Golden Plan Choice can help you with your Houston, TX Medicare enrollment. Medicare is an option for millions of people in the U.S. and can provide health care and financial protection. However, to receive these benefits, you will need to sign up for a plan when it’s available.
Let us help with your Houston TX Medicare Enrollment process.
Health insurance is a major concern in today’s market. No one wants to pay for pricey medical procedures out of their pocket. Medical insurance is one way to ensure that you can afford the health care you need. And one way the government helps is by offering health insurance programs, like Medicare.
So, who can enroll in the Medicare program? There are a few conditions to qualify for the program. Although there are some exceptions, you typically need to be at least 65 years old. You must also be a legal resident or citizen of the U.S. for at least five years and have paid Medicare taxes for ten or more years.
You can enroll in the Medicare program in person, by phone, or online. While there are plenty of resources to help out with enrolling in Medicare, the agents at Golden Plan Choice can walk you through it.
The Basics of the Medicare Program
Medicare is a government-run health insurance program for people age 65 and older, as well as for people with disabilities. So long as you meet the conditions, you can apply for the program. There are different Medicare plans, and each offers different benefits.
You can break each plan down into various parts. There are three main parts: Part A, Part B, and Part D.
Part A – This portion of Medicare covers your hospital fees. Specifically, it helps with inpatient care, nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. For most, Part A is free to you since you’ve been paying Medicare taxes.
Part B – This part covers most of your other medical expenses. It covers your doctors’ services, outpatient care, and home health care expenses. It also helps with the cost of medical equipment (walker, wheelchairs, etc.) and a list of preventive services (screenings, vaccines, and checkups). You can opt out of Part B since you’ll need to pay a monthly premium to enjoy its coverage.
Part D – Unlike the other two parts, Part D isn’t available as part of the original Medicare program. You can find plans for this part from private insurance companies. It helps with the costs of prescription or other over-the-counter drugs.
What to Expect During Your Houston, TX Medicare Enrollment
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Some people will automatically enroll in the Medicare program once they reach 65. However, not everyone will. Those who don’t need to enroll when the option is available to them, otherwise they won’t enjoy its benefits.
You can complete the Houston, TX Medicare enrollment process online, by phone, or in person. You can apply for Medicare during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP), which is a seven-month period that starts three months before you turn 65, includes the month you turn 65 and ends three months after you turn 65.
When you sign up for the program, you have two general options. You can sign up to only get Medicare benefits. Or, you can apply to get benefits from Social Security (or the Railroad Retirement Board). Once they approve you to get Social Security benefits, you’ll also automatically get coverage that falls under Part A, and you can elect to add Part B afterward.
If you don’t enroll in Medicare during your IEP, you can still enroll during the General Enrollment Period, which is from January 1 to March 31 each year. The general enrollment period is also the only time you can change your existing Medicare plan.
Can You Add Anything to Your Medicare Plan?
For some, the basic Medicare insurance plan can’t cover everything you need. That’s why there are alternative and supplemental plans available. These plans aren’t part of the program themselves but instead are offered by private insurance companies.
Some people opt to find a plan that covers the “gaps” in Medicare’s basic coverage. These plans are Medicare Supplement insurance plans. Also called “Medigap,” these plans can help cover copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles.
There are a number of requirements you must meet in order to qualify for Medigap coverage. First, you must enroll in Medicare Part A and Part B. You must also live in the United States and cannot have end-stage renal disease. You also can’t be a part of an alternative Medicare plan.
Speaking of alternative Medicare plans, one alternative to original Medicare is Medicare Advantage. It bundles together Medicare Part A and Part B. Some also include provisions for Part D. Often, Medicare Advantage plans also include additional benefits that original Medicare plans don’t offer, such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Each Medicare Advantage plan must meet certain requirements set by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). To be eligible for a Medicare Advantage plan, you must be enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B. You can’t enroll in a Medigap plan at the same time, so you’ll need to make the decision beforehand.
Golden Plan Choice has both Medigap and Medicare Advantage plans available. We can help you find the additional coverage you need with your original Medicare plan. With our expertise, we can help you through the Medicare enrollment period.
Contact Us to Help with Your Houston Medicare Enrollment
Get the assistance you need when you call or visit Golden Plan Choice.
The high cost of health care has led many people to worry about their ability to afford necessary treatments. One way to ensure that you can always get the health care you need is to sign up for a health insurance plan. The government offers a number of health insurance programs, like the Medicare program.
In order to be eligible for these benefits, however, you will need to sign up for a plan when it becomes available. Golden Plan Choice is the best resource for individuals looking for assistance with the enrollment process. Our team of experts can help you navigate the system and find the right health insurance plan for your needs. Call us or visit our location today to get started on your Houston, TX Medicare enrollment process.
Houston, Texas Fun Facts:
- The city used to be the capital of Texas before the officials moved it to Austin.
- Houston gets its name from Sam Houston, a military commander.
- However, the city wasn’t founded by him but by two businessmen who named it in his honor.
- For more fun facts, visit the city’s official page.