Medicare plays a key role in providing health and financial security to beneficiaries residing in Texas. With more than 4.2 million Texas beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare, we’ll cover some very important information below about Medicare in Texas. We want to help you better understand your options and make the decision-process as seamless as possible once you’re ready to enroll in Medicare or discover different coverage options.
Texas Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Insurance and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
For more information on how you can save money on your out-of-pocket costs with a Part C, Part D, or Medigap plan, please click the plans below to learn more. Licensed agents can also answer any of your questions and help you find a plan that fits your needs, lifestyle, and budget by clicking here.
Texas Medicare Enrollments
Original Medicare Plans (Part A and B)
Medicare Advantage & Other Health Plans
Stand-alone Medicare Part D (Drug Plans)
Total Medicare Beneficiaries in Texas
Who Qualifies for Medicare in Texas?
Medicare covers most Texas residents who are 65 or older, and it also covers disabled Texas residents. In general, Medicare enrollment in Texas works the same way as it does in the rest of the country. If you qualify for Original Medicare, also known as Part A and Part B, it will help cover 80% of your health care costs.
When you’re first eligible for Medicare, you have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period to sign up for Part A and/or Part B. If you’re eligible for Medicare when you turn 65, you can sign up during the 7-month period that:
- Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
- Includes the month you turn 65
- Ends 3 months after the month you turn 65
In most cases, if you don’t sign up for Part B when you’re first eligible, you’ll have to pay a late enrollment penalty. You’ll be responsible for paying this penalty for as long as you have Part B, and you could have a gap in your health coverage.
Once you reach Medicare eligibility, you can begin choosing additional coverage options to help pay for the remaining 20% of your medical expenses through Medicare Advantage (Part C), Medigap, and/or a Medicare Prescription Drug (Part D) plan.
Local Medicare Health Plan Resources in Texas
Texas Health Insurance Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP): If you are eligible for Medicare, the Texas’ Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program can help you enroll, find information and provide counseling about your options. This partnership between the Texas Health and Human Services system, Texas Legal Services Center, and the Area Agencies on Aging trains and oversees certified benefits counselors across the state. This service is free of charge and available to Medicare beneficiaries aged 60 and older and adults with disabilities.
Contact: Call (800) 252-9240 or search for a local office online at the Texas Medicare website.Texas’ Managed Care Quality Assurance Office helps members of the public who are enrolled in managed care plans, including Medicare Advantage HMOs. The organization is responsible for licensing HMO providers and assuring that program participants have access to the care they’re promised by their insurance provider.
Contact: Call (866) 554-4926 and select option 8.Texas Aging and Disability Resource Centers: The 28 area agencies on aging (AAA) provide services to help people age 60 and older, their family members and caregivers receive the information and assistance they need in locating and accessing community services.
Contact: Log onto the Texas Health and Human Services website to find the location nearest you.Houston-Galveston Area Medicare Benefits Counselors help older and disabled Texans that are new or on Medicare compare and choose the best Medicare plans that are offered in their area. They can help you choose between traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C). They can assist with comparing the different drug plans (Part D) that are available to beneficiaries. Benefits Counselors also can assist with general questions about meals, transportation, and unrelated questions to in-home care. Assistance with application for Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is also available.
Contact: Call (713) 627-3200
The licensed agents that are partnered with Timefor65 can help you compare the availability, benefits, and costs of Medicare plans in your specific region of Texas. Our process makes it easier for you to access your Medicare eligibility in Texas so that you receive personalized, affordable, and easy-to-use coverage options and solutions. Fill out the form or give us a call at (866) 327‑0148 anytime to get a free quote or to ask any questions.