Original Medicare is sometimes referred to as traditional Medicare. It consists of Medicare Part A (Hospital Benefits) and Medicare Part B (Outpatient Benefits).
Medicare Part A has no premium as long as you or a spouse have worked 40 quarters (10 years) over your lifetime in the U.S. If you have done so, you will automatically receive your Medicare Part A card a few months before you turn 65.
Medicare Part B has a monthly premium that is based on your income level over the last 2 years. For most people, the Medicare Part B premium is $134 in 2017. This premium can go up a bit each year due to ordinary inflation. People with higher incomes may pay more for Part B based on their modified adjusted gross income for their household.
Enrollment into Part B is NOT automatic unless you are already receiving Social Security or Railroad Retirement benefits.
You can initiate your enrollment at the Social Security office or online at their website.
Medicare Part B has an Initial Enrollment period of 7 months. It begins 3 months before you turn 65 and ends 3 months after the month in which you turn 65. If you do not enroll in Part B during this period, you may have to wait to apply during the next General Enrollment period. The GEP runs annually from January 1st – March 31st. You may then be subject to a penalty for waiting to enroll. Your benefits also will not begin until the following July.
Medicare Part D is optional prescription drug coverage. To enroll in a Texas Medicare Part D plan, you will simply choose a Part D carrier that has the right formulary and benefits for your individual needs. A Texas insurance agent who specializes in Medicare-related products can be very helpful in ensuring that you get the most mileage out of your Medicare dollar.
Once you apply for Medicare Part B, you automatically initiate your open enrollment window to elect a Texas Medicare supplement without having to answer health questions. You will have 6 months to enroll in a medicare supplement without health questions.
What happens if you fail to enroll in a Medicare supplement during this time? It means that if you wish to apply for a supplement later, you must undergo medical underwriting. There is no guarantee that you will be accepted.
Have more questions about Medicare Part B enrollment? Call one of friendly Texas insurance agent advisors at our number listed at the top of this page. Or, to proceed with choosing your supplement, complete our Medicare Supplement Quote Form.
Shopping for a Medicare supplement in Texas has never been easier. You can find everything you need to know right here.
Get quotes and information about all of the major Medicare insurance carriers.
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