Medicare AEP 2027 in Texas — what to know.
Oct 15 - Dec 7, 2026. The Annual Enrollment Period is your once-a-year chance to switch Medicare Advantage plans, switch Part D drug plans, or move between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage. Plans you choose during AEP take effect January 1, 2027.
Why this AEP matters in Texas
Texas has roughly 4.4M Medicare beneficiaries, of whom about 53% are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan. AEP is when their plans can change — and when you can change yours.
2027 plan changes in Texas
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas is expanding its Medicare Advantage HMO offerings for 2027 in Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston. Humana and UnitedHealthcare continue as the two largest MA carriers statewide. Cigna's MA plan is growing in San Antonio and Austin.
Your AEP 2027 checklist for Texas
Your current plan mailed an Annual Notice of Change (ANOC) in late September. It lists every benefit, copay, network, and drug change for 2027. Don't recycle it — read it.
Networks change every year. Confirm your primary care doctor and any specialists are still in-network for 2027 — directly with the plan, not just on the website.
Formularies (covered drug lists) change annually. A drug that was Tier 2 in 2026 may move to Tier 4 in 2027 — tripling your copay. Run your meds through the plan's 2027 formulary.
Don't just renew. Compare your current plan against at least 2 alternatives — including Original Medicare + Medigap if you've never considered it. Best plan in 2026 is rarely best in 2027.
The Part D out-of-pocket cap stays at $2,000 in 2027. If you take expensive drugs, that cap dramatically changes the math — many people who couldn't afford Eliquis or Jardiance in past years now can.
After Dec 7 you generally can't change your Medicare Advantage plan until next AEP — except for the limited Open Enrollment window (Jan 1 - Mar 31) which only allows one change.
Top Medicare Advantage carriers in Texas
Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, WellCare (Centene), Cigna, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
If you live part-time outside Texas, a national PPO plan or a Medigap policy will travel better than an HMO.
Texas metros we serve
We're licensed in all 50 states. Top TX markets:
- Houston
- Dallas
- San Antonio
- Austin
- Fort Worth
- El Paso
- Arlington
- Corpus Christi
- Plano
- Lubbock
Texas has wide variation between metro and rural counties. Houston and DFW have 50+ MA plans; West Texas may have 8-10. We help you compare apples-to-apples by your actual ZIP.
Free 14-minute Texas plan comparison.
A licensed TX advisor compares your current plan against every TX alternative — including Original Medicare with Medigap. No cost. No pressure. No commission to you.
Call (866) 534-1886Or request a callback · Mon–Fri 8a-8p ET, Sat 9a-2p ET