Learn more about the fundamentals of Houston, TX Medicare plans through Golden Plan Choice. Everyone needs a health insurance plan. Even if you think you won’t be going to the hospital any time soon, medical insurance can cover those “what if” moments. And as you grow older, health insurance becomes a necessity.
Golden Plan Choice is here to help you understand the Houston, TX Medicare Plans available to you.
To help our senior citizens receive the health care they need, the federal government has an alternative option to the insurance plans you can get through private insurance companies. This alternative is the Medicare program. This program is a United States federal program that provides health insurance coverage to people who are 65 years of age or older. It provides coverage for hospitalization, physician services, and prescription drugs.
The program is funded by a combination of payroll taxes, premiums, and surtaxes after beneficiaries, so you don’t have to worry about expensive monthly costs. Any legal citizen of the United States that is 65 or older is eligible for Medicare. When it’s almost your 65th birthday, you can enroll in the program and get health insurance.
Although the government offers health insurance for the elderly, it may not be enough to cover everything you need. That’s where you can get supplementary insurance from private insurance companies. Contact Golden Plan Choice to learn more about your Medicare options and the plans that we offer to cover all of your bases.
Everything that is Included with Houston, TX Medicare Plans
Before enrolling in Medicare, it might be best to understand all the fundamental portions so you’re not confused when looking at all options. You can split Medicare into four parts: Part A, Part B, Part C, and Part D. Each piece oversees a different type of coverage you can get through the program.
Part A – This portion of Medicare comes free to you so long as you paid the Medicare taxes while you were still actively working. This portion is funded by payroll taxes and is part of the premium you pay. It covers inpatient hospital care, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home health care. Together, this takes care of the costs of your stay in the hospital or other health care facilities.
Part B – Technically, you can elect not to have this part in your plan. This portion is funded by your monthly premiums and surtaxes from beneficiaries. It covers outpatient medical care, preventive services, and certain medical equipment and supplies. In a nutshell, this pays for your doctor visits.
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Part C – Also called “Medicare Advantage,” this part isn’t usually part of your typical Medicare plans. You pay for Part C by buying it through private insurance companies like ours. They offer the same level of coverage that you can expect from Original Medicare (Parts A and B). However, some Medicare Advantage plans also add coverage for prescription drugs, dental, vision, and hearing that Original Medicare does not.
Part D – These plans offer prescription drug coverage. You can elect to add this to your Original Medicare plan. Unlike Parts A and B, this portion is entirely optional, and you may need to pay extra to get the additional coverage.
What Medicare Advantage Plans Offer
As we mentioned earlier, Medicare Advantage plans in Texas are a type of health insurance that is available through private companies. These companies and plans are approved by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) before becoming available. Although you can get these Houston, TX Medicare plans through companies like Golden Plan Choice, you still have to be eligible for Original Medicare first.
Medicare Advantage health plans offer better comprehensive benefits than most Original Medicare plans. Not only do they include everything that Part A and B have, but it also has the option for additional benefits. The specific benefits depend on which plan you choose. However, most have the option of other prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and hearing.
If you know you need additional coverage on top of what Original Medicare offers you, a Medicare Advantage plan may be viable for you. Contact Golden Plan Choice to learn more about your options. Or learn how to enroll in Medicare.
What are Medicare Supplement Plans (Medigap)?
Maybe Medicare Advantage plans aren’t what you’re looking for. However, the Original Medicare plans also don’t cover everything that you need. Another type of Medicare coverage can substitute for the gaps in Part A and B. Hence, it’s called “Medigap.”
Medigap or Medicare Supplement plans is a type of insurance plan that is designed to cover the gaps in Medicare coverage. These plans are typically offered by private insurance companies like ours and are regulated by the federal government. In general, there are ten types of Medigap plans available, each with its own set of benefits.
Let our team of professional and capable Medicare experts help you manage your Medicare plans.
Most Medigap plans provide coverage for hospital and physician services, which is typical of plans that also include the benefits of Original Medicare. However, some of them also tend to cover Part D’s prescription drugs. Not every plan is the same, so if you need help determining the best one for you, any of the insurance agents at Golden Plan Choice can help you. Our team can help you check all of the details before helping you to enroll in one and get all of the benefits that you need.
Speak with a Professional Insurance Agent Today
Call our Houston office today to schedule an appointment with one of our insurance agents. Or visit your nearest location to learn more about how we can help you enroll in Medicare and manage your health insurance. Everyone needs health care, and the complexities of getting it shouldn’t stop or scare you away. With the help of our team, you can get the Houston, TX Medicare plans and coverage that you need in your retirement.
Houston, Texas Fun Facts:
- The Texas Medical Center or Houston Medical Center is the world’s largest “medical city,” spanning several hundred thousand square feet as part of Houston’s downtown area.
- Memorial Hermann is Houston’s largest non-profit emergency care network.
- Houston is home to the country’s best cancer center: MD Anderson Cancer Center.
- For more fun facts, visit the city’s official page.