well as your budget.

For more information on Texas Medigap Insurance policies or to see monthly rates in your area visit out Texas Medicare supplement insurance website .

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter

Are Texas Medigap Insurance Plans the Same as Medicare Supplements?

Saturday, October 1st, 2011

You’re not alone if you’re having difficulty understanding the various terms related to your health care coverage.  Medicare, Medigap, Medicare supplement- there’s a term for this and a term for that. Where do you begin?  Most people have no idea what these words mean and more importantly, how they affect their health care coverage.  

You don’t have to be out in the dark. Take the time to read a little about Texas Medigap insurance and within a few minutes time, be better prepared to make health care choices that are right for you.

What is a Medigap Insurance Plan? 

A Medigap policy (also called Medicare Supplement Insurance) is private health insurance created to supplement Original Medicare. Basically, it’s insurance that helps pay for some of the “gaps” in coverage that Medicare doesn’t pay for. These gaps can include deductibles, coinsurance and copayments. If you purchase a Medigap insurance policy, when you seek medical care, Medicare will pay for its portion of covered costs and then your Medigap policy will pay for its covered portion. With all Medigap insurance you have the freedom to choose your own doctor and specialists.

A Medigap policy is different from a Medicare Advantage plan because Medigap only supplements Original Medicare, while a Medicare Advantage plan actually provides Medicare benefits. By law, all Medigap policies are standardized and designated by the letters A through N. Standardized means that a Plan F offered by one insurance company must provide the same basic benefits as a Plan F offered by another company. This makes comparing Medigap policies easy as the real differences between insurance companies is seen through cost, reputation, quality of service and dependability.

Medicare Select

Medicare Select is a type of Medicare supplement insurance that offers reduced premiums in exchange for choosing doctors and providers from the plan’s network. With Medicare select, you still have the freedom to choose your own doctor or hospital as long as they are included in the network.

Choosing a Texas Medigap Insurance Plan 

In Texas, there are 10 Medigap Plans available, each with different levels of coverage and premium amounts. While all plans offer the same basic benefits, there are sharp differences between plans in terms of additional coverage and even foreign travel. Plan F is by far the most popular plan among seniors in Texas because it completely eliminates all out-of-pocket expenses, meaning no deductibles, coinsurance or copayments. Texans who choose plan F have peace of mind in knowing that they are covered both medically and financially. 

You must have Medicare Parts A and B to purchase a Texas Medigap policy. However, once you buy it, your policy is guaranteed renewable, meaning that your insurance company cannot cancel your policy even if you have health problems as long as you pay the premium as agreed. Remember, you will owe a monthly premium for both your Medigap policy as well as the Part B premium you pay to Medicare.

You can purchase a Medigap policy from any private insurer in the state that sells these plans, however be smart when you choose your provider and always look for well-known credible companies. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas has been providing Medicare supplement insurance to Texans just like you for over 65 years. They have worked hard to earn a reputation for dependability and reliability that Texans have come to trust.

Learning a little about Texas Medigap Insurance will help you understand your health care coverage better. Once you are familiar with the terms and a little about what they mean, you will be better prepared to make informed decisions when it comes to your health care coverage.

For more information or t obtain a free, instant Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare supplement quote or prices and information from other Texas Medigap Insurance Plans please visit our website.

Share this:
Share this page via Email Share this page via Stumble Upon Share this page via Digg this Share this page via Facebook Share this page via Twitter
Recent Posts
  • AEP May be Over But Some Can Still Get Medicare Advantage Plans Year Around
  • Disabled on Medicare Have Fewer Options
  • 2013 Medicare Changes Come as a Shock to Many Seniors
  • Medicare Advantage PPO Plans in Texas
  • Medicare Advantage HMO Plans in Texas
  • Categories
  • Medicare Supplement Articles (104)
  • Archives
  • December 2012
  • November 2012
  • July 2012
  • June 2012
  • May 2012
  • April 2012
  • March 2012
  • February 2012
  • January 2012
  • December 2011
  • November 2011
  • October 2011
  • September 2011
  • August 2011
  • July 2011
  • June 2011
  • May 2011
  • April 2011
  • March 2011
  • February 2011
  • January 2011
  • December 2010
  • Meta
  • Log in
  • Valid XHTML
  • XFN
  • WordPress