Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas in 2026

Overview

Choosing the best Medicare Advantage plan in Texas can feel overwhelming. With more than 250 plan options statewide and county-level variations in networks, benefits, and premiums, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. But the good news? Texas residents have access to some of the highest-performing national carriers, each offering strong benefits, affordable premiums, and added perks like dental, vision, hearing, fitness, and transportation.

In this guide, we break down the best Medicare Advantage plans in Texas for 2025 using objective data—including J.D. Power satisfaction scores, CMS Star Ratings, financial strength ratings, and plan availability. Whether you’re looking for low premiums, strong provider networks, or top-tier customer experience, this guide will help you confidently compare your options.

Best Medicare Advantage Plans in Texas (Comparison Table)

Important: Benefits and Star Ratings vary by county and plan.

Top Medicare Advantage Carriers in Texas

Below are the best Medicare Advantage plans in Texas, with overviews based on plan benefits, satisfaction scores, and financial strength.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas—Best for Member Experience & Texas-Based Networks

Overview: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX)is the state’s largest not-for-profit health insurer and part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, giving members access to broad regional networks backed by decades of local experience. Its strong Texas roots make it a trusted staple for residents seeking stable, community-centered coverage.

BCBSTX leads the state with the highest J.D. Power satisfaction rating (639). Texas beneficiaries consistently rate BCBSTX highly for customer service, provider relationships, and reliability.

What You’ll Like

• Strong statewide provider network with deep Texas roots

• Dental, vision, hearing, fitness programs, OTC allowances, and telehealth on many plans

• Financially solid with an A (Excellent) rating

• SNPs available in select counties

• Many plans include Part D drug coverage

Plan Types

• HMO

• PPO

• HMO-POS

BCBSTX is a great fit if you prioritize strong local healthcare relationships and member support.

UnitedHealthcare—Best for Largest Network & Extra Benefits

Overview: UnitedHealthcare (UHC) is the nation’s largest health insurance carrier and a leader in Medicare Advantage innovation, offering extensive provider networks and integrated health management tools. Its size and national infrastructure allow it to deliver consistent quality and broad access across Texas.

UHC is one of the top choices for beneficiaries needing broad provider access. With an A+ (Superior) A.M. Best financial rating and one of the strongest national Star Rating averages, UHC consistently performs well in Texas.

What You’ll Like

• Texas’s largest Medicare Advantage network

• Strong national Star Ratings (~4.10)

• Many $0-premium options

• Renewal of Active fitness, OTC allowances, dental, vision, and hearing

• Offers D-SNP and C-SNP options

Plan Types

• HMO

• PPO

• HMO-POS

Choose UHC if you want maximum provider choice and a deep menu of supplemental benefits.

Cigna Healthcare—Best for Chronic Condition Support

Overview: Cigna is a global health services company recognized for its coordinated care model and focus on whole-person health. Its Medicare Advantage plans emphasize care management, virtual support, and chronic condition monitoring backed by a long-standing national footprint.

Cigna delivers solid performance and shines in chronic condition management, care coordination, and customer support.

What You’ll Like

• Strong care management programs and virtual care

• Dental, vision, hearing, fitness, OTC allowances

• Offers D-SNP and C-SNP

• A (Excellent) financial rating

Plan Types

• HMO

• PPO

Cigna is ideal for beneficiaries who want strong care coordination and chronic condition support.

Aetna Medicare (CVS Health)—Best Overall Value & Benefit Richness

Aetna, now part of CVS Health, blends traditional health insurance strength with retail and pharmacy integration to streamline the member experience. Its coordinated care approach is supported by CVS locations nationwide, improving access to prescriptions and in-person assistance.

Aetna consistently offers some of the best value Medicare Advantage plans in Texas. Its integration with CVS Health makes care navigation and prescription access easier for many members.

What You’ll Like

• Affordable premiums, including many $0 plans

• Dental, vision, hearing, SilverSneakers, OTC allowances

• D-SNP availability

• Good Star Rating performance

Plan Types

• HMO

• HMO-POS

• PPO

Aetna is a strong all-around carrier with good benefits and statewide availability.

Humana — Best for High Star Ratings & Robust Benefits

Overview: Humana is one of the country’s most established Medicare Advantage providers, known for its emphasis on preventive care, member engagement, and strong clinical partnerships. Its national scale and quality-driven approach help it maintain consistently high performance ratings.

Humana consistently delivers some of the highest Star Ratings nationally (~4.34). Its plans often include rich supplemental benefits and low out-of-pocket costs.

What You’ll Like

• Excellent national Star Ratings

• Dental, vision, hearing, OTC, transportation, fitness benefits

• Strong Texas footprint

• D-SNP and C-SNP plans are available

Plan Types

• HMO

• PPO

Humana is an excellent choice for beneficiaries prioritizing quality ratings and generous supplemental benefits.

Wellcare (Centene) — Best for Low-Cost Plans & Generous Allowances

Overview: Wellcare, a Centene company, specializes in government-sponsored healthcare programs and focuses on delivering affordable, benefit-rich Medicare Advantage options. Its mission centers on expanding access to coordinated, cost-effective care for diverse populations.

Wellcare is known for its budget-friendly Medicare Advantage plans in Texas. With strong pharmacy benefits and large OTC/flex allowances, it’s a popular pick for value seekers.

What You’ll Like

• Highly competitive pricing (many $0 premiums)

• Generous OTC, dental, vision, and hearing benefits

• D-SNP and C-SNP availability

Plan Types

• HMO

• PPO (in select counties)

Wellcare is a fit for beneficiaries seeking affordable, benefit-rich plans.

Comparing Benefits: Flex Cards, OTC Credits & Grocery Allowances

Many Texas Medicare Advantage plans offer supplemental perks that can significantly reduce your everyday costs. If you’re looking to understand which carriers offer the most value, our guide to Medicare Advantage flex, grocery, and OTC benefits breaks down these allowances and how they work.

How to Choose the Best Medicare Advantage Plan in Texas

Selecting the right plan depends on your healthcare needs and ZIP code. Before choosing a plan, it helps to understand your comparison criteria. You can learn more about evaluating costs, networks, and drug coverage by reading our step-by-step guide on how to compare Medicare Advantage plans.

Here are key factors:

1. Provider Network

Do your doctors and hospitals accept the plan?

2. Drug Coverage (Part D)

Check the formulary for your medications.

3. Out-of-Pocket Costs

Compare premiums, deductibles, and max out-of-pocket limits.

4. Star Ratings

Higher ratings often mean better quality and satisfaction.

5. Extra Benefits

Dental, vision, hearing, OTC, meals, transportation, and fitness can add value.

For personalized help, you can compare plans on Healthcare.com, our parent company, or speak with a licensed Medicare agent who can walk you through the options available in your area.

Looking for Medicare Plan Options Outside of Texas?

If you’re researching coverage for family members or comparing options across the country, our directory of Medicare plan options by state provides state-by-state guides, plan options, and enrollment rules.

Methodology

This data analysis was built using verified data from CMS Part C & D Performance Data, J.D. Power, AM Best, and carrier websites as of November 2025.

Key Factors Included:

1. CMS Star Ratings: Assessed plan quality using metrics from the official CMS database.
2. Satisfaction Scores: Drawn from the J.D. Power 2025 U.S. Medicare Advantage Study results.
3. Financial Strength: Verified via AM Best Financial Ratings, ensuring all carriers meet “A” (Excellent) or higher.
4. Parent Company Updates: Incorporated public filings, such as CVS Health’s 2026 Medicare Advantage report.
5. Plan Benefit Reviews: Evaluated dental, vision, hearing, and OTC allowances using each carrier’s published plan materials.

For national comparisons, visit our Best Medicare Advantage Companies 2026 analysis.

Bottom Line: Which Medicare Advantage Plan Is Best in TX?

Texas beneficiaries have access to some of the best Medicare Advantage plans in the country, offered by strong national carriers like BCBSTX, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, Aetna, Cigna, and Wellcare. The “best” plan depends on your doctors, prescriptions, county, and budget.

As you narrow your options, compare benefits, Star Ratings, extra perks, and out-of-pocket costs—not just premiums. Medicare Advantage plans can differ dramatically from one ZIP code to the next, so using a comparison tool like Healthcare.com or speaking with a licensed agent can help ensure you’re choosing the right coverage for your needs.