About Memorial Hermann Health System
Memorial Hermann is the largest not-for-profit health system in Southeast Texas, with 17 hospitals
and more than 270 care delivery sites across the Greater Houston area. Major campuses include
Memorial Hermann Texas Medical Center (the flagship), Memorial Hermann The Woodlands, Memorial Hermann
Sugar Land, Memorial Hermann Katy, and Memorial Hermann Northeast. The system also operates
TIRR Memorial Hermann, one of the top rehabilitation hospitals in the country.
Which Insurance Plans Include Memorial Hermann?
Memorial Hermann participates in networks for most major commercial carriers in the Houston market,
including plans from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, Aetna, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, and Humana
— but network participation varies by the specific plan product, not just the carrier name.
For example, a carrier’s HMO product may include Memorial Hermann while its EPO does not,
or a narrow-network plan may exclude certain Memorial Hermann campuses while including others.
The safest way to confirm is to use the carrier’s online provider directory and search
for the specific Memorial Hermann location where you plan to receive care, then filter by your
exact plan name (not just the carrier).
Memorial Hermann vs. Houston Methodist: Which Plans Cover Both?
Houston has two dominant health systems: Memorial Hermann and Houston Methodist. Most broad PPO
plans in the Houston market include both. Narrow-network or HMO plans often require you to choose
one or the other. If access to both systems matters to you — for example, if different
family members have established doctors at each — a PPO is the most reliable way to maintain
that flexibility.
What Happens If I Use Memorial Hermann Out-of-Network?
If Memorial Hermann is out-of-network on your plan, you will typically pay out-of-network
cost-sharing, which means your deductible and out-of-pocket maximum are higher, and some plans
(EPOs) provide no coverage at all for out-of-network care outside of emergencies. Emergency
care at any hospital is covered regardless of network status under federal law, though you
may still face higher cost-sharing.
How to Verify Network Status Before Your Appointment
- Call the number on the back of your insurance card and ask a representative to confirm the
specific Memorial Hermann facility and provider are in-network for your plan.
- Use your insurer’s online provider directory, search by the specific hospital name,
and filter by your exact plan.
- Call Memorial Hermann’s billing department directly at (713) 704-4000 and give them
your insurance information — they can often tell you whether they are contracted with
your plan.