➤ What are the best Medicare Advantage plans for 2027?
The best plan is the one in your county that covers your doctors and drugs at the lowest total yearly cost and has a strong star rating. No insurer is best everywhere, so compare plans by ZIP code during Annual Enrollment.
➤ How do I compare Medicare Advantage plans for 2027?
List your doctors, drugs and pharmacy, then enter your ZIP code in Medicare Plan Finder or work with a licensed agent. Compare premiums, copays, the out-of-pocket maximum, drug costs and star ratings side by side.
➤ How do I enroll in a 2027 Medicare Advantage plan?
You can enroll online through Medicare Plan Finder, by calling the plan or 1-800-MEDICARE, or with a licensed agent. Enroll between October 15 and December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027. Have your Medicare card ready.
➤ Is Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas leaving Medicare Advantage?
HCSC, the parent of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, is dropping Blue-branded Medicare Advantage in Texas for 2027 and shrinking from 229 to 47 Texas counties. Affected members will receive notices explaining their options.
➤ Which Texas health plans are exiting for 2027?
Memorial Hermann is exiting 6 Texas counties and Christus Health Plan is exiting Medicare Advantage in Texas and New Mexico. Members get a Special Enrollment Period and generally a guaranteed issue right to certain Medigap plans.
➤ Are any insurers entering Texas for 2027?
Yes. Alignment Health is entering San Antonio and MedCare Partners is entering Harris County. New plans may not have star ratings yet, so review networks and costs carefully. Check that your doctors and hospital are in network, and compare the new plans with established options in your county before enrolling.
➤ What is the average Medicare Advantage premium for 2027?
The national average is $12 a month for 2027, down from $14.37, according to CMS. About 8 in 10 members can keep their plan at the same or lower premium, but you still pay your Part B premium.
➤ Do star ratings matter when choosing a plan?
Yes. Star ratings from 1 to 5 reflect quality and member experience and are a useful tiebreaker. New plans may not have ratings yet, so weigh their networks and costs more heavily. Doctors, drugs and cost come first.
➤ What if my current plan is ending?
Your coverage continues through December 31, 2026. You get a Special Enrollment Period and generally a guaranteed issue right to buy certain Medigap plans, usually within 63 days after coverage ends. If you do nothing, you return to Original Medicare without drug coverage.
➤ Where can Texans get free Medicare help?
HICAP, the Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program, offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. You can also call 1-800-MEDICARE or compare plans with a licensed agent at no cost. A counselor can review your doctors, drugs and budget and explain your choices without selling you a plan.
