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

Posts Tagged ‘texas medicare part b’

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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Texas Medicare Part B – Frequently Asked Questions

Sunday, December 26th, 2010

What is Texas Medicare Part B?  Health insurance is a confusing topic, particularly once you leave what you have known
your whole life and become eligible for Medicare when you turn 65.  You will certainly want to take advantage of the coverage that awaits you, but you must first understand what it is.  In most cases, if you decide to enroll in Medicare Part A, you will also need to enroll in Part B.  This is the portion of your insurance that covers medical expenses, as opposed to hospital coverage which is provided by Part A.  These include doctor visits, home health service, outpatient care, and other similar services. 

What is the cost of Texas Medicare Part B?  You will pay a premium each month to maintain your coverage.  Most people pay a standard amount, but if you have a modified adjusted gross income that is above a certain amount, you may be required to pay more.  At least, the way this system is set up, you will be able to afford more.  If you must pay more than the standard premium, you will be notified by Social Security.  If you decide not to enroll in Part B when you become eligible, you may be subject to a late enrollment fee if you change your mind later. 

How do I qualify for Texas Medicare Part B?  If you receive Social Security benefits, you will automatically receive Part B on the first day of the month you turn 65.  (If your birthday is on the first, you will get it the first day of the previous month.)  You might be under 65 but disabled.  If you receive disability benefits, you will get Part B.  You will receive your Medicare card three months before you turn 65 or within the 25th month of your disabled state.  If you have permanent kidney failure, you will also qualify for Part B no matter how old you are. 

What kinds of services does Texas Medicare Part B cover?  There are two main coverage areas.  The first is medical services.  These must be necessary for the diagnosis or treatment of your medical condition rather than something experimental that does not meet medical practice standards.  The second part is preventative services.  Any efforts that can be made to prevent illness or stop it in its tracks will be covered by Part B.  There are exceptions, and the Medicare handbook can help clarify any questions. 

After a consumer has qualified for this type of coverage it is a wise idea to secure a Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance Plan offered from any number of providers in our state. You can either go online to find your options or contact any experienced independent broker to discuss your available selections.

To learn more about Texas medicare part B or other medicare eligibilty matters visit www.MedicareInsuranceTexas.com

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