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Your Guide to Medicare Advantage in Smith County, TX

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Welcome to our comprehensive guide to Medicare Advantage Plans in Smith County, Texas for 2025. With 32 plans available, it’s important to find the one that best suits your healthcare needs. This guide will help you explore and compare your options, providing all the information you need to make an informed decision.

Medicare Advantage Plan Options for Smith County

Explore the 32 Medicare Advantage Plans currently offered in Smith County. Take a closer look at any plan, and you'll find a dedicated page packed with benefit and coverage details.

Smith County, Texas Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans in Smith County, TX for 2024
Plan Name Type Premium MOOP Rx Ded. Rating
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-0026* HMO-POS $0 $4,900 $340
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AARP Medicare Advantage Giveback from UHC TX-41* HMO-POS $0 $7,900 $495
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Cigna Courage Medicare* HMO $0 $4,300 N/A
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Cigna Preferred Medicare* HMO $0 $4,200 $0
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Cigna Preferred Savings Medicare* HMO $0 $7,200 $0
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AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC TX-0007 PPO $0 $6,700 $420
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Aetna Medicare Freedom Preferred PPO $0 $6,350 $590
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Aetna Medicare Choice PPO $0 $6,750 $590
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CHRISTUS Health Medicare Complete HMO $0 $4,000 $0
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CHRISTUS Health Medicare Guardian HMO $0 $4,400 N/A
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CHRISTUS Health Medicare Plus HMO $20 $4,000 $0
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Humana Gold Plus H0028-041 HMO $0 $4,200 $200
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Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO $0 $6,750 N/A
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Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO $0 $7,900 N/A
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HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-358 PPO $0 $8,300 $590
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HumanaChoice H5216-042 PPO $60 $6,750 $250
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HumanaChoice H5216-043 PPO $26 $7,700 $250
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HumanaChoice H5216-352 PPO $0 $6,400 $250
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HumanaChoice R4182-001 Regional PPO $0 $6,750 N/A
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HumanaChoice R4182-003 Regional PPO $138 $7,400 $275
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HumanaChoice R4182-004 Regional PPO $83 $7,400 $350
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Wellcare Assist HMO $18 $3,450 $570
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Wellcare Patriot Simple HMO $0 $3,450 N/A
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Complete PPO $0 $6,750 $0
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Dental Premier PPO $0 $6,700 $590
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Dental Value HMO $0 $4,850 $590
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Health Choice PPO $0 $7,900 $590
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Protect PPO $0 $6,950 N/A
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Saver HMO $0 $7,500 $0
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Blue Cross Medicare Advantage Value HMO $0 $4,100 $0
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Cigna True Choice Medicare PPO $0 $9,350 $0
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UHC Medicare Advantage TX-0030 Regional PPO $64 $7,900 $570
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**Certain PFFS, MSA, and HMO-POS plans have a combined in and out-of-network maximum. Limits are detailed on the plan pages.

What Are Medicare Advantage Plans?

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, are offered by private insurance companies and provide comprehensive coverage that includes both Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Part B (medical insurance). Many of the 32 plans available in Smith County also include additional benefits such as prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs, making them an all-in-one alternative to Original Medicare.

  • Health Maintenance Organization (HMO): Medicare Advantage HMO Plans require members to use a specific network of doctors and hospitals in Smith County and usually requires referrals for specialist care. HMOs tend to be more affordable but come with restrictions on provider choice.
  • Preferred Provider Organization (PPO): PPO Plans provide greater flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, allowing members to see specialists without a referral. However, PPOs generally come with higher premiums and out-of-pocket costs.
  • Private Fee-for-Service (PFFS): Members can visit any Medicare-approved doctor or hospital in Smith County that agrees to the plan's terms. Medicare Advantage PFFS plans offer more freedom in choosing providers but may have higher associated costs.
  • Medicare Savings Account (MSA): This plan pairs a high-deductible Medicare Advantage plan with a savings account that the plan funds. You can use the money in the savings account to pay for healthcare expenses before meeting your deductible. Any unused funds roll over year to year, offering a way to manage healthcare costs with greater flexibility.

You may also have Medicare HMO-POS plans available. It's a type of HMO that offers a little more more flexibility. Like a regular HMO, you typically use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals for care, usually requiring a referral to see specialists. However, an HMO-POS plan lets you receive certain healthcare services outside of the network at a higher cost.

If you qualify for Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage in Smith County but don't know where to begin, we have licensed insurance agents[1] at 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) who can answer your questions (Mon-Fri 5am-6pm, Sat 6am-5pm PST) and help you get enrolled. There's no obligation.

Benefits of Medicare Advantage Plans

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Part C, provide several key advantages over Original Medicare. Bundle up your healthcare with plans that cover Medicare Parts A and B, plus some extras like prescription meds, dental care, and vision services - it's a package deal! Medicare Advantage can be a smart choice if you want to maximize your healthcare dollars and enjoy extras like additional services and lower out-of-pocket costs.

Here are some of the top advantages these plans offer Smith County residents:

  • Wellness Programs: Many plans provide free gym memberships, wellness programs, and preventive care services to help you maintain your health.
  • Comprehensive Coverage: Includes Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage), along with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.
  • Coordinated Care: Some plans include care coordination services that will help you manage your healthcare across different providers and services.
  • Cost Savings: Many plans have low or $0 premiums and offer capped out-of-pocket costs, providing financial protection against high medical expenses.

How to Find the Best Medicare Advantage Plan for You

Selecting the ideal Medicare Advantage Plan from the 32 plans available in Smith County involves evaluating several crucial aspects:

  1. Provider Network: Ensure your healthcare providers are within the plan's network to maintain continuity of care.
  2. Prescription Drug Coverage: Confirm that your current medications are included in the plan's formulary to avoid higher out-of-pocket costs.
  3. Costs: Assess the plan’s premium, deductible, and out-of-pocket expenses. The ideal plan aligns with both your financial situation and your healthcare needs.
  4. Additional Benefits: Identify any additional benefits that are important to you, such as fitness programs, routine dental, or over-the-counter medication benefits, and ensure the plan includes them.
  5. Plan Ratings: If a plan offers the benefits you need at a price you can afford, be sure to check its CMS star ratings. This will help you avoid plans with known problems, like poor customer service.

Discover the key factors to consider when comparing Medicare Advantage Plans.

Understanding the Medicare Advantage Enrollment Process

Knowing when and how to enroll in a Smith County Medicare Advantage Plan is key to getting the healthcare coverage you need. Here’s a quick overview of the enrollment opportunities available to you in for 2025.

  • Initial Enrollment Period (IEP): The IEP is a seven-month window surrounding your 65th birthday, allowing you to sign up for a Medicare Advantage Plan as soon as you become eligible for Medicare.
  • Annual Enrollment Period (AEP): The AEP runs from October 15 to December 7 each year, giving you the opportunity to change, drop, or enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.
  • Open Enrollment Period (OEP): Between January 1 and March 31, if you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can switch plans or revert to Original Medicare.

To learn more about the enrollment periods and steps to take, check out our comprehensive Medicare Enrollment guide.

Are you ready to enroll? Do you still have questions? Our licensed insurance agents are ready to help with no obligation. Call 1-855-728-0510 (TTY 711) for assistance, Mon-Fri 5am-6pm, Sat 6am-5pm PST.

Plan Availability

The MA and MAPD plans on this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in and all other areas of Smith County, Texas.

Plans Offered

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.

Citations & References