You don’t want to get stuck with the wrong Medicare Supplement Insurance plan. More commonly known as Medigap, these plans help people who are enrolled in Original Medicare take control of their out-of-pocket health insurance costs. Before you enroll in a plan, learn about some of the best Medicare plans in Texas.
Not all Medigap plans are the same. Medicare beneficiaries can choose from several plans with different levels of benefits. Additionally, even though these plans are standardized to a degree, there are differences from carrier to carrier. Some plans provide extra benefits not covered by Original Medicare, such as gym membership, but others don’t. The monthly premiums can also vary significantly between carriers. All this means it’s important to shop around and compare your Medigap options before you settle on a plan.
To help you get started, here’s an overview of some of the best Medigap insurance companies in Texas.
AARP Medicare Supplement from UnitedHealthcare
The AARP Medicare Supplement Insurance plans from UnitedHealthcare are only available to AARP members. Through the Renew Active program, enrollees can access fitness centers and receive other fitness benefits.
- Plans Available: A, B, G, K, L, N, C*, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Accendo CVS/Aetna
Accendo Insurance Company (an affiliate of Aetna) offers Medigap plans in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N, C*, F*
- Monthly Premium Cost*: $120 to $607
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Aetna
Aetna offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, B, D, G, N, C*, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Amerigroup
Amerigroup sells Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Texas. Enrollees have access to the SilverSneakers fitness program. Amerigroup also offers the ScriptSave WellRx program for prescription savings and medication management.
- Plans Available: A, G, N, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
BlueCross BlueShield
BlueCross BlueShield of Texas has Medicare Supplement Insurance plans.
- Plans Available: A, G, K, L, N, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Capitol Life
Capitol Life Insurance Company (owned by Liberty Bankers Insurance Group) provides Medicare Supplement Insurance policies in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, G, N, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Cigna
Cigna sells Medicare Supplement Insurance policies in Texas. Through the Healthy Rewards, enrollees can access discounts on health and wellness programs and a Health Information Line.
- Plans Available: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N, C*, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Humana
Humana offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, B, D, G, K, L, M, N, C*, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Medico
Medico Insurance Company provides Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, G, N, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Mutual of Omaha
Mutual of Omaha offers Medicare Supplement Insurance plans in Texas. The Mutually Well Program provides discounts on healthy living programs and other wellness benefits.
- Plans Available: A, G, N, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: Yes
Sentinel
Sentinel Security Life Insurance Company offers Medicare Insurance Supplement plans in Texas.
- Plans Available: A, B, D, G, N, C*, F*
- Discount for Multi-Insured/Household: No
Select the Best Medigap Plan in Texas
When you review your Medigap options, you’ll probably have some questions. The following FAQ provides the information you’ll need to make an informed decision.
What are the different Medigap policy types in Texas?
Medigap policies are standardized. In Texas, there are 10 Medicare Supplement Insurance plans: A, B, C*, D, F*, G, K, L, M, and N. These plans help cover the out-of-pocket costs associated with hospitalization, hospice care, skilled nursing facility care, medical expenses. and blood transfusions. Some plan types have regular and high deductible options. See this chart from the Texas Department of Insurance for a summary of the benefits provided in each plan.
*In the past, Medigap plans C and F covered the Medicare Part B deductible, but a new rule disallows this. As a result, people who become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, cannot purchase Plan C or Plan F. If you purchased a Plan C or Plan F policy before this date, don’t worry – you can keep your plan.
Who can enroll in Medigap?
To enroll in a Medigap plan, you need to be enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B. Even though some people under age 65 are eligible for Medicare based on their health status, Medigap plans may only be available to enrollees who are age 65 or older.
When should I buy a Medigap plan?
The best time to buy a Medigap plan is during the Medigap Open Enrollment Period. This is a six-month period that starts the first month you have Medicare Part B coverage and you’re 65 or older.
During the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you can purchase any Medigap policy sold in your state, without being subjected to medical underwriting. This means you will not be denied coverage or charged more because of health problems. After the Medigap Open Enrollment Period, you may still be able to buy a Medigap policy, but your application may be subject to medical underwriting, meaning you could be denied coverage or charged higher rates.
Will my policy be canceled if I develop health problems?
No. Once you have enrolled in a Medigap plan, it is guaranteed renewable. As long as you pay the premium, you can keep your policy – the Medicare insurance company cannot cancel it.
Who is covered by my Medigap plan?
Medigap policies provide individual coverage. Your plan will cover you and no one else. This means your spouse will not be covered by your plan. If your spouse is eligible for Medicare and Medigap, he or she may enroll in a separate plan.
Some Medigap insurance companies offer a household discount if at least two adults in the same household enroll. This discount can lower premium costs – it’s something to look into if both you and your spouse need coverage.
Do Medigap plans include prescription drug coverage?
No. In the past, some Medigap plans included prescription drug coverage, but plans sold starting in 2006 are not allowed to include this. Purchase a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan to secure coverage for your prescriptions.
Are Medigap Policies the same as Medicare Advantage Plans?
No. Medigap and Medicare Advantage are both sold by private insurance companies and both may provide additional Medicare benefits, but they differ in important ways.
Medicare Advantage plans combine Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B (and often Medicare Part D) coverage in one plan. Enrollees are responsible for their copays and deductibles. Most Medicare Advantage providers use networks of doctors and hospitals, and your costs may be higher if you see a doctor who is not in your network. Medicare Advantage plans often include extra benefits, such as dental and vision coverage, but this is not true of all plans.
Medigap plans work with Original Medicare to help cover out-of-pocket costs, making costs predictable to enable enrollees to budget. Enrollees can typically see any doctor who accepts Medicare and some plans also cover foreign travel emergencies. Many plans include fitness benefits that provide gym membership and other perks to help you stay healthy, but this is not true of all plans.
Can I combine Medigap with a Medicare Advantage plan?
No. Medigap plans are designed to work with Original Medicare – they do not work with Medicare Advantage plans. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, it’s illegal for someone to sell you a Medigap plan, unless they know you’re switching back to Original Medicare.
When people become eligible for Medicare, they need to decide whether Medigap or Medicare Advantage is a better fit for their needs.
Who sells Medigap plans?
Medigap plans are sold by private insurance companies. To sell Medigap policies, the insurance company needs to be licensed in your state.
How can I receive help selecting a Medigap plan?
If you need help understanding your Medicare options, a licensed insurance agent can help you navigate Texas Medicare supplement plans. Get in touch with Medicare Educators.