Texas Trusted Advisors, An Asset Protection Company

Medicare Supplements & Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Basics

Signing up for Medicare can be complicated and confusing. Understanding the coverage, deadlines, and various options deserves your attention, as your choices will directly affect your healthcare and budget. The licensed insurance agents at Texas Trusted Advisors offer clients Medicare Supplements and Medicare Advantage Plans. But first, let’s cover the basics.

Understanding Medicare

What is Medicare? Medicare is a health insurance program for people age 65 and older, with a few exceptions. Different parts of Medicare cover different services:

  • Part A, or “Hospital Insurance,” covers inpatient hospital stays, care in a skilled nursing facility, hospice care, and some home healthcare.
  • Part B, or “Medical Insurance,” covers certain doctor services, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventative services.
  • Part D, or “Prescription Drug Coverage,” helps cover the cost of prescription drugs, including many recommended shots and vaccines.

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    With Medicare, you determine how to take your coverage. There are two main ways that people take their coverage:


    1. Original Medicare – This includes Parts A and B as listed above. Original Medicare pays for much, but not all of the healthcare services and supplies that many people need. Therefore, a Medicare Supplement Insurance (also called Medigap) policy, issued by private insurance companies approved by Medicare, can help pay some of the remaining healthcare costs like copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Some Medigap policies also pay for services that Original Medicare doesn’t, like emergency care when traveling outside the U.S.
    2. Medicare Advantage – This is a Medicare-approved plan also offered by a private company that is an alternative option to Original Medicare for health and drug coverage. Parts A, B, and usually D are “bundled” in the plan. Plans may offer extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t, like vision, hearing, and dental services. Medicare Advantage Plans have yearly contracts with Medicare and must adhere to the coverage rules. Medicare Advantage Plans can charge different out-of-pocket costs and have different regulations for how you get services, so it’s essential to pay attention to the plan details. 

Medicare Supplements or Medigap

If you are interested in learning more about or enrolling in a Medicare Supplement Plan (also called Medigap), Texas Trusted Advisors can help you. As noted above, this is extra insurance you can buy from a private health insurance company to help pay your share of out-of-pocket costs not covered (such as Part D) by Original Medicare. Generally, you must have Original Medicare to buy a supplemental policy. Let us explain your options at no-cost to you, as well as help you navigate the process and deadlines.

Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans are another option to get your Medicare Part A and B coverage. Medicare Advantage Plans, sometimes called “Part C” or “MA Plans,” are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that are required to follow rules set by Medicare. Most Medicare Advantage Plans include drug coverage (Part D). You’ll want to use healthcare providers who participate in the plan’s network and service areas to receive the lowest costs. These plans limit on what you’ll have to pay out-of-pocket each year for covered services, protecting you from unexpected expenses. Some plans offer out-of-network coverage, which often comes at a higher cost. The licensed insurance agents at Texas Trusted Advisors can help explain your options when determining which Medicare Advantage Plan is right for you.

Medicare Advantage Plans are insured or covered by a Medicare Advantage organization with a Medicare contract and/or a Medicare-approved Part D sponsor. Enrollment in the plan depends on the plan’s contract renewal with Medicare. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options. Availability of benefits and plans varies by carrier and location. Deductibles, copays and coinsurance may apply. Plans purchased after initial enrollment period are subject to eligibility requirements. 


We are not affiliated with Medicare or any other government agency. By contacting us, you will be connected with a licensed insurance agent.

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