Medicare Plans in Harris County, TX: Your 2027 Guide
For 2027, Harris County has 48 Medicare Advantage plans (not counting Special Needs Plans). 42 charge a $0 Part C premium, 41 include Part D drug coverage, and 52% carry a 2027 CMS rating of 4 stars or higher. In-network out-of-pocket limits run from $1,500 to $9,850.
Page last revised 15 October 2026. Plan data: CMS CY2027 landscape file (September 2026) and 2027 Star Ratings (released 8 October 2026).
Harris County residents choose from 48 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027. The premium is rarely the difference: 42 of them cost $0 a month. The out-of-pocket limit ($1,500 to $9,850), the hospital network and your drug list are what separate them.
Harris County is the largest county we serve, with 4,758,579 residents in the latest Census survey, and 1,001,621 of them have no health coverage, close to the entire population of Duval County. Its uninsured rate is 21.2%.
Houston’s Texas Medical Center gives Harris an unusually deep bench of top-rated hospitals: Houston Methodist Hospital and four other Houston Methodist campuses carry 5 stars in the CMS ratings. Whether a plan reaches those campuses is the first network question here.
2027 Medicare in Harris County by the numbers
Non-SNP Medicare Advantage plans unless noted. The small line under each figure is the 2026 value for comparison.
Source: CMS — Prescription Drug Coverage: CY2026 and CY2027 MA / Part D Landscape Source Files (Downloads); CMS — Part C and D Performance Data (2027 Star Ratings, released October 2026). Pulled 15 October 2026.
What changed in Harris County from 2026 to 2027?
The shelf shrank from 67 to 48 Medicare Advantage plans, and the highest out-of-pocket limit moved from $9,250 to $9,850. Nationally, the Part D deductible cap rises from $615 to $700 and the yearly drug out-of-pocket cap from $2,100 to $2,400. If you are in a plan today, read the Annual Notice of Change your plan mailed in September before you let it renew.
| Measure | 2026 | 2027 |
|---|---|---|
| Medicare Advantage plans (non-SNP) | 67 | 48 |
| $0 Part C premium | 61 | 42 |
| With Part D drug coverage | 55 | 41 |
| Median in-network out-of-pocket limit | $5,950 | $5,800 |
| Highest out-of-pocket limit | $9,250 | $9,850 |
| Average Part D deductible | $424 | $486 |
| Average CMS star rating | 3.87 | 3.86 |
| Special Needs Plans | 45 | 50 |
| Part D deductible cap (national) | $615 | $700 |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap (national) | $2,100 | $2,400 |
Sources: CMS CY2026/CY2027 landscape; 2026 and 2027 Star Ratings; Medicare.gov (Part D caps).
Every 2027 Medicare Advantage plan in Harris County, by type
48 plans across 4 plan types. Open a type to see every plan with its 2027 CMS star rating, premiums, out-of-pocket limit and Part D deductible. Ratings are shown as published, not as a recommendation.
HMO plans
HMO plans use a set network of doctors and hospitals and usually need a referral from your primary care doctor to see a specialist. Care outside the network is generally not covered except in emergencies.
- Average Part C premium: $0.22 a month
- Lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit: $1,500
- 2 of these plans do not include Part D drug coverage
| Plan | 2027 rating | Part C premium | C + D premium | In-network MOOP | Part D deductible | CMS plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| MedCare Classic (HMO) MedCare Partners Health Plan of Texas | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $1,500 | $0 | H5767-001 |
| Verda Noble Care (HMO) Verda Health Plan of Texas | 2.0★ | $0 | $0 | $1,599 | $300 | H5163-001 |
| SCAN Classic Texas (HMO) SCAN Health Plan | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $2,900 | $450 | H8902-010 |
| Wellcare Simple (HMO) Wellcare | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,500 | $700 | H0174-010 |
| SCAN Walmart Health Advantage (HMO) SCAN Health Plan | Not rated | $0 | $0 | $3,500 | $450 | H8902-012 |
| HealthSpring Alliance (HMO) HealthSpring | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,600 | $500 | H4513-064 |
| DEVOTED CORE 019 TX (HMO) Devoted Health | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,650 | $650 | H7993-019 |
| DEVOTED CORE 001 TX (HMO) Devoted Health | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,700 | $650 | H7993-001 |
| Humana Gold Plus H0028-042 (HMO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,950 | $440 | H0028-042 |
| Humana Gold Plus H0028-072 (HMO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,950 | $440 | H0028-072 |
| Humana Total Complete (HMO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,950 | $440 | H4461-049 |
| Humana Total Complete (HMO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $3,950 | $440 | H4461-057 |
| HealthSpring Preferred (HMO) HealthSpring | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $4,000 | $500 | H4513-061-1 |
| KelseyCare Advantage Signature (HMO) KelseyCare Advantage | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $4,150 | $0 | H0332-009 |
| HealthSpring Courage (HMO) HealthSpring | 3.5★ | $0 | — | $4,300 | No drug coverage | H4513-009 |
| Aetna Medicare Prime Care (HMO) Aetna Medicare | 3.0★ | $0 | $0 | $4,450 | $400 | H4523-024 |
| KelseyCare Advantage Core (HMO) KelseyCare Advantage | 4.5★ | $0 | — | $4,500 | No drug coverage | H0332-001 |
| DEVOTED GIVEBACK EXTRAS 114 TX (HMO) Devoted Health | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $5,600 | $700 | H7993-114 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature Extra (HMO) Aetna Medicare | 3.0★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | $400 | H4523-015 |
| HealthSpring Preferred Savings (HMO) HealthSpring | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,200 | $300 | H4513-083-1 |
| HealthSpring Preferred Extra Savings (HMO) HealthSpring | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,500 | $300 | H4513-091 |
| DEVOTED GIVEBACK 006 TX (HMO) Devoted Health | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,300 | $461 | H7993-006 |
| DEVOTED PREMIUM 002 TX (HMO) Devoted Health | 4.5★ | $5 | $5 | $4,150 | $650 | H7993-002 |
HMO-POS plans
HMO-POS plans work like an HMO but let you use some out-of-network services, usually at a higher cost. Read which services the point-of-service option covers before you count on it.
- Average Part C premium: $2.18 a month
- Lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit: $3,400
- 1 of these plans do not include Part D drug coverage
| Plan | 2027 rating | Part C premium | C + D premium | In-network MOOP | Part D deductible | CMS plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare TexanPlus Classic Simple (HMO-POS) Wellcare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $3,400 | $700 | H4506-003 |
| Wellpoint Medicare Advantage Select 1 (HMO-POS) Wellpoint | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $4,450 | $0 | H8849-009 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-001P (HMO-POS) UnitedHealthcare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $4,900 | $685 | H4514-014 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-0009 (HMO-POS) UnitedHealthcare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $6,700 | $685 | H4514-007 |
| KelseyCare Advantage Freedom (HMO-POS) KelseyCare Advantage | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $6,850 | $200 | H0332-004 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-0015 (HMO-POS) UnitedHealthcare | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $6,900 | $685 | H4527-037 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx TX-MA01 (HMO-POS) UnitedHealthcare | 4.0★ | $0 | — | $7,150 | No drug coverage | H4527-024 |
| Wellpoint Medicare Advantage 2 (HMO-POS) Wellpoint | 3.0★ | $0 | $0 | $9,850 | $105 | H2593-029 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-4P (HMO-POS) UnitedHealthcare | 4.0★ | $19.60 | $36 | $3,900 | $595 | H4514-022 |
PPO plans
PPO plans let you see out-of-network providers without a referral, at a higher share of the cost. A PPO lists two out-of-pocket limits: the in-network one shown below and a higher combined one.
- Average Part C premium: $1.00 a month
- Lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit: $4,900
- 3 of these plans do not include Part D drug coverage
| Plan | 2027 rating | Part C premium | C + D premium | In-network MOOP | Part D deductible | CMS plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aetna Medicare Eagle (PPO) Aetna Medicare | 3.5★ | $0 | — | $4,900 | No drug coverage | H3288-051 |
| HumanaChoice H5216-043 (PPO) Humana | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $6,800 | $700 | H5216-043-6 |
| Humana Value Choice (PPO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $6,800 | $700 | H7617-057 |
| HealthSpring True Choice (PPO) HealthSpring | 3.0★ | $0 | $0 | $6,800 | $700 | H7849-154 |
| Aetna Medicare Signature (PPO) Aetna Medicare | 3.5★ | $0 | $0 | $7,150 | $700 | H2293-016 |
| Aetna Medicare Value Plus (PPO) Aetna Medicare | 3.5★ | $0 | $6.30 | $7,150 | $700 | H3288-003 |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | — | $7,900 | No drug coverage | H7617-062 |
| Humana USAA Honor Giveback (PPO) Humana | 4.0★ | $0 | — | $7,900 | No drug coverage | H5216-348 |
| HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-358 (PPO) Humana | 4.0★ | $0 | $0 | $8,300 | $50 | H5216-358 |
| Humana Essentials Plus Giveback (PPO) Humana | 4.5★ | $0 | $0 | $8,300 | $50 | H7617-035 |
| HumanaChoice H5216-042 (PPO) Humana | 4.0★ | $2 | $62 | $6,750 | $700 | H5216-042 |
| Aetna Medicare Enhanced (PPO) Aetna Medicare | 3.5★ | $10 | $65 | $9,850 | $700 | H3288-047 |
Regional PPO plans
Regional PPOs cover a whole multi-county CMS region rather than single counties. They work like local PPOs, and their premiums and out-of-pocket limits are often higher.
- Average Part C premium: $13.38 a month
- Lowest in-network out-of-pocket limit: $6,000
- 1 of these plans do not include Part D drug coverage
| Plan | 2027 rating | Part C premium | C + D premium | In-network MOOP | Part D deductible | CMS plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HumanaChoice R4182-001 (Regional PPO) Humana | 3.5★ | $0 | — | $6,000 | No drug coverage | R4182-001 |
| HumanaChoice R4182-003 (Regional PPO) Humana | 3.5★ | $0 | $100 | $8,200 | $700 | R4182-003 |
| HumanaChoice R4182-004 (Regional PPO) Humana | 3.5★ | $7.20 | $46 | $8,200 | $700 | R4182-004 |
| AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-61 (Regional PPO) UnitedHealthcare | 3.0★ | $46.30 | $138 | $9,850 | $685 | R6801-012 |
Source: CMS CY2027 MA/Part D landscape file; 2027 Overall Star Ratings by contract. Green pill: 4 stars or higher; gold: 3.5; rust: below 3.5. A rating is a published CMS score for the contract, not a statement about your care.
How are Harris County plans rated for 2027?
52% of the 48 plans carry a 2027 CMS Overall Star Rating of 4 stars or higher, and the average is 3.86 stars, compared with 3.87 for 2026. No Medicare Advantage plan in Harris County carries a 5-star rating for 2027. Star ratings are set at the contract level, so every plan under one contract shares the same score.
| Overall rating | Plans | Share |
|---|---|---|
| 4.5 stars | 15 | 31% |
| 4 stars | 10 | 21% |
| 3.5 stars | 14 | 29% |
| 3 stars | 5 | 10% |
| 2 stars | 1 | 2% |
| Not rated | 3 | 6% |
Source: CMS — Part C and D Performance Data (2027 Star Ratings, released October 2026).
Chronic conditions in Harris County and the plans built for them
CDC’s county estimates show how common the conditions that drive Medicare costs are among adults in Harris County. Each bar shows the crude to age-adjusted range.
Show the data table
| Measure (adults) | Estimate |
|---|---|
| Diagnosed diabetes | 13.2% |
| Obesity | 37.1–37.3% |
| High blood pressure | 32.8–32.9% |
| Coronary heart disease | 5.4–5.5% |
| COPD | 5.5% |
| Uninsured, adults 18–64 | 21.3–21.5% |
CDC PLACES — Local Data for Better Health, county estimates, 2023 county estimates; adult population 4,835,125.
50 Special Needs Plans for 2027
Special Needs Plans (SNPs) are Medicare Advantage plans limited to people with particular needs. They are kept out of every Medicare Advantage figure above. With 13.2% of adults living with diabetes, 16 of the county’s chronic-condition plans are built for diabetes. 15 cover heart failure or cardiovascular disorders, where CDC estimates coronary heart disease at 5.4–5.5% of adults.
Dual-eligible SNPs (D-SNP): 23
For people who qualify for both Medicare and Medicaid.
| Highest-rated plans | Rating | C + D premium | MOOP |
|---|---|---|---|
| DEVOTED DUAL 010 TX (HMO D-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $9,850 |
| Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H0028-032 (HMO D-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $9,850 |
| Humana Gold Plus SNP-DE H4461-071 (HMO D-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $9,850 |
Chronic-condition SNPs (C-SNP): 20
For people living with specific chronic or disabling conditions named by the plan.
| Highest-rated plans | Rating | C + D premium | MOOP |
|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Gold Plus - Diabetes and Heart (HMO C-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $3,950 |
| DEVOTED C-SNP ENHANCED 030 TX (HMO C-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $4,450 |
| DEVOTED C-SNP GIVEBACK EXTRAS 087 TX (HMO C-SNP) | 4.5★ | $0 | $5,600 |
Institutional SNPs (I-SNP): 7
For people who live in an institution, such as a nursing home, or who need nursing-home-level care at home.
| Highest-rated plans | Rating | C + D premium | MOOP |
|---|---|---|---|
| UHC Nursing Home Plan TX-F001 (PPO I-SNP) | 5.0★ | $6.30 | $9,850 |
| Texas Independence Health Plan, Inc. (HMO I-SNP) | 4.5★ | $3.90 | $9,250 |
| Texas Independence Community Plan (HMO I-SNP) | 4.5★ | $6.30 | $9,250 |
Conditions named by C-SNPs in this county: chronic kidney disease (2) · diabetes (16) · cardiovascular disorders (15) · chronic heart failure (15) · chronic lung disorders (1). A plan does not mean you qualify; the plan verifies your condition.
Stand-alone Part D drug plans for Harris County residents
If you keep Original Medicare, alone or with a Medigap plan, or choose a Medicare Advantage plan without drug coverage, drugs come from a stand-alone Part D plan (PDP). PDPs are sold statewide: 10 are offered in Texas for 2027, with premiums from $5.30 to $199 a month. For 2027, no plan can charge a deductible above $700, and once your own spending on covered drugs reaches $2,400 you pay nothing more that year.
| Plan | Monthly premium | Deductible | 2027 Part D rating | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | $6.30 | $700 | 4.5★ | S5884-143 |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | $7.30 | $700 | 3.0★ | S4802-013 |
| HealthSpring Assurance Rx (PDP) | $98 | $700 | 2.5★ | S5715-014 |
| Plan | Monthly premium | Deductible | 2027 Part D rating | Plan ID |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | $5.30 | $700 | 3.0★ | S4802-155 |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | $33.20 | $687 | 4.5★ | S5884-201 |
| Humana Premier Rx Plan (PDP) | $137.50 | $350 | 4.5★ | S5884-168 |
Sorted by premium because CMS enrollment by plan was not available to us. Source: CMS CY2027 landscape (PDP rows, region 22); 2027 Part D summary ratings; Medicare.gov for the $700 and $2,400 limits.
Price your own drug list with our Part D drug cost estimator.
How does Medigap work in Harris County?
A Medicare Supplement (Medigap) policy pays some or all of what Original Medicare leaves you: the Part A deductible, Part B coinsurance and more, depending on the plan letter. It works at any doctor or hospital in the country that accepts Medicare, which is why people who travel or split the year between states often prefer it.
In Texas, every Medicare supplement policy is guaranteed renewable, and you can return a new policy within 30 days for a full refund (Texas Department of Insurance).
We don’t publish Medigap prices: they depend on your age, the plan letter and the carrier, and no public rate file covers them. Compare real quotes side by side with our Medigap cost comparison calculator.
Hospitals in and around Houston
A plan’s network decides which of these hospitals you can use at in-network prices. Ratings are CMS’s overall hospital star ratings, reported as published.
| Hospital | ZIP | CMS overall rating |
|---|---|---|
| Houston Methodist Hospital | 77030 | 5.0★ |
| Houston Methodist West Hospital | 77094 | 5.0★ |
| Houston Methodist Willowbrook Hospital | 77070 | 5.0★ |
| Houston Methodist Clear Lake Hospital | 77058 | 5.0★ |
| Houston Methodist Baytown Hospital | 77521 | 5.0★ |
| Houston VA Medical Center | 77030 | 5.0★ |
| Memorial Hermann – Texas Medical Center | 77030 | 4.0★ |
| Baylor St. Luke's Medical Center | 77030 | 4.0★ |
| Memorial Hermann Memorial City Hospital | 77024 | 4.0★ |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Clear Lake | 77598 | 4.0★ |
| Harris Health | 77030 | 3.0★ |
| St. Joseph Medical Center | 77002 | 3.0★ |
| HCA Houston Healthcare Northwest | 77090 | 2.0★ |
Source: CMS Care Compare — Hospital General Information (overall star rating), retrieved 15 October 2026. Grouped by the ZIP code in each hospital’s CMS address.
Under 65 in Harris County: Marketplace coverage
Texas uses HealthCare.gov. For the 2026 plan year, the benchmark Silver plan in Harris County (the second-lowest-cost Silver, which sets your subsidy) costs $463.27 a month at age 21 before any tax credit. A single 21-year-old earning $40,000 qualifies for an estimated $177 a month in premium tax credits, per HealthCare.gov. Prices rise with age on the federal age curve:
| Age | Benchmark Silver | Lowest Bronze |
|---|---|---|
| 21 | $463.27 | $293.04 |
| 40 | $592.06 | $374.51 |
| 60 | $1,257.31 | $795.31 |
Source: HealthCare.gov Marketplace API (2026 plan year, ZIP 77002) via the Ambrose Insurance Brain, 15 October 2026; ages 40 and 60 scaled with the CMS federal default age curve. 2027 prices appear on HealthCare.gov for open enrollment starting November 1, 2026.
For 2027 coverage, open enrollment runs November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027; enroll by December 15 for a January 1 start. The tax credit stops above 400% of the poverty line. Estimate yours with the ACA premium tax credit calculator or price your household with the premium estimator.
How and when to enroll in Harris County
- Initial Enrollment Period: 7 months around your 65th birthday, starting 3 months before the month you turn 65. Find your dates
- Open Enrollment (all Medicare): October 15 to December 7, 2026, for coverage starting January 1, 2027.
- Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment: January 1 to March 31, for people already in a Medicare Advantage plan: one switch, or a return to Original Medicare.
- Special Enrollment Periods: triggered by events such as moving, losing employer coverage, or qualifying for Extra Help or Medicaid.
You can enroll through a licensed agent such as us, directly with the plan, or at Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE. To join a Medicare Advantage plan you must have Medicare Part A and Part B and live in the plan’s service area.
Plan availability: plans are filed by county, so the 2027 plans above are available to Medicare beneficiaries throughout Harris County, including Houston, Pasadena, Baytown, Katy, Humble, Tomball.
Where to get help in Harris County
- McDowell Business Resources: free plan reviews by phone or video, 888-661-0126.
- Medicare: Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) for every plan in your area.
- Social Security: to sign up for Part A and Part B, or to ask for an IRMAA review after a life-changing event.
- Medicaid and Medicare Savings Programs: Texas Health and Human Services (Your Texas Benefits). Check first with our Medicare Savings Program estimator.
- Veterans: VA health care can work alongside Medicare, and veterans can hold both.
How we help in Harris County
Medicare
Advantage, Medigap & Part D
ACA / Marketplace
Individual & family plans, subsidies
Life Insurance
Term & whole life, sized to you
Final Expense
Cover end-of-life costs
Supplemental
Dental, vision, hospital, disability & LTC
Indexed UL
Protection + tax-advantaged cash value
Annuities
Guaranteed income you can’t outlive
Business & Notary
Group benefits, P&C & notary
Harris County: frequently asked
Sources & methodology
- CMS — Prescription Drug Coverage: CY2026 and CY2027 MA / Part D Landscape Source Files (Downloads) · CY2026 and CY2027 files, pulled 15 October 2026
- CMS — Part C and D Performance Data (2027 Star Ratings, released October 2026) · 2027 Star Ratings (8 Oct 2026)
- Medicare.gov — Costs for Medicare drug coverage · 2026 and 2027 plan years
- CMS — 2026 Medicare Parts A & B Premiums and Deductibles · 2026 plan year
- CDC PLACES — Local Data for Better Health, county estimates · 2023 county estimates
- U.S. Census Bureau — American Community Survey 2023 5-year estimates · ACS 2023
- CMS Care Compare — Hospital General Information (overall star rating) · retrieved 15 October 2026
- HealthCare.gov Marketplace API — 2026 plan year plans and subsidy estimates · 2026 plan year
- CMS — State Specific Age Curve Variations (federal default age curve) · federal default curve
Medicare Advantage figures cover non-SNP HMO, HMO-POS, PPO and Regional PPO plan segments in the CMS landscape file for Harris County; Special Needs Plans are counted separately and stand-alone Part D plans are statewide. “$0 premium” and average premium use the Part C premium; the table also shows the consolidated Part C + D premium. Star ratings are the 2027 contract-level Overall Star Ratings joined by contract ID. CMS enrollment by county was not available to us, so no plan is described as most popular. Health figures are CDC model-based estimates shown as a crude to age-adjusted range. Pulled through the Ambrose Insurance Brain on 15 October 2026.
Compiled by the McDowell Business Resources Data Desk. Last reviewed: October 2026.
Local help in Harris County, at no cost
Free, no-pressure help comparing Medicare, Marketplace, life and supplemental coverage. Call or book a time that suits you.
Medicare TPMO disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE to get information on all of your options.
McDowell Business Resources is not affiliated with or endorsed by the U.S. government, the federal Medicare program, or CMS.
This page is general education, not insurance, tax, legal or investment advice. Figures are dated where shown and can change; your situation may differ, and product availability varies by state and carrier. McDowell Business Resources (MBR Insurance & Financial Services) is an independent agency, not an insurance carrier.