What Are the Medicare Advantage Plan Choices in Texas?
The Lone Star State of Texas is the second largest state in the US, in area as well as in population. Three of the most populous cities in the US are Houston, Dallas and San Antonio. This translates into a lot of individuals who are about to turn age 65. While there is always strength in numbers, it’s also advantageous to have an advocate to guide you through the Medicare maze and SelectQuote is here to help you.
Medicare, a federally administered program, is a primary source of health coverage for Texas residents who have just turned 65 years old as well as those who are younger with certain disabilities. While you might not equate celebrating 65 years of living with Medicare Insurance enrollment, it’s time to look into the healthcare options provided by a Medicare Advantage plan in Texas.
Medicare Advantage (MA) plans, a.k.a. Medicare Part C, provide coverage for Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and/or Medicare Part B (medical/doctor’s office insurance). Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans that are approved by Medicare and replace coverage from Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many residents of Texas choose a MA plan because of the additional benefits that are often included. Texas residents needing hearing, dental, vision and other routine medical services may want to consider an MA plan in Texas because these types of benefits are typically included.
How Is Eligibility for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Texas Determined?
Determining eligibility for Medicare enrollment is a cinch. If you’re approved for a Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B plan and you live in an area of Texas where MA plans are sold, you’re also eligible for enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan. Being cognizant of increasing medical needs with age, a Texas Medicare Advantage plan may possibly help you to save money because many MA plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the plan you choose.
Texas residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan assists with covering some of the gaps in coverage including copayment, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Will Prescription Drugs Be Covered Under a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan?
Any resident of the 254 counties in Texas who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan because most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and it can help cover some of the costs of prescription drugs. If prescription drug coverage is important to you, a Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plan may be something for you to consider.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Texas is as unique as the resident the plan is there to support. Among Texas residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 56% choose an HMO/HMOPOS plan, 37% enroll in a Local PPO while 7% select a Regional PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan in Texas for your needs and budget.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Texas by working with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in Texas, understand costs and answer questions you may have throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you find a plan that meets your individual needs and budget.
When is the Texas Medicare Advantage Plan Enrollment Period?
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage Plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Texas opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re a Texas resident with a February birthday, your IEP runs from November through May.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, Texas residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, Texas residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
It’s good to know there are options. When you’re ready to learn more about a Texas Medicare Advantage plan, SelectQuote can help. Our licensed sales agents will ensure you are getting all the available Medicare benefits you deserve and also help you stay up to date with the annual changes to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. As a trusted third-party company who specializes in helping consumers understand their Medicare options, SelectQuote is here to help you find the right Medicare Advantage plan in Texas.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
