December, 2011 | Medicare Insurance Texas

Archive for December, 2011

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare Supplement Plans offer Stability

Wednesday, December 28th, 2011

There’s a reason why Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare supplement plans are popular, one is they have been providing financial protection for over 65 years. The benefits are consistent and dependable, the prices are reasonable and the customer service is state of the art. Basically, with BCBS of Texas, you’re getting sold benefits at an affordable price from the most trusted name in health insurance.

Strength and Financial Stability Backed by Over 65 Years of Experience

Recent changes in regulations and unanticipated mandates from the Health Care bill have turned the health insurance industry on its head. In fact, many companies are exiting the Texas health insurance market, leaving people unsure of what’s next. With over 65 years of experience, we feel there’s no chance that BCBS of Texas is going to suddenly decide that they aren’t interested in the this market anymore. One out of every 3 Americans is insured with Blue Cross Blue Shield. That’s a lot of people and testament to the strength and financial stability of the company.

In fact, legislation may have spurred the unpredictable nature of the business, but companies like BCBS of Texas are only getting stronger. Why? Simple. As more and smaller, unknown insurance companies fold under the pressure, the strong, dependable companies like BCBS of Texas are standing tall. Name Recognition is synonymous with trust and they have earned that trust through years of dependable service-regardless of the political climate.

Affordable Rates from a Leader in Health Insurance

In addition to security, they offer a money saving Medicare Select option with several of its Medicare supplement plans so you can make certain that you get the plan that’s right for you, regardless of your financial difficulties. Basically, you pay a reduced premium by agreeing to use Medicare Select network hospitals for non-emergency care. Don’t worry because you’re fully covered for emergency care at any hospital, so if you need to visit the emergency room, you can. Plus, the BCBS network is the largest in the country, making it super easy to find a terrific doctor right near home.

Large Variety of Plans for Every Need

With a large variety of plans to choose from, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas makes it easy to find exactly what you’re looking for. In fact, there are low cost sharing plans for those who are interested in keeping their premiums low, plans that cover your health care costs should you be injured while traveling overseas, plans that pay the excess charges above and beyond what Medicare will pay and even plans that eliminate all of your out-of-pocket expenses, taking the stress out of paying for health care. In our state, Plan F is the most popular because it completely eliminates all deductibles, copays and coinsurance. With Plan F from BCBS of Texas, you get the most peace of mind because you never have to pay a dime to visit your doctor and the deductible is taken care of.

They have earned a reputation over the years as an insurance provider that can be trusted. With over 80 million customers, it’s no wonder why they are the leading name in health insurance. From affordable rates to quality coverage and excellent customer service, BCBS of Texas offers Texas Medicare Supplement Plans that are reliable, dependable and worthy of your business.

For more information or to obtain an instant quote visit our easy to use Texas Medicare Supplement website.

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Medicare Insurance in Texas Provides Peace of Mind

Wednesday, December 21st, 2011

Most people understand the importance of securing reliable health insurance. With the costs of medical care on the rise, even one trip to the hospital can end up costing you thousands of dollars or more. The fact is, health insurance protects us in the event we need unexpected medical care and helps us pay for routine care like visits to the doctor or annual tests. For those over 65, Medicare insurance in Texas provides peace of mind, giving many folks the freedom to enjoy life without worrying about how to pay for health care.

Original Medicare

In Texas, original Medicare is available to everyone 65 or older and those with certain disabilities. Original Medicare is Part A-hospital coverage and Part B- medical coverage. Part A is free for everyone (you paid into it while working), but for Part B, a premium is deducted from your Social Security benefits each month. Medicare insurance in Texas is an important part of a well-designed health insurance strategy, but in many cases, it’s not enough.

Medicare Supplement Insurance

Often, folks decide to supplement Original Medicare with a Supplement policy, also called Medigap insurance. Medigap insurance is insurance sold through private companies designed to help pay for the “gaps” in coverage that Medicare doesn’t pay for. Out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copays or coinsurance can add up fast, leaving you with a steep health care bill. This type of insurance can help you pay for these costs, taking some of the uncertainty out of health care.

In Texas, there are 10 plans to choose from, each with different combinations of coverage. Choosing the right Supplement plan can give you even more security than with traditional Medicare alone and can save you a lot of money. In fact, the most popular plan is Plan F, simply because it completely eliminates all out-of-pocket expenses. That means you never pay deductible, copay or coinsurance and you have the freedom to choose any doctor you wish.

Choose Coverage you Can Depend on

You have choices when it comes to your supplement. Always choose health insurance providers that are dependable and have earned a reputation for quality with Texans. United of Omaha and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas have been serving the residents of Texas for several years and have worked hard to keep folks protected and happy with their health care coverage. Remember, reliability in a health care provider should be your number one priority. While cost is important, there is no guarantee that an unknown provider will be as reliable when you need them most.

Medicare insurance in Texas is an important part of your health care strategy. Part A provides your hospital care and Part B covers your medical. While Medicare helps with the costs of health care, it only pays for 80%, leaving you with considerable out-of-pocket expenses. Consider Supplemental insurance to help pay for some of the gaps in coverage that traditional Medicare doesn’t pay for. Remember to choose well-known, established providers like United of Omaha or Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas that have earned a reputation for providing quality health insurance to Texans just like you.

For more information or to obtain an instant quote visit our easy to use website.

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What is Texas Medicare Part B?

Thursday, December 15th, 2011

You’re about to turn 65 and that’s great because soon you’ll be eligible for Texas Medicare. However, you’re a bit unsure about how it works. There’s Part A, Part B and Medicare Supplement insurance. From what you’ve heard, you have to pay for Part B, but you don’t have to accept it. Is it worthwhile? Should you consider it? What about Medicare Supplement insurance? Take the time to learn the basics about Texas Medicare and make informed decisions when it comes time to make choices regarding your healthcare.

Texas Medicare Basics

Texas Medicare is a federally funded health care program designed to help seniors and those with certain disabilities with their health care needs. In Texas, you are eligible for Medicare if you are 65, but you can enroll earlier if you have a disability or End Stage Renal Disease. As long as you receive Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits, you are enrolled in Parts A and B of Texas Medicare automatically. Coverage generally begins on the first day of the month in which you turn 65 and a Medicare Health insurance card is sent to you by mail three months before your birthday. Part A is free, but a monthly fee for Part B is deducted from your Social Security check. If you decide you do not want Part B, you can simply return the card and you will not be charged. Remember, by keeping the card, you are acknowledging that you want Part B coverage and the fee will automatically be taken from your Social Security check.

Texas Medicare Part A pays for hospital coverage and Part B pays for Medical coverage. Hospital coverage includes inpatient hospital services, skilled nursing facility care after a hospital stay, home health care, hospice care and the first three pints of blood each calendar year. Texas Medicare Part B pays for medical expenses, like clinical or laboratory services, outpatient hospital treatment and preventive health care like exams, health screenings, shots and lab tests. Basically, your Texas Medicare Part B covers medical care that is not inpatient like ambulance services, doctor’s services, EKG screening, emergency and urgent need care.

Texas Medicare 2012 Premiums

Many Texans will see their Medicare Part B premiums decrease in 2012. Why? Well if you joined Medicare after 2009, you most likely pay $110.50 or $115.40. In 2012, the new Medicare Part B premium will be $99.90, a decrease of a little over $10.00 or $15.00. Unfortunately, for those folks who enrolled prior to 2009 and pay $96.40, there will be a slight increase of around $3.50 per month.

Medicare Supplement

Texas Medicare is helpful, but it was not designed to pay for all of your health care costs. In fact, it only pays for 80% of covered costs, leaving you with a 20% coinsurance. Out- of-pocket expenses like deductibles, copayments and coinsurance add up fast. To help, many folks choose to supplement their Texas Medicare with a Medicare Supplement plan or “Medigap” insurance. With ten available plans to choose from in Texas, it is possible to get your entire out-of-pocket expenses completely eliminated. Consider Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas or Cigna for quality that you can depend on and get the peace of mind in knowing that when you need medical coverage, you can get it easily and conveniently. Remember, to be eligible for Medicare Supplement insurance in Texas you must be enrolled in both Part A and Part B of Texas Medicare.

Texas Medicare Part B is optional, true, but a good start if you’re looking for a consistent, reliable health care plan. While it covers a significant portion of your health care, it doesn’t pay for it all and you may need to supplement your Texas Medicare with a Medigap policy. The right Medicare Supplement plan can eliminate all of your out of pocket expenses, leaving you confident and secure with your health insurance choices.

For more information or to obtain an instant quote on Texas Medigap plans visit our website.

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Can I Choose Any Doctor on Texas Medicare Supplement Health Insurance Plans?

Friday, December 9th, 2011

Now that you’re 65, you’re eligible for Medicare and that’s great news. However, Medicare doesn’t pay for all of your health care expenses. In fact, it only covers up to 80 percent of your medical expenses, leaving you with a significant amount of out-of-pocket costs. Most Texans choose to supplement their Medicare coverage with a Medicare Supplement insurance plan. That sounds about right, but can you choose any doctor on Texas Medicare Supplement health insurance plans?

Keeping Your Doctor

If you’re like most people, you’ve developed a relationship with your doctor and you trust them for helping you with your health care decisions. In fact, the thought of having to change providers as part of a Medicare Supplement health insurance plan is devastating. The good news is that with every Medicare Supplement plan offered in Texas, you have the opportunity to choose your own doctor and there are no restrictions or networks to deal with. This is great news and it makes choosing a Medicare Supplement plan a bit more convenient.

Medicare Select

While you are not required to use specific doctors in a network, if you choose to, you can significantly reduce your Medicare Supplement premium. Medicare Select is Medicare supplement insurance that requires you use hospitals and doctors within a particular network in return for reduced premiums. Only non-emergency care is restricted to the network, so if you have an emergency you can visit any hospital you choose. As an opportunity to save money, Medicare Select may be a good choice for you. Besides, your doctor may already be included in a Medicare Select network.

Purchasing Medicare Supplement Insurance

You’re not required to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance, although many Texans find it’s a good fit for supplementing Original Medicare. Nevertheless, you must be enrolled in Medicare parts A and B to be eligible. In addition, if you are currently enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you are not eligible to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance.

The best time to buy is during your open enrollment period when insurance companies cannot make you wait for coverage to begin or charge you more for a policy. Remember, every Medicare Supplement plan is guaranteed renewable meaning that as long as you pay your premium on time, your plan cannot be cancelled regardless of your health. Nevertheless, choose only credible, trusted insurance companies like Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas and get the peace of mind that comes from knowing that your health care coverage is backed by a trusted, dependable provider.

If you are considering choosing a Medicare Supplement plan, you do not have to worry about losing your doctor or having to use a doctor you are not familiar with. All Medicare Supplement plans give you the freedom to keep your doctor and use any hospital of your choice. If you are looking for an opportunity to save money on premiums, Medicare Select is available where in exchange for using doctors and hospitals in the plan’s network, you pay reduced premiums. These are the only instances where you would be restricted to a particular network and you do not have to enroll in Medicare Select to purchase Medicare Supplement insurance.

To learn more about which of the 10 Texas Medicare Supplement Health Insurance Plans would work for you visit our Texas Medicare insurance website.

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Archive for December, 2011

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare Supplement Plans offer Stability

Medicare Insurance in Texas Provides Peace of Mind

What is Texas Medicare Part B?

Can I Choose Any Doctor on Texas Medicare Supplement Health Insurance Plans?

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