MEDICARE 101

Medicare basics, and which route is the right one for you. This page covers options: what is the basics for Medicare Part A and B, and the questions you should ask yourself before we meet to get a better idea for your needs.

 Navigating through the maze of Medicare can be a frustrating and cumbersome experience. There are really 2 main options that people who are eligible for Medicare have. When considering these options, the individual's current situation will help determine the best route to take.​ The 2 basic options for Medicare supplemental coverage are 1) traditional Medicare supplement plans; also known as "Medicap" policies; or 2) Medicare Advantage plans. Both will keep the cost of original Medicare down, either paying most of the cost of the Medicare eligible costs, or through cost sharing with maximum out of pocket amounts. Medicare supplement plans pay most or all of the costs left behind by Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans are network cost sharing plans with maximum out of pocket amounts. Both have a place, and  your specific situation would warrant the direction you would want to go. 

This is where most people have a hard time figuring out what to do.​ Some make the mistake of going with the same plan a friend has (because it works for their friend), or get on the same plan as a spouse without taking the following into consideration:

• What are my healthcare needs?
  
• What prescriptions am I taking?
  
• ​Do I want to keep my doctors?
  
• Do I expect to travel?
  
• What is my overall health? ​
  

Taking these questions into consideration while in the ONLY "First Time" Open Enrollment period you have is MOST important! This can be the difference of THOUSANDS of dollars out of YOUR pocket annually!

Medicare Part A

Part A covers these services

      •Hospital Care

      •Skilled Nursing Facility Care

      •Hospice Care

      •Home Health Services ​

For more information about what Medicare Part A covers please visit Medicare.gov 

Medicare Part B

Part B covers these types of services

• Medically necessary services: Services or supplies that are needed to diagnose or treat your medical condition and that meet accepted standards of medical practice.
  
• Preventive Services: Health care to prevent illness (like the flu) or detect it at an early stage, when treatment is most likely to work best. ​
  

For more information about what Medicare Part B covers please visit Medicare.gov 

I am here to help you. I am paid by the insurance carriers, so my service costs you nothing. Here's how it works: I come to you, get to know "your" situation, research your options for Medicare supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans available in the Houston and surrounding areas, and will offer recommendations. You are not obligated to do business with me. If you think I am worth doing business with, then we work together.

Also as a special service to my clients, I do an annual review of the drug plans and Medicare Advantage Plans. If something changes or a plan changes we can make a change too!