Medicare Plans in Dallas County for 2027: What the Numbers Show

Dallas County has one of the largest Medicare populations in Texas and a dense mix of big hospital systems, academic medical centers, and community hospitals. That's good news for access, but it also means plan networks can look very different from one another. The plan that fits your neighbor may not include the hospital you rely on.

Dallas County's 2027 options

CMS's 2027 data shows 42 Medicare Advantage plans in Dallas County from 8 insurance companies. 33 include Part D drug coverage, and 29 have a $0 monthly plan premium.

In-network out-of-pocket maximums run from $2,399 to $9,850. Medicare explains that once you reach your plan's limit, you pay nothing for covered services for the rest of the year. That cap is your worst-case number, so it's worth comparing as carefully as the premium.

If you'd rather keep Original Medicare, there are 10 stand-alone Part D plans, with premiums starting at $5.30 a month.

Big hospital systems, different networks

In a market with several large health systems, the most common surprise is finding out after enrolling that a preferred hospital or specialist isn't covered. A careful check takes about 15 minutes:

1. List your providers. Primary care doctor, every specialist, your usual hospital, and any outpatient center or lab you use.
2. Check each one by name in the plan's 2027 provider directory, or call the plan. Networks can change from year to year.
3. Ask about referrals. Medicare notes that in most HMO plans you need a referral to see a specialist.
4. Check your drugs. Confirm each prescription is on the plan's 2027 formulary and see which pharmacies are preferred.

Original Medicare is still an option

Medicare explains that with Original Medicare, you can use any doctor or hospital that takes Medicare, anywhere in the U.S. Some Dallas residents who see specialists at several different systems prefer that flexibility and add a Medigap policy and a Part D plan. Others prefer the lower premiums and extras some Advantage plans offer. Our guide to Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare in Texas walks through the tradeoffs.

Special needs plans

Dallas County offers 20 Dual Special Needs Plans for people who have both Medicare and Texas Medicaid, 15 plans for certain chronic conditions, and 7 plans for people living in a nursing home or similar facility.

If you're on a tight budget, see our guide to Part B premium help in Texas.

Key dates

Date	What happens
Oct. 15 – Dec. 7, 2026	Annual Enrollment Period: change plans for 2027
Jan. 1, 2027	New plan coverage starts
Jan. 1 – Mar. 31, 2027	One plan change if you're already in Medicare Advantage

Free local help

The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-252-9240. In Dallas County, you can also reach the Dallas County Area Agency on Aging at 214-871-5065.

To compare every plan for your ZIP code, use the Medicare.gov Plan Finder or call 1-800-MEDICARE.