Question 1

When should I enroll in Medicare?

Accepted Answer

Your initial enrollment period begins three months before the month you turn 65 and extends three months after. If you are still working and covered by an employer plan with 20 or more employees, you can delay Part B enrollment without penalty. Once your employer coverage ends, you have an eight-month special enrollment period to sign up. Missing your enrollment window can result in permanent premium penalties, so it is important to understand your specific timeline.

Question 2

What is the difference between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage?

Accepted Answer

Original Medicare consists of Part A (hospital) and Part B (outpatient) and lets you see any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare nationwide. You can add a Medigap supplement to reduce out-of-pocket costs and a Part D plan for prescriptions. Medicare Advantage (Part C) bundles everything into one plan, often including dental, vision, hearing, and prescription coverage, but typically requires you to use a network of providers. Both options have trade-offs, and a local Medicare advisor can help you compare.

Question 3

Are there free Medicare counseling services in Williamson County?

Accepted Answer

Yes, the State Health Insurance Assistance Program, known as SHIP in Texas, provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling through the Area Agency on Aging of the Capital Area. Trained volunteers can help you understand your coverage options, compare plans, resolve billing issues, and navigate enrollment. These counselors are not affiliated with any insurance company, so their advice is truly independent. Contact the Area Agency on Aging to schedule an appointment.

Question 4

Can I change my Medicare plan after open enrollment?

Accepted Answer

Outside of the Annual Enrollment Period in the fall, your options for changing plans are limited but do exist. The Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from January through March lets you switch from one Advantage plan to another or drop Advantage and return to Original Medicare. Special enrollment periods are triggered by qualifying events like moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid. A local Medicare advisor can help you determine if you qualify for a special enrollment period.

Question 5

What does Medicare Part D cover?

Accepted Answer

Medicare Part D covers prescription drugs through private insurance plans approved by Medicare. Each plan has a formulary listing covered medications organized into tiers with different copay levels. Plans vary in which drugs they cover and how much they charge, so it is important to compare plans using your specific medication list during open enrollment. The Medicare Plan Finder tool at Medicare.gov lets you enter your prescriptions and compare estimated annual costs across available plans in Williamson County.

Medicare & Insurance Advisors for Seniors in Williamson County

Texas Medicare Shop

Texas Medicare Advisors

Billy Williams - Medicare Health Insurance Options

Hanson Insurance

Mirkes Insurance Solutions LLC

AJ Benefit Advisors

Allison Dickmann - State Farm Insurance Agent

Frequently Asked Questions

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