WEEK 32 | FREGIA HEALTH INSURANCE SERVICES
Publish Date: August 4, 2026
URL Slug: /blog/medicare-basics-what-texans-should-know
Meta Description: New to Medicare? Learn what Parts A, B, C & D cover, when to enroll, and how a licensed Texas Medicare agent can help — at no extra cost to you.
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Medicare Basics: What Every Texan Should Know Before 65
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If you or a loved one is approaching 65, you’ve probably heard the word “Medicare” more times than you can count. But what exactly is Medicare — and what do you actually need to do to get it?
Here’s a plain-English breakdown for Texans who want straight answers without the government jargon.
WHAT IS MEDICARE?
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Medicare is a federal health insurance program administered by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). It generally covers:
• U.S. citizens and legal permanent residents age 65 or older
• Certain individuals under 65 with qualifying disabilities
• People with End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) or ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease)
THE FOUR PARTS OF MEDICARE
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Medicare isn’t one-size-fits-all. It’s divided into four parts — each covering a different type of care:
Part A – Hospital Insurance
Covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay no monthly premium for Part A if they (or a spouse) paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
Part B – Medical Insurance
Covers doctor visits, outpatient services, preventive screenings, and durable medical equipment. Part B has a monthly premium that may vary based on your income.
Part C – Medicare Advantage
A private insurance alternative to Original Medicare that bundles Parts A and B — and usually Part D — into one plan. Many plans include added benefits such as dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
Part D – Prescription Drug Coverage
Helps cover the cost of prescription medications. Available as a standalone plan alongside Original Medicare or included in most Medicare Advantage plans.
WHEN CAN YOU ENROLL?
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Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) opens 3 months before your 65th birthday month and closes 3 months after — a 7-month window. Missing this window without qualifying employer coverage can result in lifelong late enrollment penalties that permanently increase your monthly premiums.
Still working and covered by an employer health plan? You may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP) that allows you to delay Medicare without penalty. Timing matters — talk to a licensed Medicare agent before making this decision.
YOU DON’T HAVE TO FIGURE THIS OUT ALONE
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Medicare has a lot of moving parts, and the rules can change every year. As a licensed, independent Medicare insurance agent serving Liberty, TX and the greater Houston area, Fregia Health Insurance Services helps you understand your options and find a plan that fits your health needs and your budget — at no cost to you.
Call or text us: 936-755-3018
Visit us online: www.fregiains.com
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DISCLOSURES
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Fregia Health Insurance Services is an independent licensed insurance agency. We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY users 1-877-486-2048, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, to get information on all of your options.
This content is provided for informational and educational purposes only and does not constitute medical, legal, or financial advice. Medicare benefits, costs, premiums, and plan availability are subject to change annually. Always verify current details at Medicare.gov or consult a licensed Medicare professional in your area.
