With over 373 Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans available in Texas for 2025, selecting the right plan can be challenging. This guide highlights top-rated providers, their standout features, and essential considerations to assist you in making an informed decision.
Top-Rated Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas (2025)
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) assigns star ratings to Medicare Advantage plans annually, ranging from 1 to 5 stars, with 5 being the highest. In Texas, the following providers have achieved top ratings:
5-Star Plans
- KelseyCare Advantage
Consistently awarded a 5-star rating since 2017, KelseyCare Advantage offers exceptional service in 13 Texas counties, providing access to over 7,500 doctors.
4.5-Star Plans
- Devoted Health
Known for low premiums and high member satisfaction, Devoted Health offers plans with a median monthly premium of $0 and an average out-of-pocket maximum of $3,900.
4-Star Plans
- Humana
Offers a variety of plans with $0 premiums, focusing on preventive care and additional benefits like dental and vision coverage.
- UnitedHealthcare (AARP)
Provides a wide network of providers and additional perks such as fitness memberships and over-the-counter allowances.
- Aetna
Features plans with competitive premiums and a focus on customer satisfaction, offering benefits like dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
- Cigna Healthcare
Known for low premiums and excellent member experience, Cigna offers plans with a median monthly premium of $0 and an average out-of-pocket maximum of $5,700.
Average Costs and Plan Availability in Texas
- Average Monthly Premium: $6.81 (down from $9.15 in 2024)
- Total Plans Available: 373 Medicare Advantage plans
- Availability: All Medicare-eligible residents in Texas have access to Medicare Advantage plans, including those with $0 premiums.
Key Considerations When Choosing a Plan
- Provider Network: Ensure your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network.
- Prescription Drug Coverage: Check if your medications are covered under the plan’s formulary.
- Additional Benefits: Consider plans offering extra services like dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs.
- Out-of-Pocket Costs: Evaluate deductibles, copayments, and out-of-pocket maximums to estimate your potential expenses.
- Star Ratings: Higher-rated plans often indicate better quality and member satisfaction.
Enrollment Periods
- Initial Enrollment Period: Starts three months before you turn 65 and ends three months after your birth month.
- Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): October 15 to December 7, during which you can join, switch, or drop a plan.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: January 1 to March 31, allowing changes to another Medicare Advantage plan or a return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods: Triggered by specific events like moving, losing other insurance coverage, or qualifying for Medicaid.
How to Compare Plans
Use the Medicare Plan Finder to compare plans based on your ZIP code, preferred providers, and prescription drugs. Additionally, consult with a licensed Medicare advisor or local resources like the Texas Health Information, Counseling, and Advocacy Program (HICAP) for personalized assistance.