Deaf Smith County is in the Panhandle and the South Plains, around Amarillo and Lubbock, with about 18,495 residents (Census 2024 estimate). Its largest town is Hereford.
2027 plans in Deaf Smith County at a glance
What it means if you live in Deaf Smith County
- That's 5 plans fewer than in 2026 (21). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your Annual Notice of Change to see whether it continues and what changes. Wellcare and HealthSpring stop selling regular Medicare Advantage plans here on December 31. If that's you, here is what to do. (CMS data)
- 4 are HMOs (you generally use the plan's network) and 12 are PPOs (which also pay out-of-network doctors, usually at a higher cost to you).
- 3 plans have no Part D drug coverage. Those suit people who get drug coverage elsewhere, such as from the VA; otherwise you could owe a late-enrollment penalty for going without it.
- Special needs plans here: 15 for people with both Medicare and Texas Medicaid; 2 for people with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure; 2 for people who live in a nursing home or need that level of care. You can join one only if you qualify.
- Deaf Smith County ranks 127th of Texas's 254 counties for plans open to everyone. In the Panhandle and South Plains region (44 counties), the count runs from 4 to 24.
- At least 1,335 people in Deaf Smith County were in a Medicare Advantage plan in October 2026.
Licensed insurance agents for Deaf Smith County
These independent insurance agents are licensed in Texas and work with Benefits Life, the publisher of this site. When they enroll you in a plan, the agent and Benefits Life may be paid by the insurance company. Learn more.
See Medicare plans in Deaf Smith County
Enter your ZIP code to compare Medicare Advantage, Part D, and Medigap plans available where you live.
You'll go to PlanMatchMedicare.com, a plan comparison site from Benefits Life, the publisher of this site. Only your ZIP code is sent.
Original Medicare and Medigap
If you'd rather keep any doctor who takes Medicare, Original Medicare with a Medigap policy and a Part D plan works the same in every Texas county. Medigap in Texas.
Nearby counties
You can only join a Medicare Advantage plan sold in the county where you live.
| County | Plans open to everyone, 2027 | Special needs plans |
|---|---|---|
| Parmer County | 4 | 5 |
| Oldham County | 5 | 9 |
| Castro County | 8 | 13 |
| Randall County | 24 | 18 |
2026 Medicare costs (the same in every county)
| Cost | 2026 |
|---|---|
| Part B premium | $202.90 a month (standard) |
| Part B deductible | $283 a year |
| Part A deductible | $1,736 per benefit period |
| Part D out-of-pocket cap | $2,100 a year |
Other places to get answers
- Medicare: 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048, 24 hours a day, or Medicare.gov.
- Social Security (signing up for Parts A and B, Extra Help): 1-800-772-1213, TTY 1-800-325-0778.
- Texas Health and Human Services (Texas Medicaid and help with Medicare costs): YourTexasBenefits.com or dial 2-1-1, option 2. Texas Medicaid and Medicare.
- Texas Department of Insurance (complaints about an insurance company or agent): tdi.texas.gov.
Questions about Medicare in Deaf Smith County
How many Medicare Advantage plans are there in Deaf Smith County for 2027?
CMS lists 16 open to everyone with Medicare (21 in 2026), plus 19 special needs plans for people who qualify. You still pay your Part B premium.
When can I change my Medicare plan in Deaf Smith County?
Open Enrollment runs October 15 to December 7, for coverage starting January 1. If you're in a Medicare Advantage plan, you can switch plans or go back to Original Medicare once between January 1 and March 31. If your plan leaves your county, you get a Special Enrollment Period.
How do I find a licensed insurance agent in Deaf Smith County?
Use the agent search on this page, or call (512) SENIORS (512-736-4677), TTY 711 to compare plans with a licensed insurance agent at no cost to you. Agents listed here are licensed in Texas.
Sources
Plans open to everyone are Medicare Advantage plans with or without drug coverage, not special needs plans. Enrollment counts HMO and PPO plans; CMS hides counts of 10 or fewer, so real numbers are a little higher.