What Are the Medicare Supplement Insurance Plans in Texas?
The Rio Grande is the longest river in Texas, spanning an area of around 1,270 miles. Throughout the state of Texas, many bridges cross this vast body of water. Such structures are necessary to “bridge” the distance from one bank to another. In healthcare, there’s a similar need among Medicare recipients as there is a need to bridge the “gaps” between what is covered by Medicare Parts A and B and what is not. A Medicare Supplement Insurance plan in Texas can close some of the “gaps” in Medicare Parts A and B coverage, which include things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles. Also referred to as Medigap, a Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is offered by private insurance companies throughout the state.
As of 2020, Medicare Supplement Insurance plans will no longer sell Medigap Plans C or F to newly eligible Medicare members. Congress has decided that new Medigap plans will no longer be allowed to cover the Part B deductible after January 1, 2020. This will only affect Medicare Supplement Plans C and F as these are the only Medigap plans that cover the Part B deductible. Anyone enrolled in a Medigap Part C or F as of December 31, 2019, will be grandfathered and will be able to continue to use their plan as long as they want.
Texas residents looking for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan need to first look at their specific coverage needs to determine what Medigap plan they might want to consider.
Most Popular Medicare Supplement Plans in Texas
The government-approved Medicare Supplement Insurance plans help protect consumers in most states, including Texas. The statistics below outline the Medigap plans that Lone Star State residents have selected. Throughout Texas, the insurance companies that sell Medigap plans offer the same basic benefits. However, there may be different prices depending on where you live and the insurance carrier. In addition, each insurer in Texas may not offer each of the Medigap plans.
As reported by AHIP, 911,802 Texas beneficiaries enrolled in a Medigap policy in 2019. Below is the breakdown of the number of Texas enrollees by Medigap plan type.
| Plan | A | B | C | D | E | F | G | H | I | J | K | L | M | N |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Enrollment # | 7,155 | 3,255 | 13,085 | 6,060 | 870 | 465,813 | 315,608 | 1,487 | 3,435 | 21,565 | 5,328 | 3,169 | 26 | 62,030 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
| Plan | Enrollment # |
|---|---|
| A | 7,155 |
| B | 3,255 |
| C | 13,085 |
| D | 6,060 |
| E | 870 |
| F | 465,813 |
| G | 315,608 |
| H | 1,487 |
| I | 3,435 |
| J | 21,565 |
| K | 5,328 |
| L | 3,169 |
| M | 26 |
| N | 62,030 |
Source: AHIP. Reflects data through December, 2019.
While a Medigap plan will help pay for things like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles not covered by Medicare Parts A and B, it is important to note that your Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance plan does not include coverage for prescription drugs. However, you can buy an additional Medicare Prescription Drug plan to help you cover prescription drug costs. Another option is to consider a Texas Medicare Advantage plan, which typically includes prescription drug coverage and may also include other benefits, such as dental, vision, gym memberships and hearing coverage.
To learn more about your Medicare Supplement Insurance plan options in Texas, you can work with a SelectQuote licensed sales agent. We act as your advocate. Our licensed sales agents can guide you through the Medicare maze to better understand Medigap plan options and answer any questions you might have throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to help you compare Medicare Insurance plans in Texas.
Texas residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance plan and a Medicare Advantage plan at the same time. A Medigap plan can also not be used to pay for any expenses for a Medicare Advantage plan.
Texas Medicare Supplement Plan Enrollment Period
Initial enrollment timeframes are very important. Enrollment for Texas Medicare Supplement Insurance plans begins the first day of the month you turn 65 years old. You also must be enrolled in both Medicare Parts A and B in order to enroll in a Medigap plan.
Texas residents have a six-month period surrounding their birth month to buy a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. Texas residents under the age of 65 can check with the Social Security Administration office for additional enrollment periods.
The best time to enroll in a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan is during the initial 6 months you are eligible for Medicare. It’s a smart idea to get a jump on enrollment. You can enroll as early as 64 and 6 months of age. During this important six-month period, companies that offer Medicare Supplement Insurance plans cannot use underwriting. In other words, during this window of time, your acceptance is guaranteed. However, if you apply for a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan outside of this 6-month timeframe, you will be subject to a physical exam. If you apply for Medigap coverage after the first six months of eligibility, a company can refuse to sell you a plan or premiums may also adjust depending on current health status and pre-existing health conditions.
Is a Texas Medicare Supplement Plan Right for You?
Throughout the Lone Star State, you’ve got options. SelectQuote is an independent third-party company specializing in helping consumers understand their Medicare options. We can help ensure you’re getting all the available Medicare benefits you deserve while staying up to date with annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. SelectQuote is here to help you find the right Medicare Supplement Insurance plan to meet your needs and budget.
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.
