Runnels County is in North Central Texas and the Big Country, around Abilene and Wichita Falls, with about 9,751 residents (Census 2024 estimate). Its largest towns are Ballinger, Winters and Miles.
Fewer plans and longer drives to a hospital are common here: rural hospitals, telehealth and Medicare.
2027 plans in Runnels County at a glance
What it means if you live in Runnels County
- That's 7 plans fewer than in 2026 (15). If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, check your Annual Notice of Change to see whether it continues and what changes. HealthSpring stops selling regular Medicare Advantage plans here on December 31; at least 69 people in Runnels County are in one of those plans. If that's you, here is what to do. (CMS data)
- 1 are HMOs (you generally use the plan's network) and 7 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: 7 for people with both Medicare and Texas Medicaid; 1 for people with certain chronic conditions, such as diabetes or heart failure; 3 for people who live in a nursing home or need that level of care. You can join one only if you qualify.
- Runnels County ranks 192nd of Texas's 254 counties for plans open to everyone. In the Abilene and Wichita Falls region (30 counties), the count runs from 4 to 25.
- At least 727 people in Runnels County were in a Medicare Advantage plan in October 2026.
Licensed insurance agents for Runnels 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 Runnels 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Taylor County | 10 | 9 |
| Concho County | 9 | 11 |
| Coleman County | 10 | 10 |
| Coke County | 9 | 9 |
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 Runnels County
How many Medicare Advantage plans are there in Runnels County for 2027?
CMS lists 8 open to everyone with Medicare (15 in 2026), plus 11 special needs plans for people who qualify. You still pay your Part B premium.
When can I change my Medicare plan in Runnels 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 Runnels 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.