When can I sign up for Medicare in Austin?

Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Open Enrollment runs October 15 - December 7 annually for plan changes. Medigap has its own one-time 6-month open enrollment when you first enroll in Part B.

Does CTSRN charge for Medicare help?

No. The advisors we refer are independent brokers paid by carriers - they never charge clients a fee, and they represent every major Texas carrier.

Can I keep my Austin doctor with Medicare Advantage?

Only if your doctor is in that specific plan's network. Always check the plan's provider directory and call the doctor's office to confirm before enrolling.

Resources/Financial

Plain-language Medicare guidance

Medicare Guidance

Plain-language help with Medicare, supplements, and annual enrollment in Central Texas.

Medicare is the single most confusing decision a Central Texan makes at 65 - and it repeats every October during Open Enrollment.

The good news: independent brokers in Texas are paid by carriers, not by you. A real advisor will spend 90 minutes with your specific doctors, drugs, and travel plans - free.

What this covers

Original Medicare vs. Advantage

Original Medicare (Parts A + B) plus a Medigap plan means any doctor anywhere. Medicare Advantage bundles A, B, D, and often dental/vision at lower up-front cost - but locks you to a network. Choosing wrong is the most common $10,000+ Medicare mistake.

Part D drug plans

Every insulin, blood thinner, and specialty drug is tiered differently across the 20+ Part D plans available in Central Texas. The 'best' plan is the one that costs least for your specific prescription list this year - and it changes every year.

Open Enrollment window

October 15 - December 7 is the only annual window to switch Medicare Advantage or Part D plans. Changes take effect January 1. Skip it and you're locked in for another year.

Medigap in Texas

Texas has a one-time 6-month Medigap open enrollment starting when you first enroll in Part B. Miss it and insurers can underwrite you - or decline you - based on health. This deadline traps thousands of Texans every year.

The Central Texas angle

The independent Medicare advisors in our network represent every major carrier - Humana, UnitedHealthcare, BCBS Texas, Aetna, Wellcare, Cigna. They don't work for any single company, which is exactly why we refer to them.

Next steps

Gather your prescription list with doses
List the doctors and hospitals you don't want to lose
Book a free Medicare review before September (well ahead of the deadline)

Vetted local providers

Independent Medicare Advisors of Austin
Non-captive brokers who represent every major carrier and never charge clients a fee.
Austin · Round Rock (512) 555-0188
Senior Health Partners TX
Year-round Medicare guidance, including drug plan reviews each October.
Georgetown · Liberty Hill (512) 555-0119
James Thornton Medicare
Independent advisor with 22 years in the Texas Medicare market. Lakeway / Westlake / Bee Cave.
Lakeway · Bee Cave · Austin (512) 555-0204

Not sure where to start?

Tell us your situation and we'll connect you with the right person, free.

Ask an Expert

Frequently asked

When can I sign up for Medicare in Austin?: Your Initial Enrollment Period is the 7-month window around your 65th birthday. Open Enrollment runs October 15 - December 7 annually for plan changes. Medigap has its own one-time 6-month open enrollment when you first enroll in Part B.
Does CTSRN charge for Medicare help?: No. The advisors we refer are independent brokers paid by carriers - they never charge clients a fee, and they represent every major Texas carrier.
Can I keep my Austin doctor with Medicare Advantage?: Only if your doctor is in that specific plan's network. Always check the plan's provider directory and call the doctor's office to confirm before enrolling.