Helpful Hints About Medicare and Medicare Supplement
Coverage

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What You Should Know About Your Medicare Card

  • Your Medicare card will have your Medicare health insurance number on it, which is usually a nine-digit number followed by one or two letters.
  • When a husband and wife both have Medicare, each receives his or her own card and Medicare number.
  • Your card will show the parts of Medicare you have: Medicare Part A - Hospital and/or Medicare Part B - Medical. The card will give the date each part started.
  • You should keep your card in a safe place.
  • If your Medicare card is lost or stolen, you can apply for a replacement by contacting Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 or visit the Social Security Administration website .

Applying for Medicare Supplement Coverage

If coverage is offered, you'll receive an ID card and a policy to examine for 30 days at no cost to you. When you are satisfied with the policy, be sure to pay the first premium to activate your coverage. If you change your mind: Return the policy and ID card by delivering or mailing it to the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) (the Insurer) administrative office, branch office or agent through whom it was purchased. Any premiums paid will be returned.

If you supply us with the necessary information required, we'll provide a free online quote. You can then complete an application for coverage online. Even after you choose an insurance plan and begin the application process, you are not obligated to buy one of our quality Medicare Supplement insurance plans.

Coverage can begin almost immediately. Just submit your completed application. Once you are approved, we will send you an ID card, policy and a bill for your first premium. Your coverage begins once you pay your first premium.

You have two payment options. You can have your premium payment directly withdrawn monthly from your bank account or you can choose to be billed every month, every two months, every three months, every six months or once a year. Credit card payments are not accepted.

If you are under age 65 and Medicare Disabled, BCBSTX has an option for you. To be eligible for coverage, you must be under age 65, reside in Texas and have Medicare Parts A and B. You must also apply within six months of your Medicare Part B effective date or qualify as an Eligible Person. If you meet these conditions, you are eligible for Plan A, which is guaranteed issue (no health questions asked). For more information, please call us at 1-888-731-0415.

Coverage and Care

If you need medical attention while out of state, present your card to the doctor or hospital. If Medicare approves the charges, we will also approve your services.