Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas
Texas has one of the largest, most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country. Here's how to make sense of it.
Original Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage
Original Medicare (Parts A and B) is run directly by the federal government and is accepted by nearly every provider nationwide. Medicare Advantage (Part C) is an alternative offered by private insurers that's approved by Medicare — it typically bundles hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into one plan, usually with a defined network (HMO or PPO) and extra benefits like dental, vision, or hearing that Original Medicare doesn't include.
The Texas market at a glance
*Many Medicare Advantage plans in Texas are available with a $0 monthly premium; the statewide average reflects the full mix of plan types. Out-of-pocket costs still depend on the plan's deductibles, copays, and network.
Carriers to know
Market strength varies a lot by region, but the carriers most Texans will run into include UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Wellcare, and regional/hospital-affiliated plans such as Baylor Scott & White Health Plan and KelseyCare Advantage. Humana has particularly deep roots in the San Antonio area, while UnitedHealthcare and Humana together hold the majority of the Austin-area market. See our county guides for local detail.
When to enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period: a 7-month window around your 65th birthday (3 months before, your birthday month, 3 months after).
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7 each year, when anyone can switch plans for the following year.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 – March 31, for people already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan who want to make one change.
See what you'd actually pay
Get a free, no-obligation Texas health insurance quote in under a minute.