Medicare in Texas
Federal Medicare, Texas rules for Medigap, and free local help in every county.
Parts A and B work the same in Texas as everywhere: the standard Part B premium is $202.90 a month in 2026. Texas sets its own rules for who can buy Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policies before 65, and runs free counseling through Area Agencies on Aging in every region.
Free counseling: HICAP through your Area Agency on Aging
Texas delivers free, unbiased Medicare counseling through its Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP), with benefits counselors at local Area Agencies on Aging. Call 800-252-9240 to reach your local agency, or find it on your county page.
Medigap before 65 in Texas
People under 65 on Medicare because of a disability are guaranteed only Plan A during their 6-month open enrollment. Since a 2025 law, people under 65 with ESRD or ALS must be offered every plan an insurer sells at 65. Texas has no birthday rule for switching Medigap plans.
Help paying
Texas Medicaid (including STAR+PLUS for adults 65 and older and people with disabilities) runs the Medicare Savings Programs, and qualifying gets you Extra Help with drugs automatically. Texans with kidney failure may also qualify for the state Kidney Health Care program.
Medicare Advantage in Texas counties
How many people choose Medicare Advantage varies widely across Texas counties. Each county page shows the share of Medicare-eligible residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, from CMS's September 2026 data.
Common questions
No. Outside your Medigap Open Enrollment Period and guaranteed issue situations, insurers can use medical underwriting.
Through HICAP at your local Area Agency on Aging; call 800-252-9240.
Want help with your own choices?
Every state runs a State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) with trained counselors who give free, unbiased Medicare help and do not sell plans. Find yours on our Medicare by state pages, or call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week).
Planning the rest of your coverage in retirement? We can help with life insurance later in life and final expense coverage.
Sources
- Area Agencies on Aging directory, Texas Health and Human Services. Checked September 30, 2026.
- MA State/County Penetration, September 2026, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 30, 2026.
- 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles, Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services. Checked September 29, 2026.
General information about the federal Medicare program, not advice about your situation. Figures are for 2026 unless stated and change every year; last reviewed September 29, 2026. Quote My Policy is a private company. Not connected with or endorsed by the United States government or the federal Medicare program.
Quote My Policy does not sell Medicare plans on this site. For plan-specific help, contact Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) (TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or your State Health Insurance Assistance Program.