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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