Medicare Enrollment Guide for WilCo Seniors

Getting Started with Medicare in Williamson County

Turning 65 is a milestone, and for most people it also means it is time to enroll in Medicare. The process can feel overwhelming with all the plan options, enrollment windows, and fine print. But seniors in Williamson County have access to excellent local resources that can make the whole experience much more manageable.

This guide covers the basics of Medicare enrollment, breaks down your plan options, and points you toward free local help so you can make a confident decision.

When to Enroll

Understanding Medicare's enrollment periods is critical because missing a deadline can mean gaps in coverage or late-enrollment penalties that stick with you permanently.

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). This is a seven-month window that starts three months before the month you turn 65 and ends three months after. This is the most important enrollment period, and signing up during the first three months ensures your coverage starts on time.
• General Enrollment Period. If you miss your IEP, you can sign up between January 1 and March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1. Late-enrollment penalties may apply.
• Annual Open Enrollment (AEP). Running from October 15 through December 7 each year, this is your chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, change prescription drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP). If you have qualifying life events such as losing employer coverage, moving to a new area, or qualifying for Medicaid, you may be eligible to enroll or make changes outside standard windows.

Understanding Your Plan Options

Medicare is not a single plan. It is a system of parts that work together, and you have choices about how to combine them.

• Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health services. Most people pay no premium for Part A if they or their spouse paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years.
• Part B (Medical Insurance) covers doctor visits, outpatient care, preventive services, and medical equipment. The standard Part B premium in 2026 is adjusted annually based on income.
• Part C (Medicare Advantage) is offered by private insurance companies approved by Medicare. These plans bundle Part A and Part B coverage and typically include prescription drug coverage and extras like dental, vision, and hearing. Several Medicare Advantage plans have strong provider networks in Williamson County, including options through Humana, Aetna, and UnitedHealthcare.
• Part D (Prescription Drug Coverage) helps cover the cost of prescription medications. If you choose Original Medicare rather than a Medicare Advantage plan, you will want to add a standalone Part D plan.
• Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies help pay for costs that Original Medicare does not cover, such as copayments, coinsurance, and deductibles. Medigap plans are standardized by letter designation (Plan F, Plan G, Plan N, etc.) and are sold by private insurers.

Choosing the Right Plan for Your Situation

There is no single best Medicare plan. The right choice depends on your health needs, your preferred doctors, your medications, and your budget. Here are some practical tips:

1. Check your doctors. If you have physicians you want to keep seeing, verify they accept the plans you are considering. Baylor Scott & White, Ascension Seton, and St. David's all participate in most Medicare plans, but network details vary.
2. Review your prescriptions. Use Medicare's Plan Finder tool at medicare.gov to compare how different Part D or Advantage plans cover your specific medications.
3. Consider total costs. Do not just look at premiums. Factor in deductibles, copays, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximums to understand your real annual cost.
4. Think about travel. Original Medicare works with any provider nationwide that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage plans may limit you to a regional network, which matters if you spend time outside Texas.

Free Local Help in Williamson County

You do not have to figure this out alone. Williamson County has several free resources staffed by trained counselors who can walk you through your options without trying to sell you anything.

• SHIP (State Health Insurance Assistance Program). Texas SHIP counselors provide free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The Williamson County office can schedule one-on-one appointments in person or by phone.
• Williamson County Area Agency on Aging. Located in Georgetown, the AAA offers Medicare information sessions and can connect you with benefits counselors who understand local plan options.
• Georgetown Senior Activity Center and Round Rock Senior Center. Both host annual Medicare workshops during the fall open enrollment season, often featuring guest speakers from SHIP and local insurance advisors.

Browse our Healthcare & Insurance directory for additional providers and resources in Williamson County.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

A few pitfalls trip up seniors every enrollment season. Keep these in mind:

• Not enrolling during your Initial Enrollment Period, which can trigger permanent premium penalties.
• Assuming Medicare covers everything. It does not cover most dental, vision, hearing, or long-term care services.
• Choosing a plan based only on premium cost without reviewing total out-of-pocket exposure.
• Forgetting to review your plan annually during open enrollment, since plan networks, formularies, and costs change every year.

Taking the time to understand your options now can save you money and stress for years to come. Start with a free counseling session and go from there.