Enrolling in a Medicare plan can be a confusing process with so many options available to pick from in Texas. In 2020, Texas touches the mark of 4 million active Medicare beneficiaries, which is around 14% of the total population in the state. And, because of a very large population opting for Medicare insurance plans after the age of 65 or meeting some specific eligibility criteria, Texas offers many great options and lower premiums on Medicare insurance plans than the nationwide average. However, the rules and regulations for Medicare Insurance plans in Texas are identical to the federal rules and regulations for the eligibility, options for coverage, and the timing of benefits.
When it comes to picking the right Medicare insurance plans in Texas, knowing some key facts can help you find the right plan as per your specific health care goals and enroll in it. There is also the option to change your Medicare plans during open enrollment each year, which is between October 15 to December 7. Here’s the quick process that you can follow to enroll in a Medicare Program of your choice:
Know the deadlines
You can enroll in a Medicare program only at certain times in a year. So, make sure you know the enrollment window in Texas without penalties. The window for enrollment is open three months before an individual’s 65th birthday and runs until three months after the birthday. You can check with your Medicare counselor to see when you qualify and when is the right time to sign up for a Medicare plan or renew/change your existing plan.
Calculate the costs
There are different parts of Medicare – Part A, Part B, part C (Medicare Advantage), and Part D and you need to decide which part best suits your requirements. Once you make the final decision, calculate the costs you need to pay for your Medicare coverage as per your specific needs. The cost of your Medicare premiums depends on your current health condition or potential future problems and your monthly income.
The total cost of a Medicare plan depends on many factors such as deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments that are considered while calculating the total cost of a Medicare plan.
Compare Plans
Don’t forget to compare Medicare plans, costs, and benefits before making the final decision. Remember that the cheapest premium doesn’t always mean the lowest total cost. Make sure to enter your prescriptions and specific coverages to see how the total costs vary for different plans, depending on copayments and deductibles. You can also go through customer ratings and reviews, including consumer complaints and satisfaction to decide the right plan for your needs.
Any specific coverage you need
Do you want to add any specific coverage to your Medicare Plan? You must determine whether or not you want coverage for prescription drugs each month in your Medicare plan. If you have any plans to travel in a foreign country, make sure to cover your medical emergencies abroad through your Medicare Insurance Plan. When there are plenty of options available for Medicare insurance plans in Texas, you must be extra careful in comparing all the options and deciding the right option for you. As Medicare plans can be confusing, it is always a good idea to work with Medicare insurance advisors and specialists to find the best Medicare Insurance plan in Texas or any other state in the USA as per your health care goals.