LA Castle Brokers Group — Medicare

Medicare in Houston, TX is your right.
Make the most of it
with an expert by your side.

At LA Castle Brokers Group, we compare every plan available in your area and guide you at no cost — in your language.

Free Medicare Plan Review Call Us Now
65+
Age to qualify
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Advisory cost
6+ years
Of certified experience
The basics

The 4 parts of Medicare, explained simply

Medicare has four distinct components. Understanding each one is the first step to making the most of your coverage — and avoiding costly penalties.

A
Hospital & Inpatient Care

Part A — Hospital Insurance

Covers the services you need when you're admitted to the hospital: surgeries, skilled nursing facility care, hospice, and some home health care services.

Premium: Most people pay no premium if they worked 10 or more years in the U.S. and paid Medicare taxes.
2026 deductible: $1,676 per benefit period.
Days 1–60: Once the deductible is met, there is no coinsurance. Days 61–90: $419/day coinsurance.
Important: Part A alone does not cover medications, doctor visits, or dental care. You need the other parts for that.
B
Doctors & Services

Part B — Medical Insurance

Covers doctor visits, specialists, lab work, X-rays, durable medical equipment (wheelchairs, oxygen), therapies, and preventive services like vaccines and mammograms.

2026 standard premium: $202.90/month (income ≤$109k individual). Rises under IRMAA up to $689.90/month for higher incomes.
2026 annual deductible: $257/year. After that, Medicare pays 80%.
Your responsibility: 20% of the Medicare-approved cost — with no annual out-of-pocket limit.
Attention: Original Medicare has no out-of-pocket limit. A Medigap or Medicare Advantage plan can protect you from unlimited expenses.
C
All-in-one

Part C — Medicare Advantage

A private plan that replaces Part A and Part B, and almost always includes Part D. Offered by insurers approved by Medicare. It combines all your coverage into one plan with more added benefits.

Premium: Many plans are available with $0 additional monthly premium.
Added benefits: Dental, vision, hearing, medical transportation, OTC benefits (over-the-counter pharmacy allowance).
Out-of-pocket limit: These plans have a protected annual maximum (Original Medicare does not).
Key point: Plan availability varies by ZIP code. We compare every option in your area at no cost.
D
Medications

Part D — Prescription Drugs

Covers medications you take at home — insulin, blood pressure, cholesterol, and hundreds more. Plans vary in coverage and cost depending on the specific medications you take.

2026 average premium: Ranges from $0 to $60+ per month depending on the plan and medications.
Formulary: Each plan has its own list of covered medications. We verify that yours are included.
Late enrollment penalty: 1% for every month you weren't enrolled when you should have been — permanent and cumulative.
Important: Enroll on time even if you don't take medications now. You'll avoid lifetime penalties when you do need them.
Which one is right for you?

Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare

There's no plan that's "best for everyone." The right choice depends on your health, your doctors, your medications, and your budget. Here's the key difference:

Feature Medicare Advantage (Part C) Original Medicare (A + B)
Monthly premium Many plans starting at $0 additional Part B: $202.90/month standard 2026 ⓘ Rises with income (IRMAA): up to $689.90/month
Provider network Defined network (HMO/PPO). We verify your doctor beforehand. Any doctor who accepts Medicare in the U.S.
Annual spending limit ✓ Protected maximum out-of-pocket limit ✗ No limit — unlimited risk
Dental, vision, hearing ✓ Many plans include these benefits ✗ Generally not covered
Medications (Part D) ✓ Almost always included in the plan Requires a separate Part D plan
Medical transport / OTC ✓ Available in many plans ✗ Not included
Nationwide portability Depends on the plan type (PPO is more flexible, HMO is limited outside your area) ✓ Coverage in any state
Administration One card, one simplified plan Multiple parts, may require an additional Medigap plan
Agent's note: There's no universal answer. If you travel often between states or have very specific doctors, Original Medicare may be a better fit. If you're looking for added benefits and a controlled budget, Medicare Advantage plans may be ideal. We help you decide using real information about your situation.
Critical — Don't miss this

Medicare enrollment periods

Enrolling at the wrong time can cost you permanent penalties. Here are the periods you need to know:

IEP — Initial

Initial Enrollment Period

7 months total around your 65th birthday

Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes that month, and ends 3 months after. This is your main window. If you enroll after the first 3 months, your coverage may be delayed.

AEP — Annual

Annual Enrollment Period (Open Enrollment)

October 15 — December 7 · Effective January 1

Every year you can switch from Medicare Advantage to Original Medicare, change Medicare Advantage plans, or add, change, or drop Part D coverage. Changes take effect on January 1 of the following year.

OEP — MA Open

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period

January 1 — March 31

If you're already in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch to another MA plan or return to Original Medicare. This only applies to people already enrolled in Medicare Advantage — you can't use it to join for the first time.

SEP — Special

Special Enrollment Period

Triggered by qualifying events

You can enroll or make changes outside the normal periods if you experience: a move to a new area, loss of employer coverage, dual eligibility (Medicare + Medicaid), returning from living abroad, or leaving an institution such as a nursing home.

Late enrollment penalties — Avoid them

Part B — Medical

If you don't enroll when you're first eligible and don't have employer coverage, you'll pay a permanent 10% increase in your premium for every full 12-month period without coverage. This penalty lasts your entire life with Medicare.

Part D — Medications

For every full month without Part D coverage (or equivalent coverage), a penalty of 1% of the national base premium average accrues. It's multiplied by the number of months without coverage and added permanently to your premium.

The real difference

Why a certified agent makes the difference

Many people try to navigate Medicare on their own — and end up in the wrong plan, paying more than necessary, or without access to the doctors they trust. A certified agent changes that outcome.

It costs you nothing extra

The insurance company pays the agent's commission directly. Your plan costs exactly the same — with or without an agent. But with an agent, you get analysis, comparison, and expert guidance at no additional charge.

We compare every plan in your ZIP code

We don't just show you one plan or one insurer. We compare every option available in your area based on your medications, preferred doctors, and budget.

We verify your doctor BEFORE you enroll

We confirm that your current doctors are in the network of the plan you choose. This step, which many people skip, can save you thousands in out-of-network costs.

We're with you year after year

Every October, we review your plan's changes for the following year with you. Plans change their benefits, networks, and prices — you'll always be in the best option available.

Insurance agent explaining Medicare options to a client in her living room
$0
Cost to you
Simple and stress-free

What it's like to work with us

Three simple steps to find your ideal Medicare plan — in English and Spanish, no hidden costs, and no pressure.

1

Tell us your situation

Fill out the form or call us. We want to know your current doctors, the medications you take, your ZIP code, and your coverage preferences. Everything is confidential.

2

We analyze and compare

We review every plan available in your area. We check doctor networks, drug formularies, premiums, and added benefits. We prepare a clear comparison for you.

3

We enroll you and stay with you

Once you choose, we handle your enrollment completely. And we don't leave you on your own: every October we review your plan with you for the open enrollment period.

Don't navigate Medicare alone.
A wrong decision could cost you thousands. Let's talk today.

Free Review Now Or call us: 832-528-3824
No cost, no obligation

We review your Medicare coverage at no cost, no obligation

Every situation is unique. Tell us where you are and what medications you take — within 24 hours we'll present the best options available in your area, explained clearly.

Unbiased comparison

We don't favor any insurance company. We show you every option available in your ZIP code.

Response within 24 hours

A certified agent will contact you to schedule your personalized review — no pressure.

Your doctor in the network

We verify that your current doctors are included BEFORE you enroll in any plan.

$0 cost to you

The insurance company pays the agent's commission. Your consultation has no additional cost.

LA Castle Brokers Group

Free Medicare Consultation

Fill out the form and a certified AHIP agent will review your Medicare options at no cost, no obligation.

Your information is confidential. We do not share your data without your authorization. LA Castle Brokers Group — Houston, Texas.