Medicare Plans in McAllen and Hidalgo County for 2027

Hidalgo County is the heart of the Rio Grande Valley, from McAllen and Edinburg to Mission, Pharr, Weslaco, and the colonias in between. Families here often juggle Medicare, Texas Medicaid, and caregiving at the same time, and many people prefer to talk through their options in Spanish. This guide focuses on those needs.

Hidalgo County's 2027 numbers

According to CMS's 2027 data, Hidalgo County residents can choose from 35 Medicare Advantage plans offered by 6 insurance companies. 27 include drug coverage, and 26 charge no monthly plan premium.

In-network out-of-pocket maximums range from $3,000 to $9,850. 19 plans have an overall CMS rating of 4 stars or higher. For Original Medicare users, there are 10 stand-alone Part D plans, starting at $5.30 a month.

If you have Medicare and Medicaid

Medicare calls people with both Medicare and full Medicaid "dually eligible." For them:

• Medicare pays first for Medicare-covered services, and Medicaid pays last.
• Texas pays your Part B premium if you have full Medicaid, and may help with other Medicare costs depending on your eligibility.
• D-SNPs are Medicare Advantage plans built for people with both programs. Medicare says they can help coordinate your benefits. Some plans include extras like dental or vision, but benefits vary by plan.
• More chances to switch. Medicare says people with Medicaid or Extra Help can make coverage changes once a calendar month, with some exceptions.

Don't have Medicaid but struggling with costs? Texas Medicare Savings Programs may help with premiums. Limits change every year, so ask HICAP or Texas HHS. Our guide to Part B premium help in Texas explains the basics.

Ayuda en español

When you talk with HICAP, the area agency on aging, or a licensed agent, ask for a Spanish-speaking counselor if you prefer. Never sign up for a plan you don't fully understand.

Valley heat and staying covered

Rio Grande Valley summers are long and hot, and heat can be hard on people with heart disease, diabetes, or kidney problems. If you manage diabetes, see our guide to what Medicare covers for diabetes. A few Medicare tips:

• Check that your regular medications are on the plan's 2027 drug list, including any you need year-round.
• Confirm your nearest urgent care and hospital are in network.
• Keep your Medicare card, plan card, and medication list together in case you need care away from home.

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

Hidalgo County also has 12 chronic condition plans and 4 institutional plans for 2027.

Free local help

The Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers free, unbiased Medicare counseling at 1-800-252-9240. Locally, the Lower Rio Grande Valley Area Agency on Aging serves Hidalgo, Cameron, and Willacy counties at 956-682-3481, ext. 412.

Compare every plan for your ZIP code on the Medicare.gov Plan Finder, or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Upriver, our Laredo and Webb County guide covers the 2027 numbers there and what Medicare does and doesn't cover across the border.