Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas for 2026
Texas is a big state -- and the number of Medicare Advantage options available here is just as large. With dozens of carriers and hundreds of plans to choose from, finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you're in Dallas, Houston, San Antonio, or a rural community, the best plan for you depends on your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. Here's a starting point to help you narrow it down.
Medicare in Texas: A Quick Overview
- Texas has one of the largest Medicare populations in the country, with over 4 million beneficiaries
- Medicare Advantage penetration in Texas is above the national average and growing
- Major metro areas (Dallas-Fort Worth, Houston, Austin, San Antonio) have the most plan options
- Rural areas have fewer choices, but several carriers are expanding rural coverage in 2026
- Texas does not expand Medicaid under the ACA, which affects dual-eligible beneficiaries
- Medigap plans in Texas follow federal standardization, but pricing varies by carrier and region
Top 5 Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas (2026)
- Aetna Medicare Advantage -- Strong network in DFW and Houston, competitive premiums, solid dental/vision benefits
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP Medicare Advantage) -- Largest MA carrier nationwide, wide provider network across Texas, popular $0 premium HMO plans
- Humana -- Strong prescription drug coverage, popular in Houston and San Antonio, extensive supplemental benefits including grocery and OTC allowances
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) -- Trusted local brand, PPO options with broad out-of-network flexibility, strong in rural and suburban areas
- Cigna Medicare Advantage -- Growing presence in Texas, competitive PPO plans, good telehealth and wellness benefits
What to Look For in a Texas Medicare Advantage Plan
- Confirm your doctors and preferred hospitals are in the plan's network
- Check prescription drug coverage (formulary) for your specific medications
- Compare monthly premiums, annual deductibles, and maximum out-of-pocket costs
- Look for supplemental benefits: dental, vision, hearing, fitness, transportation, OTC allowance
- Consider HMO vs. PPO -- PPO plans offer more flexibility but may cost more
- Check star ratings (quality scores) on Medicare.gov for plan performance
Dallas / McKinney Area Options
- The DFW metroplex is one of the most competitive Medicare Advantage markets in the country
- Beneficiaries in McKinney, Plano, Frisco, and Allen typically have 40+ plans to choose from
- UnitedHealthcare, Aetna, and Humana are the dominant carriers in this area
- Several plans offer $0 premium HMO options with strong local hospital networks
- PPO plans are available for those who want out-of-network flexibility or travel frequently
- Many DFW plans include SilverSneakers or other fitness program memberships
How to Compare and Enroll
- Use Medicare.gov's Plan Finder tool to compare plans by zip code, doctors, and drugs
- Call a licensed Medicare advisor (like us) for personalized help -- it's free to you
- Check each plan's Summary of Benefits and Evidence of Coverage documents before enrolling
- Annual Enrollment Period runs October 15 - December 7 for the following year
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 - March 31) lets you switch MA plans or return to Original Medicare
- Never feel pressured to enroll on the spot -- take time to compare and ask questions
Need Help?
Choosing a Medicare Advantage plan in Texas doesn't have to be overwhelming. At Insuras Health Benefits, we're based right here in the DFW area and we know the Texas Medicare landscape inside and out.
Contact us for a free consultation -- we'll help you find the best plan for your doctors, your prescriptions, and your budget. No cost, no obligation, no nonsense.