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Get to know Medicare
Are you 65 or older? You should 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 place to start if you want to compare Medicare plans or need a quick refresher on Medicare and all its components.
You'll see the main features of each Medicare coverage option side by side to help you understand how the different parts of Medicare work together.
1. Decide whether you want Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage.
Original Medicare
Part B: Medical Insurance
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Hospital stays
Specialized nursing centers
Palliative care
Some home health care
Medicare pays 80% of approved costs and you pay approximately 20%. Part B is optional because you have to pay a monthly premium and meet a deductible before Medicare pays for benefits.
Advanced Medicare
Part A: Hospital
Part B: Medical
Part C: Prescription
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Combines Original Medicare, Part A and Part B, into one plan
Usually 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's Medicare program, but they are offered and managed through private insurers, such as Cigna Healthcare, and may offer plan extras not found in Original Medicare. To enroll, you must be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B.
2. If you choose Original Medicare, decide whether 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
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Helps pay for some healthcare costs (copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles) that Original Medicare does not cover.
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Works with Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans, but not with Medicare Advantage plans (Part C).
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Offers nationwide coverage with no network restrictions.
A Medicare supplement policy (also known as Medigap) is private health insurance that supplements Original Medicare. It helps pay for approximately 20% of Medicare expenses that Original Medicare does not cover, once the Part B deductible has been met.
3. Decide if you need to add prescription drug coverage
Original Medicare or 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 established by Medicare
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Some Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage
Part D plans are part of the government Medicare program, but they 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 healthcare each year. With this in mind, it's no wonder so many people seek healthcare coverage.
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 check that your current insurance provider meets coverage standards.
Keeping your primary coverage allows you to waive Part B of your Medicare plan and retain the other benefits of coverage. This will not affect your Social Security status, but it could have some drawbacks later on.
If you eventually decide to opt into 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 is never too early to start planning for your future. If you would like to learn more about Medicare and how it can help you cover the cost of your healthcare,
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