What Are the Medicare Advantage Plan Offerings in Massachusetts?
Some say the Boston University Bridge in Massachusetts is the only place where a boat can sail under a train going under an automobile driving under an airplane. If you can picture that, navigating the Medicare maze will surely be an easier feat. The federally administered program is a primary source of healthcare coverage for residents age 65 years and older and for some younger consumers who are disabled. An option to consider for your Medicare needs is a Medicare Advantage (MA) plan in Massachusetts.
A Medicare Advantage plan is also referred to as Medicare Part C. No matter which name is used, a Medicare Advantage plan is a way for Massachusetts residents to receive coverage from Medicare Part A, hospital insurance, and Medicare Part B, medical/doctor’s office insurance. Medicare Advantage plans from Massachusetts are offered by private insurance companies. They offer at least the same coverage as Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B, are approved by Medicare and a MA plan takes the place of coverage by Medicare Part A and Medicare Part B.
Many people select a Medicare Advantage plan because of the additional benefits included. Massachusetts residents needing coverage for hearing, vision, dental and other routine medical services should consider a Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts as these types of benefits are typically included.
Am I Eligible for a Medicare Advantage Plan in Massachusetts?
Figuring out eligibility for Medicare Advantage in Massachusetts is simple. First, you must know if Medicare Advantage plans are sold in the county or zip code where you reside in Massachusetts. If so and you’re already eligible for Medicare Parts A and B, you’re also eligible for Medicare Part C/Medicare Advantage insurance. A Medicare Advantage plan specific to Massachusetts may help policyholders save money because many Medicare Advantage plans have $0 monthly premiums. Copayments, coinsurance and deductibles vary depending on the Medicare Advantage plan in which you enroll.
Massachusetts residents cannot be enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan and a Medicare Supplement Insurance plan at the same time. A Medicare Supplement plan (Medigap) helps cover some of the gaps in coverage like copayments, coinsurance and deductibles that aren’t covered by Medicare Parts A and B.
Are Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicare Advantage Plans in Massachusetts?
Any resident of the 14 counties of Massachusetts who is looking for prescription drug coverage should consider a Medicare Part C plan as most Medicare Advantage plans also include a Medicare Prescription Drug plan. A Medicare Advantage plan including prescription drug coverage is called a MAPD and provides assistance with helping to cover some of the cost of prescriptions.
Most Popular Medicare Advantage Plans in Massachusetts
Finding the right Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts is as unique as the person the plan is there to support. Among Massachusetts residents enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, 62% choose an HMO/HMOPOS while 35% are enrolled in a Local PPO, as reported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicare Services (CMS.gov). Knowing how much Medicare plan coverage you need will help you determine the right Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts for your needs.
You can become more informed about Medicare Advantage plans available in Massachusetts by contacting a SelectQuote licensed sales agent who can guide you through the Medicare maze. Acting as your advocate, our licensed sales agents help you weigh the Medicare Advantage plan options in your area, understand costs and answer questions throughout the process. SelectQuote individually shops more than 20 national insurance companies to accommodate your budget and needs.
Massachusetts Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods
Enrollment in a Medicare Advantage plan occurs during specified enrollment periods. Medicare enrollment in Massachusetts opens for residents prior to turning age 65 or earlier in special disability cases. The Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) runs for seven months.
IEP begins three months before turning age 65, including the birthday month, and ends 3 months after the birthday month. It is also the time allotted for enrollment in Medicare Parts A, B, C and D. For example, if you’re a Massachusetts resident with a May birthday, your IEP runs from February through August.
You may also enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan during the Medicare Annual Enrollment Period, which occurs annually each fall. Medicare’s AEP runs from October 15 through December 7 each year. The key dates for AEP are as follows:
Oct. 15 – Annual Enrollment Period Begins
Dec. 7 – Annual Enrollment Period Ends
Jan. 1 – First Date Coverage can start
During the Annual Enrollment every year, Massachusetts residents can:
- Switch from Medicare Parts A and B (Original Medicare) to a Medicare Advantage (Part C) plan
- Change from one Medicare Advantage Plan to another
- Switch from one Prescription Drug (Part D) plan to another
- Add a Prescription Drug (Part D) plan if you didn’t enroll when first eligible for Medicare
In addition to AEP, Massachusetts residents who are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan can make a one-time plan change during the Open Enrollment (OEP) period, which occurs each year from January 1 through March 31. There are also Medicare Special Enrollment Periods (SEP) you may be able to enroll in Medicare or make changes to your existing Medicare Advantage coverage because of certain events and life changes, such as moving or losing employer coverage.
Is a Massachusetts Medicare Advantage Plan Right for You?
SelectQuote licensed sales agents are Medicare Insurance specialists that can help to ensure you’re getting all the available benefits you deserve. We can also see if you’re staying up to date with the annual updates to Medicare plans made by insurance companies. As a trusted independent third-party company, SelectQuote is here to help Massachusetts residents find the right Medicare Advantage plan for their needs. Talk to a SelectQuote licensed sales agent today.
To ensure you are getting all the benefits you are entitled to receive, call or complete your online form today. Let SelectQuote’s personal licensed sales agents simplify the Medicare maze by comparing rates and independently shopping insurance companies to help you find an affordable option that meets your unique needs.
