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Get to know the Medicare
Are you 65 or older? You must read this…
3 Steps to Choosing a Medicare Plan
Let us help you find the right plan for you.
This chart shows the steps you can take to choose the Medicare coverage that's right for you. It's a good starting point if you want to compare Medicare plans or need a quick refresher on Medicare and all of its components.
You'll see the key features of each Medicare coverage option side-by-side to help you understand how the different parts of Medicare work together.
1. Decide if you want Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare
Part B : Medical Insurance
Hospital stays
Skilled Nursing Facilities
Palliative care
Some home health care
Medicare pays 80% of approved expenses and you pay about 20%. Part B is optional because you have to pay a monthly premium and meet a deductible before Medicare pays benefits.
Medicare Advanced
Part A : Hospital
Part B : Doctor
Part C : Prescription
Combines Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, into 1 plan
Typically includes Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage
May include additional programs and services not offered by Original Medicare
These plans are part of the government-run Medicare program, but are offered and managed through private insurers, such as Cigna Healthcare, and may offer plan extras not found in Original Medicare. To join, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
2. If you choose Original Medicare, decide if you need to add supplemental coverage
Skip this step if you choose Medicare Advantage – Medicare Supplement does not work with Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C).
Medicare Supplement Plan
Helps pay for some health care expenses (copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles) that Original Medicare doesn't cover.
It works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, but not with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
Offers nationwide coverage without network restrictions
A Medicare Supplement policy (also known as Medigap) is a private health insurance supplement to Original Medicare. It helps pay for approximately 20% of Medicare expenses that Original Medicare doesn't cover, once the Part B deductible has been met.
3. Decide if you need to add prescription drug coverage
A Medicare Original o a Medicare Advantage.
Part D: Prescription Drug Coverage
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Helps reduce prescription drug costs.
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All Part D plans must offer at least a standard level of coverage set by Medicare.
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Some Medicare Advantage Plans include prescription drug coverage
Part D plans are part of the government's Medicare program, but are offered and managed through licensed private insurers, such as Cigna Healthcare. Enrollment in a Part D plan is not automatic. You must select and enroll in a plan.
Can I still have Medicare
with Primary Coverage?
Although health insurance is not mandatory in the state of Texas, it is a very beneficial form of insurance that can help you save hundreds on your medical care each year. With this in mind, it's no wonder so many people seek medical care.
If you currently have what is known as 'Primary Coverage' through your employer or your spouse's employer and wish to keep it, you can do so. However, you will need to verify that your current insurance provider meets the coverage rules.
Keeping your primary coverage allows you to waive Part B of your Medicare plan and keep the other coverage benefits. This will not affect your Social Security status, but may have some drawbacks later on.
If you do eventually want to opt out of Medicare Part B, you will most likely have to pay a higher premium to do so. This is just one of the many things to consider when choosing your Medicare plan.
Although Medicare is usually reserved for people over the age of 65, it's never too early to start planning for your future. To learn more about Medicare and how it can help cover the cost of your health care,
Contact Us Today
We can help you with your concerns and provide you with all the information you need.
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