Guest Blogger:
Rebecca Pope
Virtual Care Advocate
Picking the best health insurance plan for you and your family, which will adequately meet both your health and financial needs, is notoriously complicated and stressful. Unfortunately, enrolling in Medicare is no different and it can be challenging to find the accurate information you need to make an informed decision..
Medicare is a federal health insurance program for people over the age of 65, those with certain disabilities, and individuals with end-stage kidney disease.
There are numerous decisions to make when it comes to Medicare enrollment, and in Texas, there are a number of options to choose from, such as Original Medicare, Medicare Advantage plans, Medicare Prescription Drug Coverage, and Medicare Supplement Insurance. It can be overwhelming to weigh the costs and benefits of each option, and often it’s not exactly clear what those are. More than two million people in Texas have Medicare, so it’s crucial that Texans have all of the information they need to make the best healthcare decisions. Having easy-to-understand, accurate information that gives the full picture of your options will help you build a policy that fits both your health care needs and budget.
Quick facts:
2.4 million people are enrolled in Original Medicare in Texas
The average plan cost is $0 to $471 per month for Part A and $148.50 per month for Part B.
Annual spending per beneficiary is $11,627
Spending per beneficiary is 15% higher in Texas compared to the national average
Overview of Medicare Plan Options
If you’re in good health and you have no reason to believe you will need significant care within the next year, Original Medicare may be the right plan for you to choose. Original Medicare combines Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance) and Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance). If you will need more comprehensive coverage, it could be worth investing in a Texas Medicare Advantage plan, which may cost you more out-of-pocket. Medicare Advantage Plans are an alternative to Original Medicare and are offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare.
Visit Medicare in Texas to learn more and to find a list of additional local resources.
