I am Keith Faris, an independent Medicare specialist licensed in Texas and 12 other states. This page covers everything you need to know about Medicare in Texas for 2026, including costs, top carriers, local resources, and how to enroll.
Texas Medicare At a Glance (2026)
On this page
Cities and regions we serve in Texas
Whether you live in a major Texas metro or a small town, we work with Texas residents statewide by phone, video, or in person depending on location. Texas's major regions include: Greater Houston, DFW Metroplex, Central Texas, San Antonio Metro, West Texas, Rio Grande Valley, East Texas.
Not seeing your city? We work statewide in Texas. Call 1-888-289-1198 or send a message.
Texas's Medicare market: what you need to know
Texas has one of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country. Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, and San Antonio metro areas have dozens of plan options. Texas is also a major retirement destination with significant growth in The Hill Country and Gulf Coast regions.
Snowbird and travel note: Texas attracts winter Texans (snowbirds) from northern states, particularly to the Rio Grande Valley. Original Medicare with Medigap typically works best for those splitting time between states.
The Texas Department of Aging and Disability Services runs HICAP, which provides free Medicare counseling. Texas has no state income tax, which is a draw for retirees, but it also means no state pharmaceutical assistance program.
Top Medicare carriers in Texas
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Texas
- UnitedHealthcare
- Humana
- Aetna
- WellCare
- Cigna
Top Medicare Supplement (Medigap) carriers in Texas
- Mutual of Omaha
- UnitedHealthcare/AARP
- Cigna
- Aetna
- Texas Health Aetna
Because we are an independent agency, we represent every major carrier in Texas (and others). That means we can show you plans from any of these companies and find what actually fits your doctors, prescriptions, and budget. Read our guide on independent agents to learn why this matters.
Texas Medigap rules
Texas does not have a birthday rule for Medigap, which means switching Medicare Supplement carriers after your initial enrollment usually requires medical underwriting. Carriers can ask about your health and may deny coverage or charge more.
This makes the initial 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period (starting when you turn 65 and have Part B) extremely important. Pick wisely the first time, because changing later is harder.
How much does Medicare cost in Texas?
Medicare costs in Texas for 2026:
- Part A (hospital): $0/month for most Texas residents who worked 10+ years
- Part B (medical): $202.90/month standard nationwide (higher with IRMAA for higher incomes)
- Part D (drugs): $10-90/month for a plan, $2,100/year out-of-pocket cap
- Medigap (optional): Average $130-185/month for Plan G in Texas
- Medicare Advantage: Often $0/month beyond your Part B premium
A typical Texas resident pays $3,000-$7,000 per year total for Medicare depending on which coverage path they choose. See our complete 2026 Medicare cost guide for detailed scenarios.
Free Medicare resources for Texas residents
- HICAP (Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program) (SHIP): 1-800-252-9240 - Free, unbiased Medicare counseling
- Texas Medicaid: 2-1-1 - Medicare Savings Program applications (QMB, SLMB, QI)
- Aging services in Texas: hhs.texas.gov
- Medicare.gov Plan Finder: Search plans available in your Texas zip code
- Social Security Administration: 1-800-772-1213 - Medicare enrollment, Extra Help applications
How a Medicare call with Keith works
A free 20-minute call is the easiest way to find out if I can help your Texas situation. Here is what we cover:
- A simple explanation of how Medicare actually works for Texas residents
- The top 3 Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options in your Texas zip code with real premium numbers
- The top 3 Medicare Advantage plans available in your county, checked against your specific doctors and prescriptions
- A side-by-side comparison so you can see the trade-offs in real dollars
- Answers to your specific questions, no scripts
- A check on whether you qualify for Texas Medicare Savings Programs or Extra Help
- Zero obligation to enroll in anything
What I help Texas clients with
- Medicare Supplements (Medigap) in Texas: Plans G, N, F, High-Deductible G
- Medicare Advantage plans for Texas: HMO, PPO, and Special Needs Plans
- Prescription Drug Plans (Part D) with annual reviews
- Senior life insurance: final expense and term
- Fixed indexed annuities
- Annual plan reviews every fall during AEP (October 15 - December 7)
- IRMAA appeals using Form SSA-44 for Texas residents with reduced income
- Medicare Savings Programs (QMB, SLMB, QI) eligibility screening
Free Medicare tools for Texas residents
Start on your own with these free tools (no signup required):
- Medicare Plan Picker Quiz - find out if a Supplement or Advantage plan fits you
- Medicare Timing Checker - see exactly when you can enroll
- IRMAA Calculator - find out if you will owe an income-based surcharge
- Penalty Calculator - what late enrollment would cost
- Should I Switch? Tool - decision tool for Annual Enrollment
Texas Medicare FAQ
How much does Medicare cost in Texas?
The Part B premium ($202.90/month in 2026) is the same nationwide. Texas residents pay an average of $130-185/month for a Medicare Supplement Plan G. Medicare Advantage plans in Texas are often $0/month beyond Part B. Total annual Medicare costs in Texas typically run $3,000-$7,000 depending on your coverage choice. See our full 2026 cost guide.
How many Medicare Advantage plans are available in Texas?
Texas has 40-50 plans per county in metro areas in major metro areas. Rural counties have fewer options. 50% of Texas Medicare beneficiaries are enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, compared to the national average of about 51%.
Who are the top Medicare carriers in Texas?
The top Medicare Advantage carriers in Texas are UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, and others. The top Medigap (Medicare Supplement) carriers include Mutual of Omaha, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Cigna, plus regional options. An independent agent can compare plans across all of these in one conversation.
When can I enroll in Medicare in Texas?
The Medicare enrollment windows are the same in every state. You have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period around your 65th birthday. The Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 to December 7 every year. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you have a qualifying life event. See our AEP 2026 guide.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Texas?
Texas residents can call HICAP (Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program) at 1-800-252-9240 for free, unbiased Medicare counseling. The state Medicaid office handles Medicare Savings Programs applications and can be reached at 2-1-1. Visit hhs.texas.gov for more state aging resources.
