When can I enroll in Medicare in Texas?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday — the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after. Texas also follows the federal Annual Election Period (Oct 15 – Dec 7) for Medicare Advantage and Part D, and the Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (Jan 1 – Mar 31).

What's the difference between Medicare Supplement and Medicare Advantage?

Medicare Supplement (Medigap) pays the gaps in Original Medicare and lets you see any doctor nationwide that accepts Medicare. Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare with a private plan that usually has a network and often bundles drug, dental and vision coverage with a low or $0 premium.

Do I need a Part D drug plan in Texas?

If you don't have creditable drug coverage from another source, yes — otherwise you'll owe a lifetime late-enrollment penalty. Most Medicare Advantage plans include Part D; if you choose a Medicare Supplement, you typically add a stand-alone Part D plan.

Does TXInsurance.com charge a fee for Medicare help?

No. We're paid by the carriers, not by you. Your premium is the same whether you enroll directly with the carrier or through an independent Texas agent like TXInsurance.com.

TXInsurance.com

Turning 65?

Medicare enrollment can feel overwhelming, but it doesn't have to be. Follow the three steps below to get coverage that fits your health and your budget. We're an independent Texas agency — we shop the carriers for you.

Quick answerTexans turning 65 have a 7-month Initial Enrollment Period — the 3 months before, the month of, and the 3 months after their 65th birthday. After enrolling in Original Medicare (Parts A & B), choose either a Medicare Supplement plus a Part D plan for nationwide doctor access, OR a Medicare Advantage plan that bundles drug, dental and vision. TXInsurance.com is federally certified and represents every major Texas Medicare carrier — no cost to you.

*Some ACA plans in some areas have a small one-time enrollment fee due to little or no broker compensation. Agency enrollment fees never apply to Medicare products.

Schedule your free Medicare appointment.

Book a Medicare appointment with a licensed Texas agent — Medicare Supplement, Medicare Advantage and Part D. No cost, no obligation.

Book my planning call

Or call now — no wait 800-214-8976

New to Medicare? Get our month-by-month turning-65 checklist.

7-month IEP timeline, Medigap vs Advantage helper, and how to avoid lifetime late-enrollment penalties.

Open the turning-65 guide

Over 65 but don't have enough work credits to qualify for premium-free Part A?

You may still be eligible for ACA Marketplace coverage — and depending on income, could pay $0 or very little each month.

Book a Call

Or call now800-214-8976

See options for over-65 without premium-free Part A Texas Medicare by county & city Katy Medicare guides

Medicare Supplement & Advantage guides · Medigap by Texas city · Advantage by Texas city

Medicare Advantage: 2026 vs 2027 changes Part D drug plans: 2026 vs 2027 changes

Under 65 and not yet on Medicare? Compare ACA Marketplace plans or look at ACA alternatives for higher income, unsubsidized, or healthy Texas shoppers — including short-term plans, fixed indemnity, and Christian real state regulated plans that utilize a nationwide PPO network.

See ACA alternatives for non-Medicare individuals

Call 800-214-8976 Book a Call

Apply for Medicare

Your 7-month Initial Enrollment Period starts 3 months before the month you turn 65, includes your birthday month, and ends 3 months after.

• Apply online at SSA.gov/medicare
• You can also apply by phone or in person at your local Social Security office.
• If you're already receiving Social Security retirement benefits, you may be automatically enrolled in Parts A & B.

Part A — Hospital coverage. Usually no monthly premium for people who paid Medicare taxes while working.

Part B — Doctor/outpatient coverage. $202.90/month for most people in 2026. Higher-income beneficiaries may pay more — see the IRMAA chart .

Choose Supplement or Advantage

After you receive your Medicare number and your red, white, and blue card, you can add private coverage to fill the gaps.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Works with Original Medicare. Pays some or all of the deductibles, copays, and coinsurance Medicare leaves behind. You keep your doctors and add a separate Part D plan.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

A private plan that replaces Original Medicare. Usually includes medical and prescription drug coverage together, often with extra benefits like dental or vision. Uses a network of doctors.

Not sure which fits you? We compare both options side-by-side so you can make an informed decision.

Add a Part D Drug Plan

Part D covers prescription medications. You can add it to Original Medicare or a Medicare Supplement plan.

Important: If you enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan that already includes prescription drug coverage, you usually do not need a separate Part D plan. In that case, you can skip Step 3.

We review your current medications and preferred pharmacies to find the plan with the lowest total annual cost.

Is your current Medicare supplement rate making you sick?

Medicare Supplement rates change. We can check if you qualify for the same coverage with a lower premium — no obligation, no pressure.

Book a Call to See If You Qualify for a Lower Rate

Or call us at 800-214-8976 / 281-747-9800

Frequently asked questions

Disclaimer

TXInsurance.com is not Medicare.gov, CMS, or any government agency. We are an independent insurance brokerage and may not offer every plan available in your area. For a complete list of options, please visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

← Back home