Medicare network guide

Medicare Advantage at Houston Methodist.

Which Medicare Advantage plans work with Houston Methodist, how Medigap and Original Medicare access compares, and our advisor's tips on choosing a plan that keeps your Houston Methodist providers in-network.

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About Houston Methodist

Founded in 1919 and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Houston Methodist operates across Texas. Top 15 nationally; #1 in Texas (US News & World Report), with national strength in cardiology, cancer, neurology, transplant surgery, and orthopedics.

Medicare Advantage carriers that contract with Houston Methodist

BCBS Texas, Humana, UnitedHealthcare/AARP, Aetna, Cigna.

Advisor's note:

Houston Methodist is in-network with most major Houston MA plans. Some Memorial Hermann-affiliated MA plans may have narrower access — verify your specific plan.

Original Medicare with Medigap = full Houston Methodist access

If keeping Houston Methodist in-network is non-negotiable, the simplest path is Original Medicare (Parts A and B) plus a Medigap plan plus a standalone Part D plan. Medigap plans don't have networks — they pay out-of-pocket costs at any provider that accepts Medicare.

Houston Methodist accepts Medicare. So: Original Medicare + Medigap means you can see any Houston Methodist doctor, in any Houston Methodist hospital, with no referrals or pre-authorizations.

The trade-off: Medigap costs $100-$250/month (versus often $0 for Medicare Advantage), and standalone Part D adds $15-$70/month. But you get total provider freedom and predictable out-of-pocket costs.

How to verify your Houston Methodist doctor is in your Medicare Advantage plan

  1. Call the plan member services line with your doctor's full name and NPI number. Ask: "Is Dr. [Name], NPI [#####], in-network for [plan name] for 2027?"
  2. Check the plan's online provider directory. Search by full name. Verify the address matches your Houston Methodist location.
  3. Call your Houston Methodist doctor's office. Ask the receptionist which Medicare Advantage plans they accept. Verify both that the practice is in-network and that the specific physician is in-network — they're sometimes different.
  4. If you have specialists, repeat for each one. Network status varies physician-by-physician within the same hospital system.

Free 14-minute Medicare review.

A licensed advisor reviews your specific Houston Methodist providers, your prescriptions, and finds the Medicare Advantage or Medigap option that keeps your care in-network. Free, no obligation.

Call (866) 534-1886

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