Replacing Medicare Health Insurance in Texas

You may want to replace your Medicare plan because you got better coverage. However, to replace your Medicare plan, you will need to cancel your Medicare coverage and ensure that the cancellation takes effect on the date your new coverage begins.

If you intend on doing this, speak to an insurance agent in Texas to know the possible implications of your action. They can also guide and help you during the replacement process.

How Do I Switch My Medicare Insurance to Another?

You can only switch plans during enrollment periods, so you need to understand how each enrollment period works to know when to switch Medicare insurance in Texas.

Initial Enrollment Period: This is when you initially qualify to sign up for Medicare. Initial Enrollment Period for someone who is just about to turn 65 years is seven months. This starts three months before their 65th year birthday and ends on the third month after they turn 65. For people with disabilities, End-stage renal disease (ESRD), or amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), it is when they are diagnosed.
Open Enrollment Period: This is from October 15 to December 7 every year. You can switch from an old plan to a new one during this period. Your coverage will start on January 1 if your new plan receives your request by December 7. Below is a list of things you can do during the open enrollment period:

• Move from Original Medicare to Medicare Advantage.
• Move from Medicare Advantage back to Original Medicare.
• Switch from a Medicare Advantage Plan to another Medicare Advantage Plan. This includes switching from a plan with drug coverage to one without drug coverage and vice versa.
• Switch from a drug plan to another drug plan.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: This starts from January 1 and ends on March 31 every year. In the course of this period, you can switch from a Medicare Advantage plan to a new plan or back to Original Medicare (and enroll in a separate drug plan). After you ask to join the plan, your coverage will begin on the first day of the following month.

Special Enrollment Periods: They work based on special circumstances. Medicare allows you to change your plan because of certain events that occur in your life. The rules for what you can do when certain events happen differ. Common special circumstances that qualify you to switch plans are when you change where you live, you are no more qualified for Medicaid, and when Medicare terminates or sanctions your plan’s contract. When events like these happen, Medicare allows you to switch plans immediately, without waiting for the next open enrollment period so that you do not have to be without coverage for some time.

To switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, you can visit a local Social Security office, inform your present insurance provider directly, or call Medicare on (800) 633-4227.

If you want to switch from one Medicare Advantage plan to another or a drug plan to another, just join your desired plan during the appropriate enrollment period. Ensure you switch as soon as you can so that you will be given a membership card by your new plan when your coverage starts. You will also get a letter from your plan informing you when your coverage starts. If a plan provider calls you, do not give them your personal information except you are a member.

How Can I Replace My Medicare Insurance?

You can replace your Medicare Advantage or drug plan with a new plan during an enrollment period. Simply check the plan that you want and choose it. You will be disenrolled from your old plan immediately, and your new plan’s coverage will kick-off.

If you perceive that you chose the wrong plan because of inaccurate or misleading information, you can call (800) 633-4227 and explain your situation. In addition, Medicare can provide you with choices for making changes throughout the year.

How Can I Replace My Medicare Insurance if I Find a Better Deal?

Let’s say you discover a better Medicare Advantage or drug plan than your current Medicare coverage. You can only replace your current plan during an open enrollment period or a special enrollment period in that circumstance.

If you find better health coverage outside Medicare, you can simply cancel your Medicare plan. This deal may be from your employer or union. It may also be for you to join the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Veteran Affairs (VA), or TRICARE. You can cancel your Medicare plan either by visiting a local Social Security office, calling Medicare on (800) 633-4227, or directly contacting your insurance provider.

Can I Switch My Medicare Insurance to Another Company?

Yes. You can switch your Medicare Advantage plan from one provider to another. You can also leave your Medicare plan to:

• Enroll in a private plan offered by your employer or union
• Join the Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), Veteran Affairs (VA), or TRICARE

Consult an insurance agent in Texas for more information about how you can make this switch.

What Happens if You Change Medicare Insurer Companies?

It depends on the company you join to provide you with Medicare Advantage or Prescription Drug coverage in Texas. For Medicare Advantage plans, while they will provide you with all the benefits of Original Medicare, they will have different extra benefits. For example, some companies can provide routine eye, ear, and dental checks and prescription coverage. Some others may provide some or none of those extra benefits. For Prescription Drug plans, it depends on what drugs are on their coverage list. Ensure that the drugs include the drugs you may or will need.

When changing Medicare insurance providers, speak with a licensed agent in Texas to find out what will happen to you. They will inform you of the effects of such a choice based on your individual circumstances.

Can I Change Medicare Insurance Companies at Any Time?

No. You cannot change Medicare insurance companies at any time. The only times you can change Medicare insurance providers is during an open enrollment period or a special enrollment period. To learn more about changing insurance carriers under Medicare, contact a registered insurance agent in Texas.