What is Memorial Hermann closing?
Memorial Hermann Health System decided to wind down its Medicare Advantage plan, which will not be offered in 2027. It says current coverage stays in effect through December 31, 2026, and that members can use their benefits and get covered care until then.
Because the plan will not exist after that date, Memorial Hermann says affected members have a special opportunity to join a Medicare health or drug plan through February 28, 2027. Do not wait until the last day. A plan you join by December 7 starts January 1.
What are my choices?
| Choice | What to check |
|---|---|
| A different Medicare Advantage plan | Your doctors, your hospitals, the drug list, and the yearly maximum you could pay out of pocket |
| Original Medicare, a Medigap plan and a Part D drug plan | Monthly cost of all three, and that Medigap can require health questions if you apply later |
Medicare's annual enrollment period, October 15 to December 7, 2026, applies to everyone. The Memorial Hermann special window adds time for members of this plan. Whichever you choose, check each of your doctors and any hospital you would use by name, and confirm your drugs on the plan's 2027 list.
What is the Harris Health Financial Assistance Program?
The Harris Health Financial Assistance Program, formerly the Gold Card, helps eligible Harris County residents with the cost of care at Harris Health facilities. It is not health insurance. Harris Health says it is for residents at or below 150% of the federal poverty level, and that if you might qualify for Medicaid, CHIP or marketplace savings you must apply for those first.
That order matters in Texas, which has not expanded Medicaid. Adults with incomes below the poverty line often do not qualify for Medicaid or marketplace credits, so the assistance program may be one of the few options for them.
How many people in Harris County use the marketplace?
| Measure | Harris County |
|---|---|
| People who picked a plan | 731,300 |
| Received a premium tax credit | 93.2% |
| Average monthly premium before credits | $647 |
| Average monthly premium after credits | $78 |
| Paid $10 a month or less after credits | 49.6% |
| Picked a gold plan | 37.6% |
Harris County had the second largest marketplace of any county on HealthCare.gov in 2026, after Miami-Dade. Gold plans made up 37.6% of its picks, compared with 41.3% across Texas and 17.2% nationwide. Census estimates show Houston at 2,397,315 residents, 12.3% age 65 or older, and 26.4% of people under 65 without health insurance, about one in four.
Cigna is leaving the Texas marketplace for 2027, so Cigna members need a new plan during open enrollment, November 1, 2026 to January 15, 2027.
How can a Houston agent help?
An agent can line up several 2027 plans side by side, check your doctors and drugs and explain what happens if you are close to a deadline. Memorial Hermann plan members can call the plan's customer service line at (855) 645-8448 for questions about their current coverage.
Health Insurance Solutions agents are licensed in 22 states and help by phone and online. Marketplace plans cost the same with or without an agent, so the comparison does not add to your premium.
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Explore the organizations or brands discussed in this article. A mention does not mean every plan or location is covered.
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