What you'll learn
- Harris County residents can choose from 49 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, offered by 10 insurance companies.
- 41 of those plans have a $0 monthly premium. You still pay your Part B premium.
- In-network out-of-pocket maximums range from $1,500 to $9,850.
- During a declared disaster, Medicare Advantage plans must let you get care at Medicare-certified facilities outside the network, at in-network cost sharing.
Harris County, 2027 at a glance
Source: CMS 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files. Counts include plans open to general enrollment; availability can vary by ZIP code. Compare all plans at Medicare.gov.
Houston is home to the Texas Medical Center, and many Harris County residents count on being able to see a specialist there or at a hospital close to home. That makes your plan's network one of the most important things to check this fall, alongside your budget and your storm plan.
What the 2027 numbers show
According to CMS's 2027 plan data, Harris County residents can choose from 49 Medicare Advantage plans offered by 10 insurance companies. Of those, 41 include Part D drug coverage, and 41 charge no monthly plan premium.
The out-of-pocket maximum is the most you'd pay in a year for covered, in-network care. In Harris County it ranges from $1,500 to $9,850. If you have a hospital stay or a run of specialist visits, that cap can matter more than the monthly premium.
Prefer to keep Original Medicare? There are 10 stand-alone Part D drug plans available, with premiums starting at $5.30 a month.
Networks and the Texas Medical Center
Harris County is spread out, and care is too. Before you choose a plan, think about where you actually go:
- Your specialists. If you see a cardiologist, oncologist, or other specialist, confirm that the specific doctor and the facility where they practice are in network for 2027. Don't assume that because one doctor in a building is covered, all of them are.
- Referrals. Medicare notes that in most HMO plans you need a referral to see a specialist. If you see several specialists, ask how referrals work before you enroll.
- Distance. A plan's network may be strong in one part of the county and thinner in another. If you live in Katy, Baytown, Kingwood, or Pasadena, check the providers closest to your home.
Hurricane season and your Medicare
Harris County sits in the path of Gulf storms, and evacuations or power outages can separate you from your usual pharmacy and doctors.
A few simple steps help:
- Keep your Medicare card, plan card, and a written list of your medications in your go-bag.
- If you evacuate and expect to be away a while, Medicare says you can ask your drug plan about a 60- or 90-day supply.
- You can print an official copy of your Medicare card from your secure account on Medicare.gov if yours is lost.
If you have Medicare and Medicaid
Harris County has 23 Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) for people who have both Medicare and Texas Medicaid. These plans are designed to help coordinate the two programs. There are also 20 plans for people with certain chronic conditions and 7 plans for people who live in a nursing home or similar facility.
If you're not sure whether you qualify for help with costs, read our guide to getting help with the Part B premium 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 |
For a bigger-picture look at your choices, see Medicare Advantage vs. Original Medicare in Texas and our 2027 enrollment guide.
Free local help
The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling. Call 1-800-252-9240. Texas HHS runs the program in partnership with the area agencies on aging; in Harris County, that's the Harris County Area Agency on Aging at 832-393-4301.
You can also compare every plan for your ZIP code on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder, or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Live just outside Harris County? See our guides to Montgomery County (Conroe and The Woodlands), Brazoria County, Galveston County, and Fort Bend County.
Common questions
How many Medicare Advantage plans are in Harris County for 2027?
CMS data shows 49 Medicare Advantage plans open to general enrollment in Harris County for 2027. There are also special needs plans for people with Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or who live in a nursing home.
What happens to my Medicare Advantage plan if a hurricane hits Houston?
When a disaster or emergency is declared, Medicare says plans must let you get care from providers at Medicare-certified facilities even if they're out of network, without a referral, and at the in-network rate. Check your plan's website or call it to learn about any temporary changes.
Where can I get free Medicare help in Harris County?
Call the Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-252-9240. The Harris County Area Agency on Aging is at 832-393-4301.
Sources
- CMS: 2027 Medicare Advantage and Part D state-by-state fact sheets
- CMS: Medicare Advantage and Part D landscape files
- Medicare.gov: Plan Finder
- Medicare.gov: Getting care and drugs in a disaster or emergency
- Medicare.gov: Health Maintenance Organizations (HMOs)
- Texas HHS: Medicare counseling (HICAP)
- Texas HHS: Area Agencies on Aging directory
