Saturday, January 31, 2009

How Older Adults And Seniors Can Get Health Insurance

By Jordan FeRoss

Older adults can face special challenges when attempting to obtain health insurance in Texas. Many health insurance providers are all too aware of the potential for large and numerous health care claims from this demographic and want to avoid these increased claims. The age and health history of a person will be taken into serious consideration when an insurance company considers selling a policy to an individual.

Of course, it isn't impossible for older adults to get health insurance in Texas. A person age 65 or older who has worked for ten years, or is married to someone who has worked for that length of time might be able to qualify for Medicare through the government. Medicare will cover most, but not necessarily all of a person's health care needs and they may still need some additional coverage.

There are other ways to qualify for Medicare, as well, such as having a serious illness or disability. A person who has been receiving income from the Social Security Administration for at least two years may also qualify for Medicare. A person whose spouse qualifies for Medicare may also qualify automatically. This is one way for older adults to get health insurance in Texas.

Though Medicare covers the majority of medical expenses, there can still be some bills the insured will need to cover. To help keep these costs down, you may choose supplemental insurance to augment your Medicare benefits. These plans are designed to work with Medicare and cover the costs the government plan does not. Similar to many group insurance plans, there are open enrollment periods for supplemental insurers and you'll want to be sure you don't miss what is often a narrow window to apply. If you do miss the open enrollment, you may need to wait until the following year before you are fully covered by your health insurance in Texas and will be charged for any uncovered Medicare claims in the interim.

Not everyone will need a Medicare supplement, but for those that do it saves them a lot of money each year and may allow them medical care that they could not otherwise afford. There are also additional health insurance options in Texas that may be purchased. Some older adults have health insurance included in their retirement packages that will suit them well and cover any additional medical costs.

If a person needs help applying for Medicare, there is a Health and Human Services department in Texas to help them. The social workers there can help you find out if you are eligible for Medicare. There is also a website for the federal government where a person can get more information about Medicare and how to get the health insurance in Texas that they need.

Finally, a note on Medicare's prescription drug benefit. Older adults who depend on Medicare for their prescriptions and health insurance in Texas must beware of the limited coverage for this portion of their benefit. Prescriptions for older adults can be very costly and further justifies the need for supplemental insurance to ensure everything is covered. By being aware and informed of all their choices for health insurance in Texas, older adults and seniors will find themselves with fewer out-of-pocket costs and better coverage for their specific needs. While it can be a frustrating process, it is necessary to be vigilant about your health insurance in Texas to avoid excessive financial burden in retirement.

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