Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas (2026)

Key Takeaways

Texas has 172 Medicare Advantage plans from 16 providers across HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and Regional PPO plan types. Most plans charge $0 monthly premiums and include enhanced Part D drug coverage.

Devoted Health ranks first for HMO plans in Texas, Alignment Health Plan for HMO-POS and WellCare for PPO.

Compare Texas Medicare Advantage plans based on your healthcare needs: which doctors and hospitals you want, your prescription medications and your budget for premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Best Medicare Advantage Providers in Texas

We analyzed Medicare Advantage plans across Texas to identify top providers for each plan type. Our research evaluated CMS star ratings, premium costs and maximum out-of-pocket expenses to find insurers with the best value and coverage.

Devoted Health ranks first for HMO plans with a 5-star CMS rating and $0 monthly premiums, though its $3,847 average maximum out-of-pocket cost runs higher than other options. Alignment Health Plan ranks first for HMO-POS plans with a 4.5-star rating, $0 average premium and $2,950 average MOOP. WellCare ranks first for PPO options at $0 monthly, offering network flexibility despite a $5,439 maximum out-of-pocket limit.


HMO	Devoted Health	5.00	$0	$3,847	DEVOTED GIVEBACK 008 TX (HMO)
HMO-POS	Alignment Health Plan	4.50	$0	$2,950	Alignment Health smartHMO (HMO-POS)
PPO	Wellcare	3.50	$0	$5,439	Wellcare Simple Open (PPO)

Medicare Advantage Plans Explained

Medicare Advantage, or Part C, combines hospital and medical coverage from private insurance companies into one plan. These plans cover everything Original Medicare includes under Parts A and B, plus prescription drugs in most cases. Plans add extras like dental, vision and hearing benefits.

CMS Star Ratings: Medicare rates plans on a 1 to 5-star scale measuring quality, member satisfaction and care coordination. Plans rated 4 stars or higher qualify as top performers.
Monthly premiums: You'll pay your standard Part B premium plus any additional plan premium. Many Medicare Advantage plans charge $0 monthly premiums, depending on your location and selected plan.
Maximum out-of-pocket (MOOP) limits: Annual caps set your maximum spending on covered medical care. Once you reach this limit, the plan covers all costs for covered services through year-end.
Prescription drug coverage: Most Medicare Advantage plans bundle Part D prescription coverage. Review the plan's formulary to confirm your medications are covered and check for requirements like prior authorization or quantity limits.

Devoted Health

Best HMO

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
5
Plan Types
HMO, PPO

pros
- 5-star CMS rating for HMO plans
- 10 of 11 plans charge $0 monthly premium
- Enhanced Part D drug coverage included with all plans
cons
- PPO plan has lower 3.5-star CMS rating
- MOOP limits range from $3,450 to $9,250
Devoted Health ranks first for HMO Medicare Advantage plans in Texas with a 5-star CMS rating across 11 plans. Devoted Health's HMO plans average $3,847 MOOP. All 11 HMO plans include enhanced Part D drug coverage. Ten of 11 plans charge $0 monthly premiums. Only the DEVOTED PREMIUM 002 TX plan charges $5 monthly.

Devoted Health offers one PPO option, DEVOTED CHOICE GIVEBACK 001 TX, with a $0 monthly premium and $7,550 MOOP but a 3.5-star CMS rating. The PPO's broader network lets members see out-of-network providers and includes enhanced Part D coverage, though other Texas PPO plans have higher CMS ratings and lower out-of-pocket limits.

Alignment Health Plan

Best HMO-POS

MoneyGeek Rating

5/ 5

5/5Affordability

5/5Quality

5/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
4.5
Plan Types
HMO-POS

pros
- Three plans charge $0 monthly premiums
- 4.5-star CMS rating across all plans
- Out-of-network provider access included
cons
- Limited to three plan options
- Part D deductible applies to $2,950 MOOP plan
- Out-of-network care costs more
Alignment Health Plan offers three HMO-POS plans in Texas, all rated 4.5 stars by CMS and charging $0 monthly premiums. The ONE + Walgreens plan caps annual costs at $2,950, the second-lowest MOOP among Texas HMO-POS plans, which benefits seniors who need frequent medical care. The smartHMO and smartSavings plans cap spending at $6,450 yearly, differing in coverage details and provider networks. Two plans skip Part D deductibles on select drug tiers, reducing initial prescription costs. Members can see out-of-network providers when needed, though at higher costs.

WellCare

Best PPO

MoneyGeek Rating

4.6/ 5

5/5Affordability

4.2/5Quality

3.7/5Availability

CMS Star Rating
3.5
Plan Types
HMO, HMO-POS, PPO

pros
- $0 monthly premium
- $5,439 MOOP ($1,505 below Texas PPO average)
- Waives Part D deductible on select drug tiers
- See any Medicare-approved provider without referrals
cons
- 3.5-star CMS rating
- Out-of-network care costs more
Wellcare's Simple Open plan charges $0 monthly and caps costs at $5,439, well below the $6,944 Texas PPO average. The plan waives Part D deductibles on select drug tiers, reducing initial prescription costs. Its 3.5-star CMS rating falls below 4-star competitors, but the plan delivers value through clear pricing and broad benefits.

Texas seniors can see any Medicare-approved provider without referrals. Travelers, snowbirds and members needing specialized care gain the most from this flexibility. Wellcare offers one PPO option in Texas.

Best Texas HMO Medicare Advantage Providers

Texas seniors have 61 HMO Medicare Advantage plans from 10 providers. Most plans (53) charge $0 monthly premiums. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $2,900 to $9,250, averaging $4,513 annually. The average CMS star rating across all HMO options is 3.94, with 37 plans earning 4 stars or higher. Nearly all plans (60 of 61) include enhanced Part D drug coverage.

Devoted Health offers Texas HMO options with a 5-star CMS rating across 11 plans, $0 monthly premiums on 10 plans and $3,847 average MOOP.
Wellcare matches Devoted's top MoneyGeek score with three plans averaging $5 monthly and $3,707 MOOP, though its 3.65-star CMS rating is lower.
Prominence Health Plan ranks third with a 4.5-star rating across four plans, charging $2 monthly with $3,517 average MOOP.


Devoted Health	5.00	$0	$3,847	11	5.00
Wellcare	3.65	$5	$3,707	3	5.00
Prominence Health Plan	4.50	$2	$3,517	4	4.46
Memorial Hermann Health Plan	3.50	$0	$3,400	1	4.37
Aetna	4.00	$0	$5,061	5	4.31
Humana	3.73	$4	$3,617	24	4.27
KelseyCare Advantage	4.50	$0	$3,900	1	4.22
Cigna HealthCare	4.00	$0	$5,397	4	4.13
Blue Cross Blue Shield	2.54	$0	$5,199	6	3.95
CHRISTUS Health Advantage	3.50	$7	$4,393	2	3.63

HMO PROS AND CONS

HMO Medicare Advantage plans charge lower premiums and out-of-pocket costs in exchange for staying within a provider network and requiring specialist referrals. You'll save money but give up flexibility, so HMOs work best if you're comfortable with a primary care physician coordinating your care and don't need out-of-network doctors.

Best Texas HMO-POS Medicare Advantage Providers

Texas has 45 HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans from six insurers. Thirty-seven charge $0 monthly premiums. The $18 average premium reflects plans offering out-of-network access. Maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $2,900 to $9,250, averaging $5,474, slightly above standard HMOs. All 45 plans include Part D prescription coverage. Forty-four offer enhanced benefits, and 42 waive deductibles on select drug tiers.

Top Texas HMO-POS Providers

Alignment Health Plan: Three $0-premium plans average $2,950 MOOP and earn 4.5 CMS stars.
KelseyCare Advantage: One 4.5-star plan charges $0 premium with $6,750 MOOP
UnitedHealthcare: Thirty-six plans average $9 monthly, 4.48 CMS stars and $5,459 MOOP


Alignment Health Plan	4.50	$0	$2,950	3	5.00
KelseyCare Advantage	4.50	$0	$6,750	1	4.54
UnitedHealthcare	4.48	$9	$5,459	36	4.49
Prominence Health Plan	4.50	$0	$4,700	1	4.27
Wellpoint	3.50	$0	$3,425	2	4.17
Wellcare	4.00	$0	$8,018	2	4.14

HMO-POS PROS AND CONS

HMO-POS Medicare Advantage plans combine the lower costs of traditional HMOs with the flexibility to see out-of-network providers when needed, though you'll pay more for out-of-network care. This hybrid structure works well if you want affordable premiums and predictable costs but occasionally need access to specialists or providers outside your network, especially when traveling.

Best Texas PPO Medicare Advantage Providers

Texans have 57 PPO Medicare Advantage plans across nine providers at an average monthly premium of $15, though 41 plans charge $0 premiums. PPO plans have higher maximum out-of-pocket limits averaging $6,944 and ranging from $4,200 to $9,250 due to out-of-network access costs. Star ratings average 3.66. Most plans (26) earn 3.5 stars. PPOs offer flexibility but earn lower customer satisfaction scores than more restrictive plan types. Every PPO plan includes enhanced Part D prescription coverage, and 54 of 57 waive deductibles on select medication tiers.

Wellcare ranks first with Texas PPO options with a $0-premium structure, $5,439 MOOP and 3.5-star CMS rating.
Humana ranks second with 23 plans earning 4-star CMS ratings and charging $0 premiums, though the $7,950 average MOOP is among the state's highest.
Aetna ranks third with four plans charging $4 monthly on average, with $6,832 MOOP and 3.65-star CMS rating.


Wellcare	3.50	$0	$5,439	1	4.56
Humana	4.00	$0	$7,950	23	4.50
Aetna	3.65	$4	$6,832	4	4.30
Clover Health	3.50	$0	$6,350	1	4.25
UnitedHealthcare	3.51	$0	$6,951	13	4.24
Baylor Scott & White Health Plan	4.00	$53	$5,832	3	4.13
Cigna HealthCare	3.11	$0	$7,061	2	3.97
Devoted Health	3.50	$0	$7,550	1	3.96
Blue Cross Blue Shield	3.00	$38	$7,484	9	3.47

PPO PROS AND CONS

PPO Medicare Advantage plans are the most flexible, letting you see any Medicare-approved provider without referrals, both in-network and out-of-network, though out-of-network care costs more. You'll usually pay higher premiums and maximum out-of-pocket costs than HMO plans. PPOs work best if you travel frequently, want to keep specific doctors or value the freedom to see specialists without getting permission first.

How to Find the Best Texas Medicare Advantage Plans

Compare multiple factors beyond monthly premiums when choosing a Texas Medicare Advantage plan:

1
Check Your Doctor and Hospital Network
Confirm your current doctors, specialists and preferred hospitals accept the plan. HMO plans require in-network providers except for emergencies, while PPO plans allow out-of-network access at higher costs. Learn more about health insurance network types.
2
Compare Maximum Out-of-Pocket Costs
Review total annual spending limits, not just monthly premiums. A plan with a $0 premium but $7,833 MOOP costs more than one with a $29 premium and $6,750 MOOP if you need frequent medical care.
3
Review Prescription Drug Coverage
Check whether the plan's formulary covers your medications and which tier they're in. Most Medicare Advantage plans include prescription drug coverage, though some require a separate Part D plan.
4
Evaluate Additional Benefits
Medicare Advantage plans add benefits like dental, vision, hearing aids, fitness memberships and transportation to appointments. Compare which services each plan includes against your needs.
5
Consider CMS Star Ratings
Review the plan's CMS star rating, which measures quality and performance on a 1 to 5-star scale. Plans rated 4 stars or higher deliver better customer service, care coordination and health outcomes.

Average Texas Medicare Advantage Cost

Medicare Advantage costs in Texas vary by plan type and network structure. Plans with more restricted networks cost less in premiums and out-of-pocket expenses than plans with broader provider access.

HMO plans are the cheapest Medicare Advantage options in Texas with a $0 median premium and $4,513 average maximum out-of-pocket expense. HMO-POS plans cost $18 monthly on average with $5,474 MOOP. PPO plans average $15 monthly with $6,944 MOOP. Texas has one PFFS plan at $29 monthly. Regional PPO plans cost the most at $81 average monthly premium and $7,833 MOOP.


HMO	$0	$1	$4,513
HMO-POS	$0	$18	$5,474
PFFS	$29	$29	$6,750
PPO	$0	$15	$6,944
Regional PPO	$97	$81	$7,833

Best Texas Medicare Advantage: FAQ

Answers to common questions about Medicare Advantage coverage in Texas:

When can I enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan in Texas?

You can enroll during the Annual Enrollment Period from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period from Jan. 1 to March 31, or during a Special Enrollment Period if you qualify due to moving or losing other coverage.

Does Medicare Advantage cover prescription drugs in Texas?

Most Medicare Advantage plans in Texas include prescription drug coverage, but verify your medications are on the plan's formulary. Check which tier your drugs fall into, as this affects your copay costs at the pharmacy.

Do I need to change Medicare Advantage plans if I move to a different county in Texas?

Moving to a new county may affect your plan availability since Medicare Advantage networks vary by location. Contact your current plan within 30 days of moving to see if coverage continues, or use your Special Enrollment Period to choose a new plan.

Our Methodology: How We Chose the Best Texas Medicare Advantage Plans

We ranked Texas Medicare Advantage plans by cost and quality using three weighted criteria:

Affordability (50%): Monthly premiums for Part C and Part D coverage (30% weight) plus in-network maximum out-of-pocket limits (20% weight). Lower costs earn higher scores.
Star Ratings (40%): CMS rates plans from 1 to 5 stars based on care quality, customer service and member experience. The Overall Star Rating combines Part C medical benefits and Part D prescription coverage.
Availability (10%): Geographic footprint across U.S. states. National insurers score higher for infrastructure and member support.

These factors create an objective comparison of Medicare Advantage plans, balancing costs against care quality and service.

About Mark Fitzpatrick

Mark Fitzpatrick, a Licensed Property and Casualty Insurance Producer, is MoneyGeek's resident Personal Finance Expert. He has analyzed the insurance market for over five years, conducting original research for insurance shoppers. His insights have been featured in CNBC, NBC News and Mashable.

Fitzpatrick holds a master’s degree in economics and international relations from Johns Hopkins University and a bachelor’s degree from Boston College. He's also a five-time Jeopardy champion!

He writes about economics and insurance, breaking down complex topics so people know what they're buying.

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