Medicare in Texas: 2026 Plans, Costs, and Enrollment Guide

Texas Medicare Snapshot

Texas is one of the largest Medicare markets in the country — 398 MA plans from 28 carriers covering 254 of 255 counties for 2026 (CMS CY2026 Landscape). The state's large and geographically diverse population spans dense urban centers like Harris County to vast rural areas in West Texas, and the Medicare Advantage market reflects that breadth.

The average consolidated MA premium across all Texas plans is $8.01/month, with a median of $0 — the majority of Texas MA plans carry no monthly plan premium beyond the standard Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month standard in 2026 per CMS). Average CMS star rating is 3.97 out of 5. Texas also has one of the largest Medigap markets with 55 carriers offering all plan letters.

Plan Types Available in Texas

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

In Texas, 398 MA plans are available for 2026 from 28 carriers (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Plan type mix: 103 HMO, 89 PPO, 67 HMO D-SNP (dual-eligible special needs), 61 HMO-POS, and 25 HMO C-SNP (chronic condition special needs), among others.

County availability ranges from 114 MA plans in Harris County (Houston metro) to 7 plans in Gaines County. All 254 counties with MA coverage have at least one plan available.

Medigap (Medicare Supplement)

Texas has 55 Medigap carriers offering all 12 standardized plan letters — among the largest Medigap markets in the country. Plan G is available from 49 carriers. Plan F is closed to new enrollees as of January 1, 2020 (MACRA) — it remains available only to those who were Medicare-eligible before that date.

Medigap does not include prescription drug coverage — you'll need a separate Part D plan. See our MA vs Medigap comparison →

Standalone Part D (Prescription Drug Plans)

Texas is CMS PDP Region 22 — Texas alone. For 2026, there are 12 standalone PDP plans from 5 carriers. Average total premium is $77.92/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape).

Costs in Texas

Medicare Advantage Premiums

The average consolidated MA premium in Texas is $8.01/month (CMS CY2026 Landscape). The median is $0, meaning the majority of Texas MA plans have no monthly plan premium beyond the standard Medicare Part B premium ($202.90/month standard in 2026).

The top three carriers by plan count are UnitedHealthcare (87 plans), Humana (68 plans), and Aetna Medicare (44 plans) (CMS CY2026 Landscape). Average star rating is 3.97.

Medigap Premiums — Plan G and HDG

Medigap premiums vary by carrier, age, gender, tobacco use, and rating method. Across the 32 carriers offering Plan G in Texas (non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85), monthly premiums range from approximately $103 to $599/month (TPP internal data, CY2026; methodology: non-tobacco rates, ages 65–85, all carriers offering Plan G).

High-Deductible Plan G (HDG) is offered by 27 Texas carriers; premiums range from approximately $96 to $685/month across ages 65–85, non-tobacco rates (TPP internal data, CY2026). HDG works well for beneficiaries who want catastrophic protection at a lower monthly cost and can absorb the $2,950 deductible (2026).

Part D Costs and the LIS Benchmark

For 2026, Texas Part D premiums average $77.92/month across 12 standalone PDP plans. The CMS Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help) benchmark premium for PDP Region 22 (Texas) is $4.82/month (CMS CY2026 Regional Rates and Benchmarks).

Texas-Specific Medicare Rules

Texas Medigap Protections

Texas follows standard federal Medigap rules. You have a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month you are both 65 or older and enrolled in Medicare Part B. During this guaranteed-issue window, insurers cannot deny you coverage or charge higher premiums based on your health history.

After this window closes, medical underwriting applies and coverage is not guaranteed. Texas does not have a Birthday Rule. This makes it especially important to enroll in Medigap during your initial Open Enrollment Period.

Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs)

Texas offers three Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) that help low-income Medicare beneficiaries pay for Medicare costs:

• QMB (Qualified Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part A and Part B premiums, deductibles, and cost-sharing.
• SLMB (Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiary): Covers Part B premiums only.
• QI (Qualifying Individual): Also covers Part B premiums; subject to annual appropriations.

Apply through the Texas Health and Human Services Commission or contact Texas HICAP (1-800-252-9240) for free enrollment assistance. MSP enrollment also automatically qualifies you for Extra Help / LIS on Part D. Learn more about MSPs →

Texas HICAP

Texas HICAP (Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program) provides free, unbiased counseling on all Medicare options. Counselors help with plan comparisons, enrollment, billing issues, and appeals — at no cost to beneficiaries.

Phone: 1-800-252-9240
Website: Texas HICAP

Enrolling in Medicare in Texas

Standard Enrollment Periods

• Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window centered on your 65th birthday month. Enroll in Parts A and B at ssa.gov or call 1-800-772-1213.
• Annual Election Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year.
• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (OEP): January 1 – March 31.
• Medigap Open Enrollment Period: 6-month guaranteed-issue window starting when you are 65+ and enrolled in Part B. After this window, medical underwriting applies (Texas has no Birthday Rule).
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEPs): Learn more →

Texas HICAP Counseling

Texas HICAP counselors are available statewide for free one-on-one Medicare guidance. Contact HICAP at 1-800-252-9240.

Frequently Asked Questions