Why Medicare Advantage Plans Are Bad In Texas
I’m Mark Prip, a licensed Medicare agent with over 15 years of firsthand experience helping retirees across Texas and the surrounding states choose the right Medicare coverage.
Over the years, I’ve seen just about every plan design, pricing shift, and carrier marketing trend come and go.
My goal here is simple - to give you an honest, experience-based look at what’s really happening in the Texas Medicare market so you can make a confident, informed choice.
If you’re turning 65 or newly eligible for Medicare in Texas, you’re probably comparing Medicare Advantage (Part C) and Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options.
On paper, Medicare Advantage plans can sound appealing - low or even $0 premiums, extra benefits like dental or gym memberships, and plenty of TV ads promising convenience. But beneath the surface, things have changed dramatically over the past few years.
Between 2024 and 2026, Medicare Advantage plans have faced serious turbulence: carrier losses, shrinking provider networks, and unpredictable benefit changes.
In Texas especially, where large health systems and carriers often clash over contracts, that instability means your access to doctors and hospitals can change midyear - even if you’ve done everything right.
That’s why I want to be upfront: Medicare Advantage plans have become far less dependable for Texas retirees who want consistent coverage and choice.
In contrast, Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plans - particularly Plan G and Plan N - continue to provide predictable costs, stable coverage, and nationwide freedom to see any provider who accepts Medicare.
The Changing Landscape of Medicare Advantage in Texas and the U.S
Let’s start with a little perspective.
For the better part of 10 years, Medicare Advantage plans were everywhere. Every major carrier was pouring marketing dollars into them, and enrollment grew year after year.
You couldn’t turn on the TV between October and December without seeing Joe Namath or some celebrity promising “extra benefits at no extra cost.”
And to be fair, those plans did fill a need for a while. For some folks, they worked well. But the last couple of years have changed the landscape completely.
Growth is now slowing down, and carriers that once couldn’t expand fast enough are suddenly pulling back.
We’re seeing companies exit entire counties, reduce plan offerings, and scale back their PPO networks. Some plans that were available last year are simply gone this year - and no one tells beneficiaries why.
Here’s the truth: carriers are losing money. The cost of healthcare has gone up, reimbursements from Medicare haven’t kept pace, and the math no longer works in their favor.
So, they’re tightening their belts, and that almost always means less choice for you.
Even though the national headlines might not say “Texas” yet, these changes always make their way here. When big national carriers start pulling out of certain markets or limiting networks, Texas is never far behind.
Plan Losses and Benefit Reductions
Here’s where things are really starting to hit home.
For years, Medicare Advantage plans were adding new members left and right - but in 2025, we’re finally seeing the reverse.
Big national insurers are now scaling back, trimming benefits, and flat-out dropping plans that aren’t making them money.
Humana has already confirmed it’s exiting multiple markets, cutting plans that will affect roughly half a million Medicare Advantage members nationwide.
UnitedHealthcare is expected to drop another 600,000 members as it eliminates underperforming plans. Combined, that’s close to one million Americans losing their Medicare Advantage coverage for 2025.
Now, not every one of those people is in Texas - but this is a national trend, and it always makes its way here.
When carriers start tightening up, they do it in big, system-wide sweeps. If you’re in a Texas county where enrollment is high but claim costs are even higher, you could easily see your plan discontinued or significantly changed next year.
And even for those who keep the same plan, the benefits are shrinking:
- Dental and vision coverage that used to be generous now barely cover preventive basics.
- Over-the-counter allowances are being cut in half or more.
- Primary care and ER copays are creeping up.
- PPO options are disappearing, replaced by HMO models that restrict which doctors and hospitals you can use.
So when clients tell me, “Mark, my plan changed again this year,” I tell them they’re not imagining it. The flexibility and value that made Medicare Advantage appealing in the first place are slowly disappearing.
What’s left is a smaller network, fewer extras, and more red tape - and in states like Texas, where retirees depend on freedom and consistent provider access, that’s a big problem.
Provider Network Tensions and Hospital Exits
This is a big one - and it’s what I’m hearing about most often from clients here in Texas.
Hospitals and health systems all over the country are saying, “We’ve had enough.” They’re dropping their contracts with certain Medicare Advantage carriers, and the reasons are pretty straightforward:
- Reimbursements are too low.
- Claims take too long to get paid.
- Prior authorizations have become a nightmare for doctors and patients alike.
And when a hospital drops a contract, it’s not a small deal. That means thousands of people suddenly find out their doctor is no longer in-network, sometimes in the middle of treatment.
Just recently, several large systems - including some right here in Texas - have either threatened to leave or already ended their relationships with big-name carriers. So even if your plan “looks good” on paper, that can change overnight.
One of the hardest conversations I have with clients is when someone says, “But Mark, I called last year and my hospital was in-network.” Then I have to explain that those contracts aren’t guaranteed to stay put.
With Medicare Advantage, the network is always the moving part.
Why Texas Is Especially Exposed
Now let’s talk about why this problem hits Texas harder than some other states.
First, Texas has one of the largest and fastest-growing retiree populations in the country. Every day, more Texans turn 65 and sign up for Medicare.
That’s great - but it also puts a lot of strain on provider networks.
Second, Texas is massive. We have dense metro areas like Dallas, Houston, Austin, and San Antonio, but we also have huge rural regions where there are only a handful of providers within 50 miles.
If an MA carrier loses one contract in a small town, that could mean there’s no in-network hospital at all nearby.
Third, Texas has seen a lot of provider consolidation - big hospital systems buying up smaller clinics. When those larger systems get into disputes with MA carriers, it affects tens of thousands of patients at once.
It’s not just one doctor leaving the plan - it’s half the county.
So when I say Texans are “exposed,” I don’t mean they made a bad choice. I mean the deck is stacked against them when carriers change networks or adjust benefits midyear.
Texans expect independence and reliability, and that’s exactly what’s disappearing in today’s Medicare Advantage market.
What to Watch for in 2026 and Beyond
If the trend continues - and I expect it will - we’re going to see even more PPO plans eliminated in favor of narrow HMOs.
Prior authorizations will become more common, and we’ll likely see higher copays and deductibles hidden behind flashy $0 premium marketing.
You might see more “special benefit” plans for people with chronic conditions - but those come with tight eligibility rules and even tighter provider restrictions.
By 2026, many retirees may look at their MA plan and realize it doesn’t resemble what they originally signed up for.
And unfortunately, switching back to Original Medicare and adding a Medigap plan later can be tricky because you may have to pass medical underwriting if you miss your initial open enrollment window.
That’s why I tell everyone who calls me: think long-term. The plan that looks good today may not look the same in two or three years.
If you want stability, predictability, and real choice, Medigap plans like Plan G or Plan N still deliver that year after year. You can see any provider who accepts Medicare - in Texas or anywhere in the U.S. - and your coverage doesn’t change because of a contract dispute.
The bottom line: Medicare Advantage plans are shifting fast, and Texas is right in the middle of it. If you’re new to Medicare or evaluating your options this year, it’s worth taking a hard look at how much uncertainty you’re willing to live with.
Key Downside Risks of Medicare Advantage in Texas
Let’s talk about the part that doesn’t get advertised on TV - the risks that come with most Medicare Advantage plans today.
None of this is meant to scare you, but you deserve the full story so you can make a decision that’ll hold up years down the road.
These are the five biggest problem areas I see every single week talking to Texans about their coverage.
#1. Prior Authorizations and Utilization Management
If you’ve ever dealt with a prior authorization, you know how frustrating it can be. And under Medicare Advantage, those authorizations are spreading fast - now they’re required for hospital stays, MRIs, CT scans, physical therapy, specialist visits, you name it.
Here’s what that means in real life: your doctor decides you need an MRI, but your MA plan says, “Wait - we’ll review it first.” That can take days or weeks. Sometimes they deny it entirely.
For a senior who’s in pain or worried about a diagnosis, those delays aren’t just annoying - they’re stressful and, in some cases, dangerous.
And doctors are feeling it too. Many providers in Texas are fed up with the paperwork, denials, and delays. I’ve had clients whose cardiologist or orthopedic surgeon simply stopped accepting their plan midyear because they couldn’t deal with the red tape anymore.
So if you live in Texas and expect quick access to your specialists - especially in major metro areas where appointment times already run long - prior authorization is a major roadblock.
#2. Network Changes and Provider Departures
Another issue we’re seeing more of is doctors and hospitals leaving plan networks.
This one really blindsides people. You can do everything right - check your doctor’s participation, call customer service, confirm your hospital is in-network - and then six months later, you get a letter saying your provider will no longer be covered as of next month.
Why? Because these plans renegotiate contracts constantly, and when providers decide the rates or administrative hassle aren’t worth it, they walk.
That’s happening all over the country, and Texas providers are part of that same trend. When they step away, it leaves retirees scrambling. In small towns or rural parts of the state, there may be no in-network alternative within driving distance.
And even for folks in Houston, Dallas, or Austin - the shift from PPOs to HMOs means you can’t just go see an out-of-network doctor anymore.
Your plan may not cover it at all. That loss of flexibility hits especially hard for Texans who like to travel, split time out of state, or just want the option to see top specialists.
#3. Claims and Reimbursement Issues
This is one of those behind-the-scenes problems that you don’t see until it directly affects you.
Many Texas doctors and hospitals have told me point-blank: Medicare Advantage carriers are slow to pay and quick to deny. They spend hours fighting for reimbursements that are automatic under Original Medicare.
The result? Frustrated providers who either stop accepting certain MA plans or limit how many Advantage patients they’ll take.
I’ve seen this happen in smaller Texas markets - especially in central and west Texas - where a hospital or specialist says, “We’ll only accept a few of these plans,” or “We’re not taking new patients under that carrier anymore.”
When that happens, you as the member feel the pain. You’re left trying to find a doctor who takes your plan, and your care gets interrupted.
#4. Annual Benefit Changes and Plan Instability
Here’s something most people don’t realize until year two or three of being on Medicare Advantage: your plan can change every single year - and it usually does.
The benefits, copays, deductibles, and even the network itself can shift from one year to the next. The prescription coverage might drop a medication, or the dental benefit might shrink, or your favorite hospital might no longer be included.
A plan that looked perfect this year might look completely different next year - and there’s nothing you can do except switch during the next open enrollment and hope the new one doesn’t pull the same trick.
Contrast that with Medigap: the benefits under Plan G or Plan N are federally standardized and don’t change annually. Your coverage tomorrow will look the same five or ten years from now, no matter which carrier you choose.
For Texans turning 65 or retiring soon, that stability is a big deal - especially when you’re planning for predictable out-of-pocket costs as you age.
#5. The Shift from PPO to HMO: A Big Red Flag
This one deserves special attention.
Five years ago, Texas Medicare Advantage shoppers had plenty of PPO options, which allowed you to see doctors outside your network - sometimes even across state lines - for a bit more out-of-pocket cost.
But as carriers tighten budgets, we’re seeing those PPOs disappear. They’re being replaced by HMOs, which are cheaper for the insurer but much more restrictive for you.
If you’re on an HMO and you need care out of state - or even just from a non-network hospital - you could be paying the full bill yourself.
I hear this all the time from snowbird retirees who spend part of the year in another state or visit family up north: “Mark, my plan doesn’t cover me outside of Texas.” That’s the HMO trap.
So if freedom and flexibility matter to you, that shift is a warning sign. The “advantage” in Medicare Advantage is shrinking fast.
Additional Risks and Hidden Complications
There are a few more under-the-radar issues worth mentioning.
- Star rating downgrades: When a carrier’s quality score drops, it can lose funding or special benefits - which directly affects members.
- Network adequacy concerns: Some rural counties in Texas have plans that technically meet minimum network requirements but in practice offer almost no convenient providers.
- Plan complexity: For many seniors, it’s not just the cost - it’s the confusion. Every year brings new rules, new formularies, new coverage exceptions.
And then there’s a group of folks we call “Texas snowbirds” - retirees who spend half the year here and half somewhere else. They often assume their Medicare Advantage plan will travel with them.
Unfortunately, that’s rarely the case. Once you leave your local service area, your network advantage disappears, and coverage can become extremely limited.
If you’re getting the sense that Medicare Advantage has become more complicated, you’re right. It’s not that these plans are inherently evil - they just aren’t built for long-term predictability anymore, especially in Texas where the provider landscape changes constantly.
For retirees who want peace of mind and consistent coverage, this is exactly why many are stepping back from MA plans and returning to Original Medicare plus a Medigap Plan G or N.
The Case for Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Plans in Texas
Let’s slow this down and really talk about how Medigap works, because most people turning 65 are hearing mixed messages - and it’s easy to get overwhelmed.
The truth is, once you strip away all the marketing noise, Medigap is the simplest, most predictable form of Medicare coverage you can own.
How Medigap Fits with Original Medicare
When you enroll in Original Medicare (Parts A and B), you’re getting the foundation of your healthcare.
Medicare pays for:
- Part A: hospital care, skilled nursing, hospice
- Part B: outpatient care, doctor visits, preventive services, lab work, imaging, surgeries, and more
But Medicare doesn’t pay for everything. You’re still responsible for things like:
- The Part A hospital deductible (over $1,600 per benefit period in 2025)
- The Part B deductible ($257 for 2025)
- 20% coinsurance on most Part B services (there’s no out-of-pocket maximum)
- And potentially excess charges if a doctor doesn’t accept Medicare’s full approved amount
That’s where a Medigap plan - also called a Medicare Supplement plan - comes in. It’s insurance designed to fill in those gaps, so you’re not left with unpredictable medical bills.
Why Medigap Is So Different from Medicare Advantage
The first big difference is freedom. Medigap isn’t a managed-care plan - there are no networks, no referrals, and no prior authorizations.
If a doctor or hospital anywhere in the U.S. accepts Medicare, they’ll take your Medigap plan automatically. So whether you’re seeing a cardiologist in Dallas, a specialist in Houston, or visiting family in Colorado - your coverage travels with you.
Second, Medigap benefits are federally standardized. That means Plan G from Blue Cross is the same as Plan G from Cigna or Humana. The only real difference is price and customer service - not coverage.
And third, Medigap is remarkably stable. Unlike Medicare Advantage, which changes benefits and networks every year, Medigap plans stay consistent. Once you have it, your benefits don’t change unless you decide to.
For Texans who want to know exactly what their coverage looks like next year - or ten years from now - that’s a big deal.
Medigap vs. Medicare Advantage: The Real Pros and Cons
When we compare Medigap to Medicare Advantage, we’re really comparing control versus convenience.
Here’s how they stack up:
Medigap (Plan G / Plan N)
Pros:
- Stable, standardized benefits. What you buy today won’t change next year.
- Freedom to choose any doctor or hospital that accepts Medicare - no network restrictions.
- Predictable costs. After your monthly premium and Part B deductible, there are very few surprises.
- Travel flexibility. You’re covered anywhere in the U.S., and some plans include limited foreign travel emergency benefits.
- Peace of mind. You never have to worry about your doctor or hospital leaving your plan midyear.
Cons:
- Premiums are higher than the lowest-cost Medicare Advantage options.
- You still pay your standard Medicare Part B premium (and Part A if applicable).
- Some carriers may not be available in every ZIP code, and if you’re enrolling later (outside your open enrollment window), you may have to pass medical underwriting.
- You’ll need a separate Part D prescription drug plan for medications (since Medigap doesn’t include drug coverage).
Medicare Advantage
Pros:
- Often low or $0 monthly premiums beyond your Part B cost.
- May include extra perks like dental, vision, hearing, or gym memberships.
- “All-in-one” setup that combines Parts A, B, and usually D.
Cons:
- Network restrictions. You’re limited to doctors and hospitals in your plan’s network.
- Prior authorizations. Many services require plan approval before you can get care.
- Plan instability. Benefits and costs can change every year.
- Provider risk. Doctors and hospitals can drop contracts midyear.
- Limited travel flexibility. If you leave your service area, coverage may not follow you.
- Long-term uncertainty. The plan that looks great today might look completely different next year.
So, while Medicare Advantage can look appealing on paper, Medigap is the option that gives you lasting control and freedom.
Why Plan G or Plan N Often Makes the Most Sense
Here’s the bottom line for Texas retirees: the more unpredictable the Medicare Advantage market becomes, the more valuable Medigap’s stability looks.
Between provider contract losses, benefit churn, and network disruptions, Medicare Advantage members in Texas face more moving parts than ever before.
If you can afford the monthly premium, a Medigap plan - especially Plan G or Plan N - is a smarter long-term play.
- Plan G offers the most comprehensive coverage available to new enrollees today, covering every Medicare-approved expense except the small Part B deductible.
- Plan N gives you slightly lower premiums, with small copays for doctor or ER visits, but otherwise very similar protection.
Both plans provide the same consistency year after year - something that’s becoming a rarity in today’s Medicare Advantage market.
Now, that’s not to say Medicare Advantage has no place. If your budget is tight and you understand the trade-offs, an MA plan can still work.
The key is to go in with your eyes wide open, knowing that networks and benefits can change and that you may have to adapt over time.
Recommended Medigap Carriers in Texas
If you’ve decided that a Medigap plan is the right fit for your goals - and you value long-term stability over short-term perks - the next question is, “Which company should I choose?”
There are dozens of carriers selling Medigap policies in Texas, but after helping clients here for over 15 years, I find the same three names rise to the top again and again.
These companies offer the best blend of financial stability, customer service, competitive rates, and provider acceptance.
Let’s talk about each one and what makes them stand out in the real world.
#1. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas: The Gold Standard for Reliability
If you want the Medigap plan that gives you the most peace of mind, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas (BCBSTX) is hard to beat.
They’ve been serving Texans for decades, and their name carries weight - doctors and hospitals across the state know and trust them.
- Largest provider network: Even though Medigap doesn’t technically have “networks,” having a Blue Cross card opens doors everywhere. Virtually every doctor and hospital that accepts Medicare is comfortable billing Blue Cross.
- Unmatched stability: Blue Cross has one of the most stable renewal histories in Texas. While no company is immune to rate changes, theirs are typically modest and predictable.
- Local presence: Unlike some national carriers that operate remotely, BCBSTX is based right here in the state. They understand Texas markets - from Dallas to El Paso to the Rio Grande Valley - and have regional support teams that actually pick up the phone.
Best for: People who want the most recognized brand in healthcare, don’t want to worry about rate volatility, and value exceptional customer service over chasing the cheapest premium.
The premium might be a bit higher than the rock-bottom competitors, but in exchange, you get stability, respect, and trust - which, in the Medicare world, go a long way.
#2. Cigna Healthcare: The Smart Value Choice
If you’re looking for a strong, well-known carrier with competitive premiums and household discounts, Cigna Healthcare is often my go-to recommendation for new Medigap enrollees in Texas.
- Competitive pricing: Cigna’s Plan G rates are often among the best in Texas, especially for people just turning 65. They’re usually $10–$20 per month below Blue Cross, sometimes more depending on your ZIP code.
- Household discounts: Cigna offers one of the most generous spousal or household discounts in the Medigap market - often around 7–10%. That can add up to hundreds of dollars in savings per year if both spouses are enrolling.
- Solid reputation: Cigna has been in the Medicare Supplement business for decades and maintains strong financial ratings (A or better from major agencies). Their customer service and claims processing are consistently smooth.
- Good for new enrollees: Cigna is particularly attractive for people entering Medicare for the first time - the rates are strong, the underwriting is fair, and they make enrollment simple.
Best for: Texans who want a reliable, well-priced plan with excellent service and solid discounts for couples. It’s the “smart money” choice - balancing cost and coverage without sacrificing quality.
#3. Humana: The Balanced Brand with a Strong Texas Footprint
Humana has been a big player in both Medicare Advantage and Medigap for decades, and while their Advantage plans have had mixed reviews recently, their Medigap line has remained very steady - particularly in Texas.
- Competitive Plan G and N rates: Humana’s Medigap premiums are often on par with Cigna’s or slightly below Blue Cross, depending on the region. They’re especially strong in mid-sized Texas markets like San Antonio, Corpus Christi, and Lubbock.
- Strong claims service: Humana has a reputation for smooth, no-hassle claims processing. Once you’re on a Medigap plan, you rarely have to get involved - providers bill Medicare, Medicare pays their share, and Humana automatically covers the rest.
- Brand familiarity: Many Texans already have some connection with Humana - through an employer plan, dental policy, or Medicare Advantage. That familiarity makes them a comfortable choice for people who like dealing with a national, established brand.
- Customer experience: Humana offers digital account tools, clear billing, and U.S.-based customer service. You can easily track claims or payments online, which many retirees appreciate.
Best for: Texans who want a balance of affordability, brand strength, and easy claims - a dependable plan from a company they already recognize.
Putting It All Together
If you’re the kind of person who values maximum dependability and provider recognition, go with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas.
It’s the “set it and forget it” option - slightly higher premium, but rock-solid service and stability.
If you’re budget-minded but still want an A-rated carrier, Cigna Healthcare is the sweet spot. You’ll likely pay less each month and still have top-tier coverage.
And if you want a well-known name with good pricing and smooth claims handling, Humana fits the bill nicely.
No matter which you choose, the important thing to remember is this: Plan G is Plan G, and Plan N is Plan N - the benefits don’t change by company.
What you’re really choosing is a partner you can count on to handle your claims quickly, keep rate increases reasonable, and be there when you need help.
For Texans, these three carriers consistently deliver on all of that.
What to Do If Your Plan Is Being Dropped
If you’ve received a letter saying your Medicare Advantage plan won’t be renewed for 2026, take a deep breath - you’re not alone, and you have good options.
Tens of thousands of Texans are in the same boat this year after major carriers like UnitedHealthcare and Humana announced they’re cutting a combined 1.1 million members nationwide.
The good news is, when a plan ends through no fault of your own, you’re protected by federal Medicare rules.
Here’s exactly what to do if your plan is being dropped:
Step 1: Don’t panic - you have rights. If your Medicare Advantage plan is being discontinued, you qualify for a Guaranteed Issue Right. That means you can switch to a Medicare Supplement (Medigap) plan without medical underwriting.
No health questions, no denials, no rate increases based on preexisting conditions.
This protection exists specifically for situations like this - so you can move into stable coverage without penalty.
Step 2: Keep your non-renewal notice and proof of coverage. Hang on to any letters or notices your plan sends you. These documents serve as proof that your Advantage plan was discontinued, which you’ll need when applying for Medigap coverage under your Guaranteed Issue Right.
Step 3: Compare your Medigap options right away. As soon as you receive your notice, start looking at Medicare Supplement plans available in your area. Don’t wait until the last minute - the Annual Enrollment Period gets busy, and rates can vary depending on the carrier and timing.
Focus on the plans that offer the best long-term stability: Plan G, Plan N, and High Deductible G are the most popular options for Texans. These plans provide predictable costs, nationwide coverage, and no prior authorizations.
Step 4: Add a Part D prescription plan if needed. If you’re switching from Medicare Advantage to Medigap, you’ll also need to choose a standalone Part D drug plan for prescription coverage.
The good news is, you can pick whichever plan best fits your medication list - you’re not locked into one carrier’s formulary anymore.
Step 5: Get guidance from a licensed agent. This is one of those times when having an experienced Medicare agent in your corner makes all the difference. They can walk you through which Medigap companies are the most stable in Texas, help you pair the right Part D plan, and ensure you don’t miss any deadlines.
Timing Tip: Most Texans will receive their non-renewal notices in October - right before the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7). Start comparing early so you don’t feel rushed or miss out on your Guaranteed Issue window.
Having your plan dropped isn’t the end of the road - it’s a chance to move into something far more reliable. With Medigap, your coverage won’t change every year, your doctors stay your doctors, and you’ll never have to worry about getting another “termination” letter again.
Final Thoughts: Protecting Your Coverage Before It’s Too Late
If there’s one thing we want every Texan to take away from this, it’s that this isn’t about fear - it’s about being prepared.
Medicare Advantage plans can look attractive at first glance. The low premiums, extra benefits, and flashy advertising make them sound like the best deal in town.
But as we’ve seen across Texas this year, those plans can change overnight. Providers drop out, benefits get trimmed, and in some cases, entire plans disappear.
You deserve better than that kind of uncertainty.
That’s why it’s so important to review your Annual Notice of Change as soon as it arrives in the mail this fall - usually in October. That letter tells you exactly what’s changing in your plan for the upcoming year.
If you see higher copays, a smaller network, or a dropped benefit, that’s your signal to start comparing alternatives right away.
Remember, there’s no harm in looking - but there can be real harm in waiting too long.
If your Medicare Advantage plan is changing or being dropped, our licensed Texas agents can help you review Medicare Supplement (Medigap) options that never disappear or change without your consent.
We’ll walk you through which plans fit your budget, explain how Guaranteed Issue Rights work, and make sure you have coverage you can count on for the long run.
How We Can Help
Here at Policy Guide, helping Texans navigate Medicare isn’t just what we do - it’s what we care about.
We know how overwhelming this process can feel. Every year, plans change, benefits shift, and the mail starts filling up with advertisements promising “free” coverage.
It’s hard to know who to trust or where to even start. That’s why our approach is different - we focus on education first, not sales.
When you call us, you’re talking to a licensed Medicare agent who’s been doing this for years - someone who knows exactly how these plan changes affect Texans because we work with them every single day.
We’ll take the time to:
- Review your current coverage and explain what’s changing for 2026.
- Compare your options side-by-side, including Medigap and Part D plans, so you can see the pros and cons clearly.
- Help you transition smoothly if your Medicare Advantage plan is being dropped - including walking you through your Guaranteed Issue Rights.
- Find a long-term solution that won’t change underneath you year after year.
We don’t push one company or plan over another. Instead, we help you find what actually fits - your doctors, your budget, and your peace of mind.
So whether you’re worried your plan is ending, or you just want to make sure you’re protected for the long haul, we’re here to help you make sense of it all.
FAQs
Insurance companies like UnitedHealthcare and Humana are cutting hundreds of thousands of Medicare Advantage members nationwide because government reimbursements no longer cover rising medical costs. To stay profitable, they’re trimming benefits, shrinking networks, or leaving markets altogether - and Texas is among the hardest-hit states.
If your plan is being dropped, you’ll receive a non-renewal notice by mail. Don’t ignore it - that letter triggers your Guaranteed Issue Right, allowing you to switch to a Medigap (Medicare Supplement) plan without medical underwriting. You can also enroll in a standalone Part D prescription plan to replace drug coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans operate on 12-month contracts with Medicare. Each year, insurers renegotiate funding and adjust benefits, copays, and provider networks. That’s why a plan that works great today could look completely different next year.
Medicare Advantage replaces Original Medicare with a private insurance plan that limits you to certain networks and often requires prior authorizations. Medigap, on the other hand, supplements Original Medicare. It covers your deductibles and coinsurance, gives you nationwide access to any doctor who accepts Medicare, and doesn’t change year to year. It’s the more stable, predictable option for long-term peace of mind.
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