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The Texas Medicare Report

Medicare, explained for Texans

Texas

Medicare Plans in San Antonio and Bexar County for 2027

San Antonio is Military City USA, and many retirees here have TRICARE For Life. Here's how 2027 Medicare choices work in Bexar County, for veterans and everyone else.

The San Antonio River Walk in the early morning, lined with cypress trees
Photo is illustrative.

What you'll learn

  • Bexar County has 48 Medicare Advantage plans for 2027, from 11 insurance companies.
  • 37 plans have a $0 monthly premium, and out-of-pocket maximums range from $2,800 to $9,850.
  • TRICARE For Life is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Dropping Part B can affect your TRICARE coverage.
  • With TRICARE For Life, Medicare generally pays first and TRICARE pays what's left for covered services.

Bexar County, 2027 at a glance

48Medicare Advantage plans offered in 2027
37Advantage plans with a $0 monthly premium
11Insurance companies offering Advantage plans
$2,800–$9,850Range of yearly in-network out-of-pocket maximums
10Stand-alone Part D drug plans
$5.30Lowest stand-alone Part D monthly premium

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.

San Antonio has deep military roots. Joint Base San Antonio brings together several installations, and many service members choose to retire nearby. That means a lot of Bexar County households are weighing Medicare alongside TRICARE For Life, a combination with its own rules.

Bexar County's 2027 options

CMS's 2027 data shows 48 Medicare Advantage plans in Bexar County from 11 insurance companies. 38 include drug coverage, and 37 have a $0 monthly plan premium.

48Medicare Advantage plans open to general enrollment in Bexar County for 2027, per CMS landscape data.

In-network out-of-pocket maximums range from $2,800 to $9,850, and 28 plans carry a CMS overall rating of 4 stars or higher. For Original Medicare users, there are 10 stand-alone Part D plans, starting at $5.30 a month.

Military retirees: TRICARE For Life and Medicare

If you're a military retiree or eligible family member, a few points matter most:

  • You need Part A and Part B. TRICARE says TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. Turning down or dropping Part B can put that coverage at risk.
  • Medicare usually pays first. For covered care in the U.S., Medicare pays its share and the claim goes to TRICARE, which pays what remains. If you have employer coverage from a current job, the order changes.
  • Think before adding another plan. Some TFL beneficiaries keep Original Medicare and rely on TFL as their wraparound. Others look at Medicare Advantage. Your choice affects how claims are paid and which providers you can see, so get advice specific to your situation.

Our full guide to Medicare and TRICARE For Life in Texas goes deeper. If you're also enrolled in VA health care, keep in mind that VA benefits and Medicare are separate programs, so ask how each pays.

Other things to weigh in Bexar County

Your doctors. If you use a mix of military and civilian providers, confirm which civilian doctors and hospitals are in network for any Advantage plan you're considering. Many people from South Texas also travel here for specialists; if that's you, our guide to Medicare plans in Laredo and Webb County explains why your plan choices depend on where you live.

Summer heat. San Antonio summers are long and hot. If you manage a chronic condition, check how a plan covers specialist visits, medications, and supplies you rely on year-round. If you have diabetes, our guide to what Medicare covers for diabetes explains test supplies, insulin costs, and yearly eye exams.

Medicare and Medicaid

There are 25 Dual Special Needs Plans in Bexar County for people with both Medicare and Texas Medicaid, and 7 plans for people in a nursing home or similar facility. See our guide to Part B premium help in Texas if costs are a concern.

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 at 1-800-252-9240. In Bexar County, you can also reach the Bexar County Area Agency on Aging at 210-477-3275.

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

Common questions

How many Medicare Advantage plans are in Bexar County for 2027?

CMS data shows 48 Medicare Advantage plans open to general enrollment in Bexar County for 2027, plus special needs plans for people with Medicaid, certain chronic conditions, or who live in a nursing home.

Do I need Medicare Part B if I have TRICARE For Life?

Yes. TRICARE says TFL coverage is automatic if you have Medicare Part A and Part B. If you're eligible for TFL, keeping Part B is how you keep that coverage.

Where can I get free Medicare help in Bexar County?

Call the Texas Health Information, Counseling and Advocacy Program (HICAP) at 1-800-252-9240. The Bexar County Area Agency on Aging is at 210-477-3275.

Sources

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