Texas Medicare Supplement policies help with specified Original Medicare cost sharing. Comparing them requires both a benefit comparison and a review of your buying rights. In particular, Texas treats some under-65 situations differently, so a blanket statement that only people 65 or older can obtain Medigap is incorrect.
Check your protected enrollment category
| Situation | Texas protection to review |
|---|---|
| Age 65 or older | Six-month supplement open enrollment associated with Part B. |
| Under 65 with ESRD or ALS | Access to offered supplement plans during the protected period, subject to letter eligibility. |
| Other qualifying disability under 65 | The state open enrollment protection applies to Plan A. |
The Texas Department of Insurance describes additional rate protections for people under 65 with ESRD or ALS. Request a quote under the correct category rather than accepting a generic under-65 estimate. People with disability receive another open enrollment opportunity at 65.
Compare policies consistently
Check the letter, standard or high-deductible version, monthly premium and remaining expenses. Plans C and F are not available to people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. Medigap does not pay Medicare Advantage cost sharing.
- Use the same residence and effective date for quotes.
- Ask how premiums are rated and discounts work.
- Read the outline of coverage and any waiting provisions.
- Check whether a SELECT policy has network requirements.
- Verify acceptance before replacing current coverage.
Outside the initial buying period
A qualifying coverage change may create guaranteed-issue rights. Ask TDI or an insurer to review the notice, deadline and available letters. Annual Medicare plan enrollment alone is not a universal Medigap enrollment protection.
Use TDI's current consumer guide and insurer information. A Licensed Insurance Agent can help compare available policies without claiming a single company is best throughout Texas.
Related coverage questions
- How to Compare Medigap Policies
- Medigap Guaranteed Issue Rights: Eligibility, Deadlines and Proof
- Medigap Under Age 65: Disability, State Rules and Enrollment Rights