Key Takeaways
- Texas follows federal Medicare Supplement (Medigap) standardization requirements
- Texas provides a 6-month open enrollment period starting at age 65 and enrolled in Part B
- Guaranteed issue rights apply in specific situations like losing employer coverage
- Texas requires a 30-day free look period for Medicare Supplement policies
- Texas prohibits agents from selling unnecessary or duplicate Medicare coverage
Last updated: January 2026
Texas Medicare Supplement Regulations
Texas regulates Medicare Supplement (Medigap) insurance to protect senior consumers while following federal standardization requirements.
Standardized Plans
Texas follows the federal standardized Medigap plans (Plans A through N):
Available Plans in Texas
| Plan | Coverage Level |
|---|---|
| Plan A | Basic benefits only |
| Plan B | Basic + Part A deductible |
| Plan C | Comprehensive (pre-2020 enrollees only) |
| Plan D | Similar to C without Part B excess |
| Plan F | Most comprehensive (pre-2020 only) |
| Plan G | Like F without Part B deductible |
| Plan K | 50% cost sharing with OOP max |
| Plan L | 75% cost sharing with OOP max |
| Plan M | 50% Part A deductible |
| Plan N | Cost sharing with copays |
Note: Plans C and F are only available to those eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020.
Open Enrollment Period
Texas provides a 6-month open enrollment period:
When It Begins
- First day of the month you are 65 or older AND
- Enrolled in Medicare Part B
Protections During Open Enrollment
- Guaranteed issue - Must be accepted regardless of health
- No preexisting condition exclusions
- No health questions asked
- Any plan available - Can choose any Medigap plan
Guaranteed Issue Rights
Beyond open enrollment, Texas provides guaranteed issue in specific situations:
Triggering Events
| Event | Guaranteed Issue Right |
|---|---|
| Losing employer coverage | 63 days to enroll |
| Leaving Medicare Advantage | Can return to Medigap |
| Medicare Advantage plan leaves area | Can purchase Medigap |
| Medigap insurer becomes insolvent | Can switch plans |
Trial Right (Medicare Advantage)
If you try Medicare Advantage for the first time:
- Have 12 months to decide
- Can return to previous Medigap plan
- Or buy Medigap Plan A, B, C, F, K, or L
- Guaranteed issue, no health underwriting
Free Look Period
Texas requires a 30-day free look period for Medigap policies:
- Can return policy for full refund
- No penalty for exercising free look
- Period begins when policy delivered
- Allows time to compare coverage
Prohibited Practices
Texas prohibits specific practices in Medicare Supplement sales:
Prohibited Actions
| Practice | Status |
|---|---|
| Selling duplicate coverage | Prohibited |
| High-pressure sales tactics | Prohibited |
| Misrepresenting coverage | Prohibited |
| Cold call sales | Prohibited |
| Selling to Medicaid beneficiaries | Generally prohibited |
Agent Requirements
- Must determine existing coverage before selling
- Must explain relationship to Medicare
- Cannot misrepresent affiliation with government
- Must provide Outline of Coverage
Test Your Knowledge
How long is the open enrollment period for Medicare Supplement in Texas?
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Test Your Knowledge
What is the free look period for Medicare Supplement policies in Texas?
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