Compare Texas Medicare Advantage Plans for 2026: Side-by-Side Analysis of Benefits, Costs, and Ratings
July 3, 2025Introduction:
Why Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas for 2026 Matters ? As 2026 approaches, more Texas residents are turning to Medicare Advantage (MA) plans as a flexible and comprehensive alternative to Original Medicare. These private plans offer a variety of benefits that go beyond hospital and medical coverage, often including dental, vision, and wellness programs. However, with a wide array of options and varying costs across regions, selecting the right plan can be overwhelming.
In this guide, we provide a detailed, side-by-side comparison of the top Texas Medicare Advantage plans for 2026, helping you make an informed decision based on your healthcare needs, financial situation, and geographic location.
Understanding Medicare Advantage in Texas: A Quick Overview
Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurers approved by Medicare. These plans must cover everything Original Medicare (Part A and Part B) does, but most go further by including prescription drug coverage (Part D), telehealth services, and more.
Key Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas:
- All-in-one coverage (hospital, doctor, and often drugs)
- Low or $0 monthly premiums for many plans
- Additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing
- Out-of-pocket maximum to limit your annual spending
Top Factors to Consider When Choosing a Plan
1. Monthly Premiums and Deductibles
Most plans in Texas offer $0 premiums, but some include deductibles for medical or drug coverage. It’s vital to consider total annual costs, not just the premium.
2. Coverage Networks
Texas MA plans can be HMO, PPO, or PFFS. Each type affects your choice of doctors, referrals, and out-of-network flexibility.
3. Extra Benefits
Check if the plan includes dental cleanings, eyeglasses, or gym memberships like SilverSneakers.
4. Star Ratings
Issued by CMS (Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services), these ratings reflect plan quality and member satisfaction. Learn more about star ratings.
Compare Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas for 2026
We’ve compiled data from Medicare.gov and plan providers to compare top-rated 2026 Medicare Advantage plans across major Texas regions.
Top Plans in Dallas-Fort Worth Area
Plan Name Type Monthly Premium Drug Coverage Star Rating
Aetna Medicare Value HMO $0 Yes 4.5 Stars
Humana Gold Plus HMO $0 Yes 4 Stars
UnitedHealthcare AARP Plan 1 PPO $39 Yes 4 Stars
Top Plans in Houston Area
Plan Name Type Monthly Premium Drug Coverage Star Rating
Cigna Preferred Medicare PPO $25 Yes 4.5 Stars
WellCare TexanPlus Classic HMO $0 Yes 4 Stars
Blue Cross Medicare Advantage HMO $0 Yes 4 Stars
Top Plans in Austin-San Antonio Region
Plan Name Type Monthly Premium Drug Coverage Star Rating
Aetna Medicare Choice PPO $20 Yes 4.5 Stars
HumanaChoice Regional PPO PPO $35 Yes 4 Stars
Molina Medicare Complete HMO $0 Yes 3.5 Stars
Comparing Costs Beyond Premiums
Out-of-Pocket Maximums
Most Texas plans cap annual costs between $3,500 and $7,000. PPOs tend to have higher limits than HMOs.
Copays and Coinsurance
Outpatient services and specialist visits often involve fixed copays ($10–$50) or coinsurance (20%). Always review the Summary of Benefits.
Specialized Plans and Additional Coverage Options
Chronic Condition Special Needs Plans (C-SNPs)
For conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or ESRD. These plans offer tailored services.
Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs)
Available for Texans eligible for both Medicare and Medicaid, offering $0 premiums and expanded benefits.
Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) Coverage
Most MA plans in Texas are MAPD (Medicare Advantage with Prescription Drug), but confirm the formulary to ensure your medications are covered.
How to Enroll in a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan
When to Enroll
- Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): 7-month window around your 65th birthday
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 – December 7
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 – March 31
Where to Compare and Enroll
Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans side-by-side and check local availability.
Conclusion: Choose Wisely, Save More
Texas offers a diverse array of Medicare Advantage options in 2026—each with unique perks, pricing, and coverage levels. By understanding your healthcare needs and thoroughly comparing plan details, you can select a plan that offers both value and peace of mind.
We encourage you to regularly review plan changes and revisit the Medicare.gov comparison tool annually to ensure your choice continues to meet your needs.