Medicare is federally supported health insurance. It is an essential service for ensuring older adults and those with severe disabilities have access to affordable and quality care.

Who Is Eligible for Medicare

• People aged 65 and older
• People with disabilities 
• People with long-term conditions 

Components of Medicare 

There are four main components of Medicare: Part A, Part B, Part C and Part D.

Part A

Referred to as hospital insurance and covers inpatient services in nursing facilities, hospice care, home care and hospitals.

Part B

Referred to as medical insurance and covers outpatient care, home health care, preventative services (vaccines, screening, yearly checkups, etc.) and medical equipment (walkers, wheelchairs, etc.)

Part C

Referred to as Medicare Advantage, which is an alternative plan that usually includes Parts A, B and D.

Part D

Referred to as drug coverage and helps with the cost of prescription medications (can also include vaccines). 

Medicare Coverage in Texas

Medicare provides support for health issues of patients across many demographics. Texas has a large elderly population with about 4 million residents over age 65 recorded in 2020. 

As of July 2023, there are about 260,000 people over the age of 65 in Bexar County, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.

As of February 2024, 323,428 Bexar County residents are enrolled in Medicare.

Benefits of Medicare 

• Offers a financial safety net from potentially catastrophic medical expenses, which is important for those with fixed incomes or limited resources. 
• Offers a wider range of providers to choose from, allowing the patient to pursue care without compromising the quality of care they are receiving. 
• Serves as an economic backbone for the health care industry by providing a consistent stream of reimbursement payments for services provided to those on Medicare. 

University Health Resources

Financial Assistance and Health Coverage Options

University Health links patients to health coverage options that fit their needs. Learn more on our website.

Senior Health Services & Support

University Health senior services hosts informational classes during Medicare open enrollment season, which is in the fall every year. Please call 210-358-7477 or email Senior.Services@uhtx.com for more information. 

Community Resources 

Medicare is not a “one size fits all” service. There are multiple ways to use it and factors such as age, employment and level of impairment that may contribute to when you decide to enroll in Medicare. To learn more, visit Medicare.gov.