Texas Independence Health Plan
Avg Star Rating
4.5 ★
Compare & Enroll — Part C & Part D
Compare & Enroll in Medicare Plans in Panola County, TX
With 40 Medicare Advantage options from 9 insurers, Panola County, TX has plan availability roughly in line with the national average, suggesting a highly competitive market where insurers often lower premiums to attract members. Approximately 88% of local MA plans charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium, reflecting strong price competition. With 1 hospital within 25.0 miles, verifying your preferred hospital is in-network is especially important here. We've organized the CMS data below to help you cross-reference plan costs, quality ratings, and local provider access. Compare plans below, and when you're ready, enroll directly at Medicare.gov.
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🚫 No agents or commissions
✓ Just the data, no sales pitch
Compare Plans at Medicare.gov →
Data freshness: CMS data as of February 2026 •
ACS data as of 2023 •
Reviewed & approved on 2026-02-16
Reviewed by: Wes Ward, Founder & Data Lead •
View our methodology
Important: We are not affiliated with Medicare or any government agency. This site displays publicly available CMS data to help you compare plans. We do not sell insurance or represent any insurance company. For official enrollment and complete plan information, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Important: Plan availability, benefits, and CMS Star Ratings shown here come directly from CMS public files. Plan details can change—always verify with the insurer and at Medicare.gov.
Part C Plans
40
Part D Plans
12
Top MA Star
4.5
Top Drug Star
3.5
Medicare Eligibility in Panola County, TX
Approximately 4,832 residents (21.1% of the population) in Panola County, TX are 65 or older and likely Medicare-eligible. Whether you're approaching 65, already enrolled, or a caregiver comparing options, the plan data below is organized to help you evaluate Part C (Medicare Advantage) and Part D (prescription drug) coverage side by side.
The median household income in Panola County, TX is $62,129 (17.3% below the National Average), which may affect eligibility for Extra Help with Part D drug costs.
Part C: Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage (Part C) replaces Original Medicare through private insurers who bundle hospital, medical, and often drug coverage into a single plan. Panola County, TX's 40 Medicare Advantage plans are a mix leaning toward PPO networks (21 PPO, 19 HMO). 35 plans offer $0 monthly premiums. The average local star rating is 3.7 out of 5, with the top plan earning 4.5 ★.
Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Panola County, TX
We organize CMS plan data into separate leaderboards so you can compare based on what matters most to you. Part C premiums in Panola County, TX range from $0 to $20/month. Among rated plans, 10 plans rated 4+ stars, including 2 with perfect 5-star ratings.
Highest CMS Star Ratings
Star Ratings are assigned by CMS based on quality measures including customer service, preventive care, and managing chronic conditions.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Type | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Essentials From Uhc Tx-26 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO-POS | Enroll |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Giveback From Uhc Tx-41 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO-POS | Enroll |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Extras From Uhc Tx-48 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | HMO-POS | Enroll |
| Humana Usaa Honor Giveback (PPO) | Humana | 4.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | PPO | Enroll |
| Humanachoice H7617-027 (PPO) | Humana | 4.5 ★ | $10.20/mo | PPO | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums can save money, but check total costs including deductibles, copays, and MOOP.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | MOOP | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Essentials From Uhc Tx-26 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $4,900 | 4.5 ★ |
| Humanachoice H0473-005 (PPO) | Humana | $0.00/mo | $7,300 | 3.5 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Giveback From Uhc Tx-41 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $8,500 | 4.5 ★ |
| Uhc Dual Complete Tx-D007 (HMO-POS D-SNP) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $9,250 | 3.5 ★ |
| Uhc Dual Complete Tx-S003 (HMO-POS D-SNP) | Unitedhealthcare | $0.00/mo | $9,250 | 4.0 ★ |
Lowest Maximum Out-of-Pocket (MOOP)
MOOP caps your financial risk. Once you hit this limit, the plan covers 100% of covered services for the rest of the year.
| Plan Name | Insurer | MOOP (In-Network) | Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Christus Health Medicare Plus (HMO) | Christus Health Advantage | $4,200 | $20.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
| Uhc Dual Complete Tx-V010 (HMO-POS D-SNP) | Unitedhealthcare | $4,200 | $0.00/mo | 3.5 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Advantage Essentials From Uhc Tx-26 (HMO-POS) | Unitedhealthcare | $4,900 | $0.00/mo | 4.5 ★ |
| Christus Health Medicare Complete (HMO) | Christus Health Advantage | $4,900 | $0.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
| Christus Health Medicare Guardian (HMO) | Christus Health Advantage | $4,900 | $0.00/mo | 4.0 ★ |
Plan Type Mix in Panola County, TX
HMO plans require referrals and in-network care. PPO plans offer more flexibility. SNP (Special Needs Plans) serve specific populations. MAPD plans include drug coverage.
| Plan Type | Count | Percentage | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
| PPO | 13 | 32.5% | No referrals; in and out-of-network |
| HMO | 5 | 12.5% | Requires referrals; in-network only |
| HMO D-SNP | 5 | 12.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| Regional PPO | 4 | 10.0% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO I-SNP | 3 | 7.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| HMO-POS | 3 | 7.5% | HMO with some out-of-network options |
| HMO-POS D-SNP | 3 | 7.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| Regional PPO C-SNP | 2 | 5.0% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| Regional PPO D-SNP | 1 | 2.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
| PPO I-SNP | 1 | 2.5% | Medicare Advantage plan |
Choosing the Right Medicare Advantage Plan
The best Part C plan depends on your doctors, medications, and budget. Key factors to evaluate:
- Provider network: Verify your doctors and hospitals near Panola County, TX are in-network before enrolling
- Total cost: A $0 premium may have higher copays—calculate your annual cost
- Star Ratings: 4+ stars indicate above-average quality and member satisfaction
Read our full guide on choosing Medicare Advantage → · Print our enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary: HMO, PPO, MOOP & more →
Medicare Advantage Insurers in Panola County, TX
9 insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage plans in Panola County, TX. Below, we group plans by insurer so you can compare options from each company. More insurers generally means more competition and better benefits for consumers.
Christus Health Advantage
Avg Star Rating
4.0 ★
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
3.8 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.8 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.7 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Molina Healthcare Of Texas, Inc.
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Il, Nm, Ok, Tx
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Texas
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
American Health Advantage Of Texas
Avg Star Rating
N/A
Plan
Premium
MOOP
Stars
Type
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Part D: Prescription Drug Plans (PDP)
Part D covers prescription drugs through standalone plans for those on Original Medicare, or as part of a Medicare Advantage bundle. Among the 12 standalone Part D plans in Panola County, TX, some offer $0 annual deductibles while others charge up to the 2026 maximum of $590. 1 plans are at or below the regional premium benchmark, making them eligible for Low Income Subsidy auto-enrollment. The 2026 $2,000 out-of-pocket cap means drug costs are now more predictable regardless of which plan you choose, but formulary coverage still varies significantly—always verify your medications are covered before enrolling.
Part D Formulary Notice: Each Part D plan has its own formulary (list of covered drugs). The same medication may be on different tiers—or not covered at all—depending on the plan. Always check that your specific medications are covered before enrolling.
2026 Out-of-Pocket Cap: Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, your total out-of-pocket drug costs are capped at $2,000 per year in 2026. Once you reach this limit, you pay nothing more for covered Part D drugs for the rest of the year. This eliminates the old "donut hole" coverage gap that previously caused higher costs.
Low Income Subsidy (LIS / Extra Help): If you have limited income and resources, you may qualify for Extra Help paying Part D costs. Visit SSA.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE.
Top Part D Drug Plans in Panola County, TX
We organize Part D plans by CMS Star Ratings, premiums, and deductibles so you can find the best fit for your prescription needs. Part D premiums in Panola County, TX range from $0 to $167/month. Remember: all Part D plans now cap your annual out-of-pocket drug costs at $2,000 thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act.
Highest CMS Star Ratings (Part D)
Part D Star Ratings measure drug pricing, customer service, member complaints, and pharmacy access.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Star Rating | Premium | Deductible | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | 3.5 ★ | $0.00/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | 3.0 ★ | $22.90/mo | $601 | Enroll |
| Silverscript Choice (PDP) | Aetna Medicare | 3.0 ★ | $94.80/mo | $615 | Enroll |
| Humana Premier Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | 3.0 ★ | $118.20/mo | $0 | Enroll |
Lowest Monthly Premium
Lower premiums help with monthly cash flow, but check drug tier costs and the deductible.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Monthly Premium | Drug Deductible | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | $0.00/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | $0.00/mo | $615 | 3.5 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $22.90/mo | $601 | 3.0 ★ |
| Humana Basic Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $41.70/mo | $615 | 3.0 ★ |
| Healthspring Extra Rx (PDP) | Healthspring | $70.00/mo | $615 | 2.5 ★ |
Lowest Annual Drug Deductible
The deductible is what you pay out-of-pocket before the plan starts covering drug costs. The 2026 maximum Part D deductible is $590. Many plans offer $0 deductible options.
| Plan Name | Insurer | Drug Deductible | Monthly Premium | Star Rating |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Humana Premier Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $0 | $118.20/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Aarp Medicare Rx Preferred From Uhc (PDP) | Unitedhealthcare | $130 | $114.80/mo | 2.0 ★ |
| Humana Value Rx Plan (PDP) | Humana | $601 | $22.90/mo | 3.0 ★ |
| Wellcare Value Script (PDP) | Wellcare | $615 | $0.00/mo | 3.5 ★ |
| Wellcare Classic (PDP) | Wellcare | $615 | $0.00/mo | 3.5 ★ |
Understanding drug tiers: Part D plans organize medications into 5 cost tiers — Tier 1 (Preferred Generic) is cheapest; Tier 5 (Specialty) is most expensive. Two plans with the same premium can have very different costs for your drugs depending on tier placement. Learn more about drug tiers →
Choosing the Right Part D Drug Plan
The right Part D plan depends on your specific medications. Key factors to evaluate:
- Formulary: Verify your drugs are covered before enrolling
- Preferred pharmacies: Lower copays at certain locations—check your pharmacy is in-network
- Total annual cost: Premium + deductible + copays for your drugs
Read our full guide on choosing Part D →
What is a formulary? See our Medicare Glossary →
Part D Drug Plan Insurers in Panola County, TX
6 insurance companies offer standalone Part D drug plans in Panola County, TX. Below, we group plans by insurer.
Wellcare
Avg Star Rating
3.5 ★
Humana
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Aetna Medicare
Avg Star Rating
3.0 ★
Plan
Premium
Deductible
Stars
Type
Healthspring
Avg Star Rating
2.5 ★
Blue Cross And Blue Shield Of Il, Nm, Ok, Tx
Avg Star Rating
2.0 ★
Unitedhealthcare
Avg Star Rating
2.0 ★
Plan availability, premiums, and benefits shown are based on CMS data and may change. Always verify current details with the insurer and at Medicare.gov before enrolling.
Ready to Enroll in Panola County, TX?
Compare plans side-by-side at Medicare.gov or speak with a licensed Medicare specialist.
📋 Print our Medicare Enrollment Checklist — gather your info before you compare.
📅 Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · 🩺 Questions to Ask Your Doctor
Medicare.gov is the official U.S. government site for Medicare. Available 24/7.
Pharmacy Access in Panola County, TX
Part D plans have preferred pharmacy networks where you'll pay lower copays. Here's a look at pharmacy options in and around Panola County, TX.
Total Pharmacies
4
within 5.0 miles
Chain Pharmacies
3
CVS, Walgreens, etc.
Independent Pharmacies
1
locally owned
| Pharmacy | Address & Phone | Distance | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| KEN TURNER PHARMACY INC | 109 E PANOLA ST CARTHAGE, TX 756332601 903-369-7106 | 0.4 mi | Independent |
| WAL-MART STORES TEXAS LLC | 4609 NW LOOP # 436 CARTHAGE, TX 756332205 903-369-6502 | 0.5 mi | Chain |
| BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS INC | 412 W PANOLA ST CARTHAGE, TX 756332537 903-369-6791 | 0.7 mi | Chain |
| CVS PHARMACY INC | 801 W PANOLA ST CARTHAGE, TX 756332335 903-369-2611 | 1.1 mi | Chain |
| BROOKSHIRE BROTHERS INC | 420 N HILL ST TATUM, TX 756911783 903-394-2174 | 14.4 mi | Chain |
| BEARD PHARMACIST INC. | 443 AUSTIN STREET TIMPSON, TX 759750458 936-625-2471 | 18.3 mi | Independent |
| MAGNESS MOSS PHARMACY | 13290 US HIGHWAY 84 E JOAQUIN, TX 75954 936-626-3922 | 21.4 mi | Independent |
| GENE BLOUNT | 13290 HWY 84 E JOAQUIN, TX 759540506 936-626-3922 | 23.1 mi | Independent |
| RED RIVER PHARMACY CONSULTING, LLC | 204 MAIN ST LOGANSPORT, LA 710492997 318-869-4381 | 24.2 mi | Independent |
| MATTHEWSON DRUG CO INC | 717 S WASHINGTON AVE MARSHALL, TX 756705337 903-393-2351 | 26.0 mi | Independent |
Pharmacy data from CMS. Network participation varies by plan—always verify with your specific Part D plan.
Local Healthcare Access in Panola County, TX
Before choosing a plan, consider the healthcare infrastructure in Panola County, TX. Medicare Advantage plans restrict you to in-network hospitals, so understanding local hospital quality helps you pick the right plan — not just the cheapest one.
Note: The facilities below do not indicate which providers are in-network for any specific plan. Always verify network status with your plan before enrolling.
Hospitals Nearby
1
within 25.0 miles
Top-Rated Hospitals near Panola County, TX
If hospital access matters to your plan choice, check quality ratings before you enroll. These are the highest CMS-rated hospitals near Panola County, TX — click a hospital name to see its full profile and verify it's in your plan's network.
| Hospital | CMS Rating | Distance | Beds |
|---|---|---|---|
| Christus Good Shepherd Medical Center | 3 ★ | 32.8 mi | 574 |
| Longview Regional Medical Center | 3 ★ | 34.5 mi | 230 |
| Willis Knighton Medical Center | 3 ★ | 39.4 mi | 926 |
| Nacogdoches Medical Center | 3 ★ | 39.9 mi | 150 |
| Ochsner Lsu Health Shreveport-St Mary Medical Cent | 3 ★ | 41.1 mi | 93 |
| Ochsner Lsu Health Shreveport | 2 ★ | 40.1 mi | 395 |
| Ut Health East Texas Carthage Hospital | Not Rated | 0.7 mi | 42 |
| Ut Health East Texas Henderson Hospital | Not Rated | 26.9 mi | 158 |
| Louisiana Behavioral Health | Not Rated | 37.2 mi | 89 |
| Desoto Regional Health System | Not Rated | 37.7 mi | 34 |
View all 1 hospitals near Panola County, TX to check quality before you enroll →
Hospital data from CMS Hospital Compare and Provider of Services file. Distance calculated from center of Panola County, TX.
Telehealth in Panola County, TX: Is Your Internet Ready?
Many Medicare Advantage and some Part D plans now include telehealth benefits, making routine check-ins and prescription refills easier from home. But telehealth requires reliable internet—here's a look at connectivity in Panola County, TX. For official guidance on virtual visits, see Telehealth.HHS.gov from the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services.
Check Internet Providers at Your Address
Telehealth works best with reliable internet. Use this tool (provided free by ISP Reports) to see what's available at your address.
Opens ISP Reports in a new tab. This is not a paid relationship. Special thank you to ISP Reports for allowing free use of their address tool.
Internet Coverage in Panola County, TX
Fiber Available
24.2%
of households
Cable/DSL Available
74.4%
of households
Top Provider
XFINITY
2.3% coverage
No Broadband
0.8%
of households
Internet coverage data from ISP Reports. View full internet report for Panola County, TX.
Medicare-Relevant Demographics in Panola County, TX
Understanding Panola County, TX's demographics helps contextualize why insurers offer the plans they do. Areas with more seniors and higher incomes tend to attract more insurer competition, while areas with higher Medicaid enrollment may have more Dual-Eligible Special Needs Plans (D-SNP) available.
Total Population
22,934
Population 65+
4,832
21.1% of total
Median Age
41
3.0 years older than the national average
Median Income
$62,129
17.3% below the National Average
On Medicare
4,079
17.8% of residents
On Medicaid
3,308
14.4% of residents
Uninsured
4,349
19.0% of residents
Social Security Recipients
9,602
41.9% of population
Demographic data from U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey (2023). View full Panola County, TX demographics (BestNeighborhood.org).
Local Medicare FAQ: Panola County, TX
Common decision points based on Panola County, TX's specific plan market and local healthcare landscape.
How does Panola County, TX's Medicare Advantage market compare?
Panola County, TX has 40 Medicare Advantage plans from 9 insurers. This is roughly in line with the national average of approximately 57 plans per area. The local mix includes 19 HMO and 21 PPO plans. Plan availability updates annually during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7).
Should I choose an HMO or PPO Medicare Advantage plan in Panola County, TX?
With limited hospital access nearby, a PPO plan (21 available) could be worth the extra cost for out-of-network coverage, especially if you need to travel for specialized care. In Panola County, TX, PPO plans are more common, giving you more flexibility options to compare. Always verify your doctors are in-network before enrolling in any plan.
What's the real cost of $0 premium plans in Panola County, TX?
35 plans (88% of available options) in Panola County, TX charge $0 beyond the standard Part B premium. This high percentage reflects strong insurer competition in the area. However, $0 premium doesn't mean $0 cost. These plans may have higher copays, coinsurance, or out-of-pocket maximums. In Panola County, TX, maximum out-of-pocket limits range from $4,200 to an average of $7,529. We recommend calculating your total expected annual cost (premium + copays + drug costs) rather than choosing based on premium alone.
How does the 2026 $2,000 drug cap affect Panola County, TX beneficiaries?
The Inflation Reduction Act capped annual out-of-pocket drug spending at $2,000 starting in 2025, eliminating the old "donut hole" coverage gap. This applies to all 12 standalone Part D plans in Panola County, TX.
What this means locally:
- Cost predictability — No matter which of the 12 Part D plans you choose, your drug costs are capped at $2,000/year
- $0 deductible options — Some local plans offer $0 deductibles, meaning coverage starts immediately
- Low-income options — 1 plans meet the regional benchmark for Extra Help/LIS eligibility
While the out-of-pocket cap standardizes maximum costs, formulary coverage still varies significantly between plans. A drug that costs $5/month on one plan's formulary might cost $50 on another. Always check that your specific medications are covered and compare tier placement before enrolling.
See all Medicare FAQs in our complete guide → · Enrollment checklist →
Medicare Glossary · Enrollment Dates & Deadlines · Doctor Questions
About the Data & Editorial Team
Wes Ward
Founder & Data Lead
Wes Ward is the founder of InsuranceDataNow.org and reviews all content for data accuracy and methodology compliance.
With 25+ years in data analytics — including work with highly regulated genomic data at Ancestry.com — Wes brings enterprise-level rigor to consumer data tools. He is also a co-founder of BestNeighborhood.org, CrimeGrade.org, and ISPReports.org.
Role: Reviews and approves all content for data accuracy, source verification, and methodology compliance.
Transparency & Disclosures
InsuranceDataNow is an advertising-supported publisher based in South Jordan, Utah. We are not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the U.S. government.
TPMO Disclaimer: We do not offer every plan available in your area. Any information we provide is limited to those plans we do offer in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE (24 hours a day/7 days a week) to get information on all of your options.
Sources
- CMS Medicare Plan Finder Data (Part C & D): cms.gov
- CMS Provider Directory: Hospital and pharmacy data from data.cms.gov
- American Community Survey: Demographic data from census.gov
- FCC Broadband Map: Internet availability data from broadbandmap.fcc.gov
- ISP Reports: Internet provider coverage for Panola County, TX from ispreports.org
- Telehealth.HHS.gov: Official telehealth guidance from U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services
- BestNeighborhood.org: Community demographic profiles for Panola County, TX from bestneighborhood.org
All data is sourced from official government databases and trusted third-party providers. Data is updated regularly—see page header for last refresh dates.