Medicare Advantage plans are available in Texas and can be a great way to get your health care coverage. These plans are offered through private insurance companies and provide all of the benefits of Original Medicare. As well as some extra features that can be very helpful. In this blog post, we will discuss the different types of Medicare Advantage plans. Especially plans that are available in Texas, as well as the benefits that they offer. We will also compare these plans to Original Medicare so that you can decide if a Medicare Advantage plan is right for you!

Medicare Advantage

How Many Plans Are Available?

Plans are required to offer the same level of care as Original Medicare and may include additional health care benefits, such as prescription drug coverage, routine hearing, vision, and dental exams, and fitness club memberships:

  • In 2022, there are 337 Medicare Advantage Plans available in Texas
  • 100% of the total Medicare population in Texas has access to a Medicare Advantage Plan with a $0 monthly premium in 2024
  • In 2021, the average monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Texas is $10.68, a decrease from $11.11 in 2023
  • Fifty-four Medicare Advantage Plans offer innovative benefits, such as wellness and health care planning, reduced cost-sharing, and rewards and incentives programs in 2024

Designed to be an all-in-one solution, Medicare Advantage Plans are offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies. There are several types of Medicare Advantage Plans available, depending on your insurance provider and location. Learn the differences between these plans and how they affect your coverage so that you can make the right choice for your medical situation.

What Carriers Are Available?

A variety of carriers are available in Texas, including:

  • Aetna
  • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
  • Cigna
  • Humana
  • UnitedHealthcare

These are just a few of the many carriers that offer Medicare Advantage plans in Texas. Each carrier offers different types of plans, so it’s important to compare your options before enrolling in a plan.

What Types of Plans Are Available?

There are several types of Medicare Advantage plans available in Texas, including:

Each type of Medicare Advantage plan has its own unique set of benefits and drawbacks, so it’s important to compare your options before enrolling in a plan.

Here is a Breakdown

HMOs: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs) are one type of Medicare Advantage plan. With this type of plan, you will be required to use doctors and other health care providers that are in the HMO network. You will also need to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist.

PPOs: Preferred Provider Organizations (PPOs) are another type of Medicare Advantage plan. With this type of plan, you will have the flexibility to see any doctor that accepts Medicare, but you will save money if you use doctors that are in the PPO network. You do not need a referral to see a specialist with this type of plan.

PFFSs: Private Fee-for-Service Plans (PFFSs) are another type of Medicare Advantage plan. With this type of plan, you can see any doctor that accepts the PFFS plans terms and conditions. You do not need a referral to see a specialist with this type of plan.

SNPs: Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are another type of Medicare Advantage plan that is specifically designed for people with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart disease. With this type of plan, you will be required to use doctors and other health care providers that are in the SNP network. You will also need to get a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist.

MSAs: Medicare Medical Savings Accounts (MSAs) are another type of Medicare Advantage plan. With this type of plan, you will have a high deductible, but you will be able to use the money in your MSA to pay for your health care expenses.

When to sign up for Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas

If you want to enroll in a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Part B, and you cannot be enrolled in Medigap. Enrollment is available to seniors 65 and older and those with a qualifying disability.

Your disability typically qualifies if you’ve received at least 24 Social Security or Railroad Retirement Board (RRB) Disability Insurance payments. You can also enroll in Medicare Advantage Plans if you have End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).

If you have any questions or need help signing up. Please give us a call.