Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans have become so popular that Massachusetts residents are turning in their old coverage and trying something new. There are currently 1,188,276 enrollees in Massachusetts. There is plenty to understand about the Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plan and what plans are available.
How Medicare Advantage plans work in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans allow you so many great benefits all in one plan. They are considered private plans because they’re offered through private carriers.
The plans differ depending on your carrier, so it’s important to know what each plan covers.
These plans typically cover medical, vision, hearing, and dental. Some of these plans have drug coverage, but not all of them.
Depending on your city, there are up to 39 available plans for you. Therefore, examining each plan is vital to ensure you have the best coverage.
Medicare Advantage plans offered in Massachusetts
The government does not cover Medicare Advantage plans as they are considered private. Depending on the zip code you live in, different plans could be available. A plan in Florida may not be the same as one in Massachusetts.
There are some great plans available below in the Massachusetts area. Zero-dollar premiums, ratings, and deductibles sort them.
Zero-dollar premium MA plans
The great thing about Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plans is that they have zero-dollar premiums. However, it’s important to remember that the lower the premium, the higher the out-of-pocket expenses and co-pays involved.
Aetna (HMO) is a carrier with one of the lowest MOOP expenses at $6,700 and has a 4-star rating.
is the next lowest carrier and is a local PPO. Unfortunately, they only have a 3-star rating.
Tufts Health has the highest MOOP at $7,550 as an HMO, but they carry a 5-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| BCBS of Massachusetts | $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 4 |
| Wellcare | $0 | $6,500 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Tufts Health | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | 5 |
| $0 | $6,700 | LOCAL PPO | 3 | |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | 4 |
Zero-dollar drug deductible MA plans
Fallon Health has the lowest MOOP cost at $3,400 as an HMO but has a monthly premium of $181. They hold a 4-star rating and are one of the more popular plans.
The next lowest is Tufts Health at $3,450 as an HMO. They have a higher rating of five stars and a monthly premium of $186.
Aetna has a zer0-dollar monthly premium, but their MOOP is much higher at $6,700. They hold a 4-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Wellcare | $0 | $6,500 | LOCAL PPO | N/A |
| Aetna | $0 | $6,700 | HMO | 4 |
| Fallon Health | $181 | $3,400 | HMO | 4 |
| Tufts Health | $186 | $3,450 | HMO | 5 |
5-star rated MA plans
Tufts Health is the only carrier in the area with a 5-star rating. For interested residents, you might be eligible for a Special Enrollment Period. Tufts Health has a monthly zero-premium but a high MOOP of $7,550.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PLAN TYPE | STAR RATINGS |
| Tufts Health | $0 | $7,550 | HMO | 5 |
Medicare Advantage Plans with a Part B Reduction
Medicare Part B always has a monthly fee, but a Medicare Advantage plan can reduce costs. These Medicare Advantage plans below have Part B reductions for Medicare Part B residents.
The numbers below are subject to change depending on the zip code of your residence. In addition, not all areas have coverage for Part B reductions.
Wellcare has a higher MOOP at $7,550 with a Part N reduction of $69. They don’t have an available rating.
is the cheapest Part B plan with a MOOP of $6,700 and a Part B reduction of $30.00. They hold a 3-star rating.
| PLAN | PREMIUM | MOOP | PART B REDUCTION | STAR RATINGS |
| $0 | $6,700 | $30.00 | 3 | |
| Wellcare | $0 | $7,550 | $69.00 | N/A |
Ancillary/DVH
Medicare Supplements like Medigap aren’t the same as the Massachusetts Medicare Advantage plan. There are pros and cons to having Medicare Advantage or Medigap, but Medicare Advantage offers ancillary coverage for basic needs. These are things not usually covered by Original Medicare, such as dental, prescription drugs, vision, and hearing.
Cities in Massachusetts with Estimated Premiums for Medicare Supplement Coverage
Below are some charts for Medicare Supplement Coverage in Massachusetts with the associated estimated premiums:
FAQs
Does Massachusetts have Medicare Advantage plans?
There are many Medicare Advantage plans in Massachusetts. There are four types of plans: Preferred provider organization (PPO), health maintenance organization (HMO), special needs plan (SNP), and private fee-for-service (PFFS).
What is the best Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts?
Aetna is one of the most popular plans available for Medicare Advantage. That’s due to their 4-star rating and lower cost for MOOP.
What is better in Massachusetts: Original Medicare or Medicare Advantage?
Whether Medicare Advantage or Original Medicare is right for you depends on your healthcare needs. There are things available with Medicare Advantage that you don’t get with Original Medicare. For example, if vision, dental, and hearing are something that you require, then Medicare Advantage is better suited for you.
How to Get Help Enrolling in a Massachusetts Medicare Advantage Plan
A Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts has all the same benefits as Original Medicare and often adds additional coverage. So if you’re looking to make the switch, reach out to us today to be matched up with the best plan for you.
Our licensed insurance agents can help you with Medicare Advantage or Supplemental Medicare plans that fit your needs. They’ll assist you in comparing plans and answering any questions related to Medicare.
Our agents are more than happy to help you choose a right plan for you. Call us today, or fill out the online form to receive the best rates in your area.
