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

Posts Tagged ‘texas medicare supplement plans’

AEP May be Over But Some Can Still Get Medicare Advantage Plans Year Around

Thursday, December 20th, 2012

Angry old woman with a rolling pinYes, the normal yearly annual enrollment(AEP) period is over but some Medicare recipients are still in the drivers seat when it come to securing a Medicare Advantage Plan(MAPD). How so? Well its simple, there are several special enrollment periods(SEP) that are allocated to you to secure new coverage and believe it or not you rarely hear about them.

First off the normal time period for folks to blow out of an advantage plan is October 15th to December 7th every year. Beneficiaries that want a new MAPD plan or folks that want out and go back to original Medicare and secure a supplement do it at this time of year. Its a crazy and chaotic time period that has most agents and brokers working on little to no sleep but it has to be done. After this time most agents just roll up their tent and call it a day but in my view the work doesn’t stop there, there are many more chances for seniors and disabled on Medicare to hit the MAPD jackpot.

Lets look at a few and discuss but keep in mind this discussion is only related to those that are already on Medicare and does not apply to those turning 65 or new to Medicare.

Change in residency: Lets say you lived in Houston and moved to Dallas Texas, well chances are your advantage plan will terminate due to being outside the service area. In this case you are free to select another MAPD or even a Medicare Supplement plan without the need to qualify medically.

Non-renewals: I rarely get this request but it simply means the plan you are currently on has made the decision to stop offering that plan therefore creating a SEP to enroll in another Medicare private insurance plan. This period runs from December 8th until the end of February.

Dual-Eligible Individuals: Simply put if you are on both Medicare and receive any type of assistance from the Medicaid program you can change almost anytime to a new and different Medicare Advantage plan.

Loss of Dual-Eligible Status: Just to tie onto the one above, if you loose Medicaid eligibility you can then seek and secure a new advantage plan.

Trial Right:You are allowed to leave a MAPD within the first 12 months(trial right) and go back to a Medicare Supplement plan anytime within that 12 month trial period.

SPAP, State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program: If you are enrolled in a state pharmaceutical assistance program you can also exercise a SEP almost at anytime. It also works in the reverse if you loose your SPAP eligibility you are provided one Special Election Period.

LIS, Low Income Subsidy beneficiaries: If someone is receiving a low income subsidy they also have a SEP and can select a new or different advantage plan outside the annual enrollment period.

SNP Special Needs Plans: Ok, my favorite. These Medicare Advantage Plans are designed for those folks with special needs like diabetes, chronic heart failure and cardiovascular disease. These Medicare Advantage Special Needs Plans offer a different benefit configuration more focused toward the particular health condition. Also, the health plan must be designated as Special Needs Plan, just any old advantage plan wont work.

As you can see from above there are several different situations that seniors or those with disabilities and on Medicare can make plan changes or secure an advantage plan outside the normal annual enrollment period. If you find yourself in one of these situations and need our assistance we do work year-round, unlike some of the normal advantage agents who just show up during the AEP period.

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Do all Texas Medicare Supplement Plans Have Rate Increases?

Friday, July 13th, 2012

The sort answer to the question ‘Do all Texas Medicare Supplement Plans have rate increases?’ is yes.  Medicare Supplement plans are insurance policies that provide for the gaps in coverage that occur in Medicare Part A and Part B.  However, Medicare Supplement plans, also called Medigap policies, are not a product provided by the government.  Private insurance companies become approved to offer Medicare Supplement Plans.  The content of the plan offered has to fall under one of ten categories that Medicare mandates.  These plan types are labeled with letters, namely A, B, C, D, F, G, K, L, M, and N.  For that reason, all Medigap Plan A policies, no matter what insurance company offers it, have the same benefits (hospital coinsurance, 365 extra days of hospital coverage, blood, and hospice coinsurance). 

 

The Texas Department of Insurance regulates the offering of Medicare Supplement Plans in the state of Texas.  However, the insurance company offering the Medigap product can set the premiums to whatever they wish.  In addition, the quality and reliability of insurance company varies.  Also, the level of customer service and ease of getting claims paid will be different according to what company is offering the Medigap plan.  But back to the question of increasing rates.

Medicare Supplement Plans are all guaranteed renewable by directive from Medicare.  However, the insurance company offering the plan is allowed to change the rates (and by change, I mean increase) generally once a year.  They can change the rates for several reasons, including patient class change or increase in age.  As an agent who seeks the best for his client, I will shop around each year, to make sure you have the best price for your chosen plan.  This can help offset the rate hikes imposed by insurance companies dealing in Texas Medicare Supplement insurance policies. 

I am fully versed in the laws governing switching Medicare Supplement insurance.  Changes must be made within the proper enrollment periods or according to guaranteed issue right guidelines.  Also, you can switch from one company to another at any time, providing you qualify medically but as a rule Medigap plans have very liberal underwriting guidelines. As your agent, I can help guide you through the process and red tape involved with Medicare transactions.  My goal is to make is as easy and painless as possible for you to get the medical care you need at a price you can afford. 

Do all Texas Medicare Supplement Plans have rate increases?  Yes, but that does not mean that you are trapped in a rapidly increasing premium situation.  However, there are issues to think about when you change your Medicare Supplement Insurance policy.  Changing Medigap insurance policies needs to be done with consideration for the coverage, premium price, dependability of the company, and customer service levels.  I take all of these areas into account when researching your options as a Medicare recipient.  I can also help you understand alternatives to Medicare Supplement Insurance, such as Medicare Advantage Plans and more. 

When you want direct, honest guidance through Medicare Supplement Insurance, I can give you the pros and cons about signing up for policies or changing in understandable terms.  Cutting out the confusion over Medicare policies allows you to make educated decisions that will help give you peace of mind, knowing the gaps in your traditional Medicare coverage are being provided for.  You don’t have to let rate increases keep stressing your finances and keeping you from enjoying the benefits of Medicare health coverage.

Do all Texas Medicare Supplement Plans have rate increases?  Yes.  Do you have to pay higher prices every year?  No.  As an industry veteran possessing almost 20 years in the industry, I search high and low for the policies that will provide my clients with the coverage they need at the lowest prices.  We focus on helping Texans on Medicare save money and receive the medical coverage they need.   

For more information on changing your Texas Medigap Plan or to obtain an instant quote visit www.MedicareInsuranceTexas.com right now!

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Is Plan G the Right Texas Medicare Supplement for You?

Tuesday, May 1st, 2012

Now that you’re 65, you have Medicare and that’s a relief. But what about the out-of-pocket expenses like deductibles, coinsurance and copays? Medicare wasn’t designed to pay for all of your medical costs, and you’re prepared to increase your coverage. You’ve made up your mind- you’re definitely interested in purchasing a Texas Medicare supplement plan, but with so many different options, you’re not sure which one is right for you.

In Texas, there are ten different plans to choose from, each with different combinations of benefits. How much coverage do you need and what benefits can you live without? Taking the time to familiarize yourself with some details will help you make an informed decision when you are ready to purchase. Is plan G the right Texas Medicare supplement for you?

Plan G Coverage

For many Texans, Plan G is the right choice simply because the benefits are comprehensive. In fact, it’s the most comprehensive coverage next to Plan F. And the only difference between Plan F and Plan G is a small Part B deductible. With Part G, in addition to your Part A deductible and coinsurance, you get 365 extra days of coverage after your Medicare runs out, your Part B coinsurance and the first three pints of blood. Plus, Plan G and Plan F are the only two Medicare supplement plans that cover excess charges above and beyond what Medicare will pay.

That’s significant savings to help you keep your out-of-pocket expenses low. In addition, a skilled nursing copayment is covered as well as hospice care and there’s even coverage if you need to receive treatment when visiting a foreign country. While your Part B deductible is not covered with Medicare supplement Plan G, all preventive care is covered 100 percent.

Save Money with Medicare Select 

Plan G is also available in a money saving Medicare Select option. Basically, if you’re looking to save on premiums, you can receive the same benefits as the standard Plan G but for a reduced premium.  By agreeing to use Medicare Select hospitals and doctors, your monthly payment is reduced. Need emergency care? No problem, with Medicare Select, you can get treatment at any hospital for no extra charge. Plus, you can still choose your own doctor. Remember, to be eligible for Medicare Select Plan G, you must live within 30 miles of a Medicare Select participating hospital.

Choose Your provider Carefully

Medicare Select plans are standardized, meaning regardless of who sells you a plan, the benefits are the same. This means the real differences between providers is cost and reliability. Choose your provider carefully and stay with names you know and trust for getting the reliable coverage you need to be protected. There’s a reason why Mutual of Omaha and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas are as popular as they are- they’re leaders in Medicare supplement insurance and will continue to be for as long as folks in Texas need coverage.

Take the time to review your options carefully. And remember, Medicare supplement insurance is here to help you with costly medical care. Consider Plan G for comprehensive coverage and buy for a reliable provider you can trust to get the peace of mind you deserve.

For more information or to explore if Plan G is the right Texas Medicare Supplement plan for you visit our senior friendly website today.

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Texas Medicare Supplement Plans – How to Choose a Plan

Monday, March 28th, 2011

Texas is home to many big things. Unfortunately, too many people assume that this generalization applies to insurance costs, as well. A lot of people won’t even consider Texas Medicare supplement plans because they assume that the cost is too high. The reality of the situation is that you will easily spend more on your health insurance costs just because you don’t have the coverage that you really need. And because Texas is focused on helping the consumer when it comes to insurance, it is always going to be easy to find what you are looking for and something that you can benefit from.

Texas Medicare supplement plans are similar to the plans that you have to choose from in other states, but it will be your decision to find the best one. If you are trying to choose a Medicare supplement, you need to make sure that you know what you need. Start by finding a plan that covers the things that you are most missing with Medicare. Some people don’t pay a lot of attention to the coverage that they do have with Medicare, but you need to know if you are going to get an effective supplement plan.

Texas Medicare supplement plans come in all shapes and sizes so that you should have no trouble finding something that fits your needs like a glove. Think about the coverage that you are missing, the coverage that you wish you had, and the insurance that you would get the most use from. That will make it easier for you to choose the right Medigap coverage. For example, if you need more coverage for doctor visits or extra catastrophe coverage, find a supplemental plan that features that element so that you are protected.

Like all insurance products in Texas, Medicare supplement plans are going to give you even more benefits than you would expect in most states. The Texas Department of Insurance is doing everything to make insurance work for consumers, not insurance companies, including with Medicare supplement plans for people who need a little extra coverage. Be sure to take the time to think about what you need and review your options carefully. If you are uncertain or you just need a little help, feel free to get involved with an agent who can help you find the best supplemental coverage. Agents are free, so you might as well take advantage of them when shopping for insurance, after all.

For more information on Texas Medicare supplement plans visit us at www.MedicareInsuranceTexas.com today!

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Texas Medicare Plans – Getting Coverage in the Lone Star State

Thursday, March 24th, 2011

Texas Medicare plans are a little different for everyone, as they are in every state. However, you have to know what you are dealing with because you don’t just automatically get coverage once you turn 65. You have to actually go through the process of finding the coverage, understanding the plans, and enrolling in the Medicare benefits that you want to have. Texas Medicare coverage includes Part A (hospital coverage) and Part B (other medical coverage) and Part D, or prescription drug plans. You also have to consider supplemental coverage, but that comes later.

In the state of Texas, Medicare plans work quite simply. With hospital coverage, you have a certain deductible that you have to meet first. For example, you might have a $1132 deductible on your Part A coverage. Once the deductible is met, you will pay much less for your hospital stays. You might have to pay $283 per day after the first 61 days, and then $566 after 91 days. After 151 days (almost 6 months), coverage will run out. This is basically how Part A works. With Part B Medicare benefits, you will pay an average of $115 per month for this coverage, which can vary depending on your income.

The payment that you make on Part B coverage will cover some testing and doctor visits, and this is required if you are going to purchase Texas Medicare supplement plans. In Texas Medicare plans, Part D is simply known as Texas Medicare Part D, and is prescription coverage that is offered by private insurance companies. Most companies have a premium penalty for people who wait to sign up for longer than a few months after they become eligible for the coverage, so be careful of that when you are shopping.

Of course, if you’re like most people in your age group, you probably started getting Medicare junk mail by the truckload well before you were eligible for coverage. Most people end up receiving at least 20-30 different items in the mail trying to sell them Medicare supplement plans before they are even eligible for Medicare coverage. Don’t be daunted by all this junk mail because you can find everything that you need to know about Texas Medicare plans online, including an agent who can help you make the best decision. Texas Medicare solutions are easy to understand if you are willing to do a little research, and coverage is more affordable than most people realize, most times substantially lower than the price they have been paying for a plan before they were 65 years old.

For more information on Texas Medicare plans visit www.MedicareInsuranceTexas.com today.

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