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Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Medicare Advantage 2027: Plans Ending and Your Next Steps

Reviewed by Russell Noga, Licensed Medicare Insurance Broker (all 50 states) — Last updated October 27, 2026

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas will not offer individual Medicare Advantage plans 2027, so its Blue Cross Medicare Advantage, Dual Care Plus and MedicareRx Part D members need new coverage before their plans end December 31, 2026. Pick a new plan by December 7 so it starts January 1, 2027 with no gap.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Texas Medicare Advantage 2027 news hit hard this fall. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX), part of Health Care Service Corporation (HCSC), confirmed it is ending its individual Medicare Advantage plans, its Dual Care Plus special needs plans and its stand-alone MedicareRx drug plans. Local news reports say members were mailed non-renewal letters in early October.

The change does not take away your Medicare. It does mean you have to choose what comes next. This guide explains what is ending, who is affected, the deadlines that matter and your options. To see how this fits the bigger picture, read is Blue Cross leaving Medicare Advantage in 2027.

✔ Licensed in all 50 states
✔ Based on CMS 2027 data
✔ Free plan comparison

Key Highlights

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BCBSTX individual Medicare Advantage, Dual Care Plus HMO SNP and MedicareRx Part D plans end December 31, 2026

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Group retiree Medicare Advantage plans through employers, cities and unions continue

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Choose a new plan by December 7, 2026 for coverage on January 1, 2027

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If you do nothing, you go to Original Medicare with no Part D drug coverage

Compare plans and enroll online

What Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Is Ending for 2027

BCBSTX says it reviews its Medicare products every year by market to decide if they are still viable, and that in some cases it has to make adjustments. For 2027, that adjustment is a big one. Here is what is ending and what is staying.

Ending December 31, 2026

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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans (individual HMO and PPO)

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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Dual Care Plus HMO special needs plans

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Blue Cross MedicareRx stand-alone Part D drug plans

Continuing in 2027

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Group retiree Medicare Advantage plans offered through employers

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Plans offered through municipalities and unions

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Other BCBSTX products not tied to individual Medicare

Important: If you get Medicare Advantage through a former employer or union, check with your benefits office. Group retiree plans are not part of this exit, but your plan details can still change.

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Who Is Affected in Texas

This is a statewide change for individual members. According to Live Insurance News, BCBSTX sold Medicare Advantage plans in 228 of Texas’s 254 counties in 2026, and the outlet calls it the largest single Medicare Advantage exit in Texas history.

228 of 254

Texas counties where BCBSTX sold Medicare Advantage in 2026

Dec 31, 2026

Last day of coverage for ending BCBSTX plans

About 4.9 million

Medicare beneficiaries in Texas

About 55%

Share of Texas beneficiaries in Medicare Advantage

County and enrollment figures are from Live Insurance News reporting. You are affected if you are in an individual Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plan, a Dual Care Plus plan for people with both Medicare and Medicaid, or a Blue Cross MedicareRx drug plan. Your non-renewal letter names your plan, so keep it as proof that your plan is ending.

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What Happens If You Do Nothing

Doing nothing is the riskiest choice. Your Medicare does not go away, but your drug coverage can.

If you take no action

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Medicare Advantage members move to Original Medicare (Parts A and B) on January 1, 2027

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You will have no Part D prescription drug coverage unless you join a plan

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MedicareRx members lose their drug plan and also need a new Part D plan

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Going 63 days or more without creditable drug coverage can lead to a lifelong Part D late-enrollment penalty

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Original Medicare alone has no out-of-pocket maximum

Dual Care Plus members: If you have both Medicare and Medicaid, you may have more chances to change plans during the year. Even so, pick a new plan now so your drug coverage and extra help continue without a break.

Key Deadlines for BCBSTX Members

Date What it means for you
October 15 – December 7, 2026 Annual Enrollment Period. Pick a new plan now for coverage starting January 1, 2027
December 31, 2026 Your BCBSTX individual Medicare Advantage or MedicareRx plan ends
December 8, 2026 – end of February 2027 Special Enrollment Period for people whose plan was not renewed
About March 4, 2027 Generally the end of your 63-day Medigap guaranteed-issue right after the plan ends
January 1 – March 31, 2027 Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period for one more change if you are in a plan

Dates based on Medicare rules for non-renewed plans and local news reporting. Check your non-renewal letter for your exact rights.

Using the Special Enrollment Period after December 7 can leave a gap, because coverage usually starts the first of the month after you enroll. See more on timing in our guide to the deadline to switch Medicare Advantage plans.

Your Options: Medicare Advantage Plans 2027 or Original Medicare

You have two main paths. Which is better depends on your doctors, prescriptions, health and budget.

Another Medicare Advantage plan

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Choose from plans sold in your county

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Often low or $0 premiums; national average 2027 MA premium is $12.00 a month

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Extras may include dental, vision or hearing, depending on the plan and area

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Networks and prior approval rules apply

Original Medicare + Medigap + Part D

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See any doctor in the U.S. who takes Medicare

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Medigap helps pay deductibles and coinsurance

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Add a separate Part D plan for drugs

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Higher monthly premiums, but more predictable costs

If you want to stay in Medicare Advantage, compare the Medicare Advantage plans 2027 that are sold in your county. Not all plans offer all benefits, so check each plan’s details before you enroll.

Compare plans and enroll online

Step-by-Step: What to Do Now

1

Find your letter Look for the BCBSTX non-renewal notice mailed in early October and keep it.

2

List your doctors and drugs Write down every doctor, hospital and prescription, with doses.

3

Check plans by ZIP code Compare Medicare Advantage plans 2027 in your county, checking networks and drug lists.

4

Decide on Medigap early If you want Original Medicare with Medigap, apply while you still have guaranteed-issue rights.

5

Don’t forget Part D If you go to Original Medicare, join a Part D plan so you avoid a coverage gap and penalty.

6

Enroll by December 7 Joining by this date means your new plan starts January 1, 2027.

Tip: Joining a new Medicare Advantage plan automatically ends your old one. You do not need to cancel your BCBSTX plan yourself.

Other Texas Medicare Advantage Exits and How to Compare by ZIP

BCBSTX is not the only insurer pulling back in Texas for 2027. Two health system plans are also leaving Medicare Advantage.

Insurer 2027 change Area
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Ending individual Medicare Advantage, Dual Care Plus and MedicareRx plans Statewide
CHRISTUS Health Plan Leaving Medicare Advantage 36 Texas counties, mostly North and East Texas, plus New Mexico
Memorial Hermann Health Plan Leaving Medicare Advantage Six Houston-area counties

Sources: Becker’s, InsuranceNewsNet and Live Insurance News reporting, October 2026.

National insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Aetna still sell Medicare Advantage plans 2027 in many Texas counties, but choices vary by county and some insurers trimmed their own service areas. Start with our guide to Medicare Advantage plans in Texas for 2027, or see Medicare Advantage PPO plans in Texas if you want a plan that lets you see out-of-network doctors.

When you compare by ZIP code, check

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Whether your doctors and hospitals are in network

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How your drugs are covered and what tier they are on

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The plan’s out-of-pocket maximum

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Premiums, copays and Star Ratings

Bottom Line

The Bottom Line

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is ending its individual Medicare Advantage, Dual Care Plus and MedicareRx plans on December 31, 2026. You will not lose Medicare, but you could lose drug coverage if you do nothing. Compare your options by ZIP code and enroll by December 7 so your new coverage starts January 1, 2027.

Compare plans and enroll online

Frequently Asked Questions

➤ Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas leaving Medicare Advantage in 2027?

Yes, for individual members. BCBSTX is ending its individual Blue Cross Medicare Advantage plans, Dual Care Plus special needs plans and MedicareRx Part D plans on December 31, 2026. Group retiree plans through employers, municipalities and unions continue.

➤ Will I lose my Medicare if my BCBSTX plan ends?

No. If you do nothing, you will have Original Medicare Parts A and B on January 1, 2027. You will not have Part D drug coverage unless you join a plan, so act before December 7.

➤ What is the deadline to pick a new plan?

Enroll by December 7, 2026 for coverage that starts January 1, 2027. Because your plan was not renewed, you also have a Special Enrollment Period through the end of February 2027, but enrolling late can cause a gap.

➤ Can I buy a Medigap plan without health questions?

Generally yes, if you apply within your guaranteed-issue window. That right usually lasts up to 63 days after your plan ends, which is about March 4, 2027 for a December 31 end date. Apply sooner to avoid a gap.

➤ I have a Blue Cross MedicareRx plan. What do I do?

Your stand-alone drug plan ends December 31, 2026. Choose a new Part D plan, or a Medicare Advantage plan with drug coverage, so you avoid a coverage gap and a possible late-enrollment penalty.

➤ Are group retiree BCBSTX plans ending too?

No. BCBSTX says it will keep offering Medicare Advantage to employers, municipalities and unions. If you have retiree coverage, confirm your 2027 details with your benefits office.

➤ Which insurers still sell Medicare Advantage in Texas for 2027?

National insurers such as UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Aetna sell plans in many Texas counties, but options depend on your county. Compare plans by ZIP code to see what is available where you live.

➤ Are other Texas Medicare Advantage plans ending for 2027?

Yes. CHRISTUS Health Plan is leaving Medicare Advantage in 36 Texas counties, and Memorial Hermann Health Plan is leaving in six Houston-area counties. Members of those plans should follow the same steps.

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Compare 2027 Medicare Advantage plans with drug coverage from several insurance companies in one call.

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TTY users 711  |  Mon–Fri: 5am–7pm, Sat–Sun: 7am–4pm CT

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Find & Compare Plans Online

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Mon-Fri: 8am-9pm ET

ZRN Health & Financial Services, LLC, a Texas limited liability company

Russell Noga, licensed insurance agent
( Medicare Expert )

Russell Noga is the CEO of ZRN Health & Financial Services, and head content editor of several Medicare insurance online publications. He has over 15 years of experience as a licensed Medicare insurance broker helping Medicare beneficiaries learn about Medicare, Medicare Advantage Plans, Medigap insurance, and Medicare Part D prescription drug plans.

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