Simply put, Medicare is a government funded healthcare program that is designed to provide special coverage for people who fit a certain criteria. To qualify for Medicare, you must be 65 years or older, or if you are younger than 65, you must have certain disabilities, or have End-Stage Renal Disease. Consult with our Houston healthcare providers to learn if you qualify for Medicare and how you can enroll today.
WHAT IS MEDICARE?

THE 4 PARTS OF MEDICARE
MEDICARE PART A
DOES IT COVER HOSPITAL INSURANCE?
Medicare Part A is hospital insurance that typically covers skilled nursing care, hospice care, inpatient hospital care, and some limited, at-home healthcare services paid by a deductible as well as coinsurance and copayments.
MEDICARE PART B
DOES IT COVER MEDICAL INSURANCE?
Medicare Part B pertains to medical coverage such as doctors visits, outpatient care, medical supplies, and preventive services. Contact Phoenix Health & Life Insurance to learn about all the coverage Medicare offers.
MEDICARE PART C
ADVANTAGE PLANS & THEIR COVERAGE
Medicare Part C is another name for Medicare Advantage plans that are offered by private insurance companies and are designed to Include Medicare Part A services, Medicare Part B services, and typically Medicare Part D prescription drug Coverage all rolled into one plan. Part C may also provide additional coverage such as Dental, Vision, Hearing, gym memberships and more.
MEDICARE PART D
DRUG PRESCRIPTION COVERAGE
Medicare Part D helps those who are enrolled cover the cost of their prescription drugs. This can include many things such as shots or vaccines that are recommended by healthcare professionals. Contact McCunis-Fox Health Insurance Brokers of Houston to learn more.
HOW IS A MEDICARE ADVANTAGE HMO VS PPO DIFFERENT?
BENEFITS | HMO | PPO |
You must go to Network Providers for Covered Services | YES | NO |
A Network Primary Care Provider Coordinates your Care | YES | NO |
If Specialist Services are Required, a Referral is Needed | VARIES BY PLAN | NO |
Includes Prescription Drug Coverage | YES | YES |
Includes Annual Out Of Pocket Maximum | YES | YES |

HOUSTON HEALTH INSURANCE?
Regardless of what kind of healthcare coverage you’re looking for, McCunis-Fox Health Insurance Brokers of Houston is an industry leading medical insurance agency that is committed to helping you find the right coverage that fits within the constraints of your budget. Contact our insurance agents today to learn how we can give you a personalized, informative experience.
HOW TO SIGN UP FOR MEDICARE
OUR ONLINE MEDICARE ENROLLMENT PROCESS
When you need help signing up for your Medicare plan, contact our health insurance agents in Houston and learn about our simple, guided online Medicare enrollment process. We can make sure all your bases are covered and you select the right plan to meet your healthcare goals.
SELECT THE TYPE OF MEDICARE PLAN:
ORIGINAL MEDICARE VS MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLANS
BENEFITS | ORIGINAL | ADVANTAGE |
Medicare Part A & B Services are Covered | YES | YES |
Prescription Drugs are Covered | NO | YES (WITH MOST PLANS) |
You May Visit Any Doctor Who Cares for Medicare Patients | YES | DEPENDS ON PLAN |
Provides Additional Benefits such as Vision, Dental, Hearing, etc. | NO | YES (WITH MOST PLANS) |
Service Are Covered Nationwide | YES | EMERGENCY OR PPO |

“CLOSE-THE-GAP” ON LAPSES IN MEDICARE COVERAGE
The coverage gap occurs if the combined amount that you and your healthcare plan pay for prescription drugs reaches a certain limit, you must then pay a greater share of the cost for the remainder of your coverage year. A secondary advantage of being enrolled in a Medicare Supplement Plan is that you are easily able to close this gap and avoid paying extra for necessary prescription drugs.
MEDICARE FAQs
Have Medicare's Enrollment Rules Changed Due To Coronavirus?
Medicare has implemented a special enrollment period due to the health risks associated with COVID-19.
Do I Need To Be On Social Security To Get Medicare Coverage?
No, you do not need to qualify or be on Social Security to get coverage through Medicare.
How Do I Know If I'm Eligible For A Medigap Plan?
If you are enrolled in Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, you are eligible for a Medigap plan. The enrollment period is open for 6 months from the beginning date of your Medicare B coverage.
What Kind Of Health Related Services Are Not Covered In Medicare Plans?
While those enrolled in Medicare plans have a vast majority of their health related services covered, it still falls short in some areas. To learn more about everything covered by Medicare, and what you need, consult with our Houston health insurance agents today.
What Kind Of Out-Of-Pocket Expenses Do Medicare Supplements Cover?
Medicare Supplement policies (Medigap) is standardized coverage that has a wide range of exclusions and inclusions. Consult with our Houston health insurance agents to learn if a Medicare Supplement plan is right for you.
*Medicare has neither endorsed or reviewed this information. McCunis-Fox Health Insurance Brokers of Houston is not connected or affiliated with any Government Agency.