Compare Medicare Plans in Massachusetts (January 2025)

Key Takeaways:

• Massachusetts offers many Medicare coverage options in 2025, including 110 Part C, 16 Part D, and 2 standardized Medigap plans.
• While there are $0 premium Part C plans, you must look beyond premiums and compare extra benefits and out-of-pocket costs to find the best value.
• Massachusetts offers new Medicare enrollees three standardized Medigap Plans: a Core Plan, a Supplement Plan, and a Supplement 1A plan.

Massachusetts is home to world-renowned medical facilities and a robust healthcare system. The state offers Medicare beneficiaries some of the most comprehensive coverage options in the country.

The abundance of Medicare choices available to Bay State residents can make selecting the right plan difficult. With different coverage levels, costs, and provider networks, making an informed decision requires carefully comparing several factors.

This comprehensive guide simplifies Medicare plans in Massachusetts and provides you with the knowledge and tools necessary to compare options effectively.

Types of Medicare Plans Available in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries can choose from various coverage options, each structured to address different healthcare requirements and preferences.

Here’s a comprehensive look at your options.

Original Medicare (Part A and Part B)

Original Medicare is the cornerstone of Medicare coverage. It provides essential hospital and medical insurance for beneficiaries.

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance): It covers inpatient hospital stays, skilled nursing facility care, hospice care, and home healthcare services. Most people don’t pay a monthly premium for Part A if they have paid Medicare taxes for at least 10 years. If you do have to pay a premium, it can be up to $518 per month in 2024.
• Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): Part B covers a wide range of outpatient services, including doctor visits, preventive screenings, lab tests, and medical equipment. Part B plans come with a monthly premium of $185 and an annual deductible.

Despite the comprehensive coverage of Original Medicare, it’s worth noting that it doesn’t cover everything.

You may have out-of-pocket costs like deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.

You’re generally responsible for 20% of Medicare-approved costs for Part B services, while Part A services require a deductible for each benefit period.

Many Massachusetts residents supplement Original Medicare with Medigap plans to help manage these expenses.

Data sourced from Medicare Basics.

Medicare Advantage (Part C)

Private insurance companies offer Medicare Advantage or Part C plans that combine Original Medicare benefits with additional coverage.

In addition to covering hospital and medical expenses, Part C plans often include extras such as prescription drug coverage and dental, vision, and hearing benefits.

Some plans may also offer wellness programs, gym memberships, and other perks to help you stay active and healthy.

Learn more: How to Pick the Medicare Part C Plan That Is Best for You.

Massachusetts has 1.4 million Medicare beneficiaries in 2025, all of whom have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.

• The number of Medicare Advantage plans in Massachusetts has increased from 96 in 2024 to 110 in 2025.
• The average monthly Medicare Advantage plan premium went down from $37.16 in 2024 to $33.91 in 2025.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts is $0. All Medicare beneficiaries have access to at least one zero-premium plan.

Top Medicare Advantage Plans in Michigan:

Data gathered via CMS.gov and direct provider plans. Comparison of plans from Massachusetts Zip Code 01101. Star ratings and plan information reflect publicly available data as of 2025.

Top Medicare Advantage providers in Massachusetts include:

• Aetna
• Fallon Health
• Tufts Health Plan
• UnitedHealthcare

Find the right Medicare coverage in Massachusetts.

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage plan can mean life-changing differences for your healthcare experience and your wallet. At CoverRight, our experts help you navigate the options and find the right plan.

Start your journey to personalized Medicare today.

Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)

If you’re enrolled in Original Medicare and have prescription drug requirements, you’ll want to consider adding a Medicare Part D Plan.

These prescription drug plans help you save money on your medications and protect you from unexpected price increases.

Alternatively, you can choose a Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug coverage.

Each Part D plan has a formulary and a list of covered drugs. Plan formularies are organized into tiers, each with a different cost-sharing amount.

Understanding these tiers is important because it helps you understand how much you’ll pay for your specific medications.

Massachusetts offers 16 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans, with all residents having access to at least one.

• In 2025, 73.58% of Massachusetts residents with Part D coverage can switch to a plan with premiums lower than what they paid in 2024.
• 32.38% of beneficiaries with a Part D plan are eligible for Extra Help, a federally-supported financial assistance program for prescription drugs.
• The lowest monthly premium for a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan is $6.30.

Note: Data from MedicareWire.

Medicare Supplement (Medigap)

Medigap plans in Massachusetts work differently than in other states.

While most states follow the standard federal Medigap plan, Massachusetts offers three standardized Medigap plans: Core Plan, Supplement 1 Plan, and Supplement 1A Plan.

Although each plan has unique features and enrollment rules, they still provide the same key benefit as Medigap plans in other states – which is to help manage the out-of-pocket costs that Original Medicare doesn’t cover.

Here’s how Medigap plans in Massachusetts compare:

The Core Plan covers basic benefits, including inpatient hospital costs, medical costs, blood, and Part A hospice coinsurance. It also covers 60 days of inpatient stay in mental health hospitals.

The Supplement 1 Plan is only available to those already enrolled in it or those eligible for Medicare since before 2020 but have not yet enrolled.

Besides the basic benefits of the Core Plan, the Supplement 1 plan also covers:

• The Part A inpatient deductible.
• The Part B annual deductible.
• Skilled nursing facility coinsurance.
• 120 days of inpatient stay in mental health hospitals per benefit period.
• Medicare-covered services while traveling abroad.

The Supplement 1A Plan is open to all Medicare beneficiaries in the state and includes everything in the Supplement 1 Plan except the Part B annual deductible.

Leading Medigap providers in Massachusetts include:

• Blue Cross & Blue Shield
• Fallon Health
• Humana
• Tufts Insurance
• Transamerica
• UnitedHealthcare

Learn more: Do I Need Supplemental Insurance With Medicare?

Average Costs of Medicare Plans in Massachusetts

Understanding the cost structure of different Medicare plans helps you budget your healthcare expenses better.

Let’s break down the average costs for each plan type in Massachusetts.

Note: All data reflect 2025 averages sourced from Medicare.gov, CMS.gov, Mass.gov, and MedicareWire and may vary by provider.

Top Medicare Advantage and Medigap Providers in Massachusetts

Massachusetts has a robust healthcare market that features established national carriers together with strong regional providers.

Understanding the strengths and weaknesses of each insurer will help you choose a coverage option that aligns best with your healthcare needs.

Learn more: Medicare Advantage vs. Medicare Supplement: How to Choose?

Best Medicare Advantage Providers

Consider the following factors when evaluating Medicare Advantage providers:

• Provider Network: Does the plan include your trusted doctors and preferred hospitals? A strong network gives you more choices and flexibility in your care.
• Financial Strength and Customer Satisfaction: Research the provider’s financial stability and customer satisfaction ratings to ensure you choose a reputable and reliable company.
• Coverage for Specialized Care: Make sure your plan offers adequate coverage for specialists, facilities, and procedures if you require specialized treatment or have specific healthcare needs.
• Prescription Drug Formularies: If you rely on prescription medications, carefully review the plan’s formulary to make sure your medications are covered and at an affordable cost-sharing level.

Best Medigap Providers

The unique structure of Medigap plans in Massachusetts makes provider selection particularly important.

The best providers combine competitive rates with strong customer service and efficient claims processing.

When evaluating Medigap insurers in Massachusetts, focus on:

• Financial stability and long-term market presence.
• Customer service quality and claims processing efficiency.
• Rate stability history.

Let’s take a look at the top Medigap providers in Massachusetts:

Note: Data for Core Plan and Supplement 1A Plan N from Mass.gov.

How to Choose the Right Medicare Plan in Massachusetts

Finding the ideal Medicare plan in Massachusetts requires a holistic evaluation of your healthcare needs, finances, and life circumstances.

Here are the key factors that will help you choose the right plan confidently:

Hospital and Provider Preferences

• Determine if your preferred hospitals and medical groups participate in the plan you’re considering.
• Check if you need access to specialized medical centers.
• Verify coverage for your current primary care physician and specialists.

Personal Health History

• Review your medical appointments and procedures in the past year.
• Consider any planned surgeries or treatments.
• Ask yourself if you require specialist care or specific medical services.

Prescription Medication Needs

• Review each plan’s formulary to verify if your current medications are included.
• Compare pharmacy networks, particularly if you use specialized medications.
• Consider plans that cover your preferred local or mail-order pharmacies.

Geographic Considerations

• Evaluate coverage areas if you live in different regions seasonally.
• Consider travel coverage if you spend time outside Massachusetts.
• Check network adequacy in your particular area, especially if you’re in a rural region.

Budget Assessment

• Calculate your typical yearly healthcare expenses.
• Consider potential future health needs and associated costs.
• Factor in Massachusetts’ higher cost of living when budgeting for healthcare.
• Compare total costs, not just monthly premiums.

Coverage Priorities

• Decide if you prefer predictable costs (Medigap) or potentially lower upfront expenses (Medicare Advantage).
• Consider whether additional benefits like dental and vision coverage are important.
• Evaluate if coverage for specialized services or treatments is a deal-breaker.

Learn more: How Much Medicare Costs in 2025

How to Enroll in a Medicare Plan in Massachusetts

Whether you’re approaching 65 or want to make changes to your existing coverage, understanding the Medicare enrollment process is key to getting the coverage you need.

Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This is your first chance to enroll in Medicare. It’s a seven-month window that begins three months before your 65th birthday month, includes your birth month, and extends three months thereafter.

During this time, you can sign up for Original Medicare (Part A and Part B), a Medicare Advantage plan, and/or a Part D prescription drug plan.

Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) or Medicare Open Enrollment 

You can make changes to your Medicare coverage from October 15th to December 7th of each year.

You can switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage, change Medicare Advantage plans, enroll in a Part D plan, or switch Part D plans.

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period (MA OEP)

If you’re already enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, you have an enrollment period from January 1st to March 31st each year. During this time, you can switch to a different Medicare Advantage plan or disenroll from your plan and return to Original Medicare.

Learn more: Open Enrollment vs Annual Enrollment: Difference Between AEP and OEP.

Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you experience qualifying life events such as relocation, losing coverage, or experiencing natural disasters.

Enrollment for Medigap Plans in Massachusetts

Unlike most states, Massachusetts allows continuous open enrollment for Medigap plans. This means you can enroll in or switch Medigap plans at any time of the year, regardless of your health status.

Because of the continuous open enrollment, you won’t face medical underwriting when applying for a Medigap plan in Massachusetts.

Steps to Enroll

1. Prepare Your Documents: Gather your Medicare card (if already enrolled), Social Security card, and other personal identification documents.
2. Research Your Options: Use the Medicare Plan Finder tool to compare plans, explore costs and benefits, and check provider networks.
3. Enroll Online, By Phone, or with an Agent: You can enroll in a Medicare plan online, by phone at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), or with the assistance of a licensed insurance agent such as CoverRight.

Medicare Resources for Massachusetts Residents

Finding reliable information and support makes a huge difference when navigating the complexities of Medicare. Here are some valuable resources available to Massachusetts residents:

• Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone (SHINE): SHINE offers free, unbiased counseling and assistance to Medicare beneficiaries in Massachusetts. Their trained counselors can help you understand your Medicare options, compare plans, and make informed decisions about your coverage. You can find a local SHINE counselor or learn more about their services by visiting its website.
• Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP): The SMP provides valuable information and resources to help Medicare beneficiaries protect themselves from healthcare fraud and abuse. It helps you identify and report potential fraud, errors, and scams.

Massachusetts Division of Insurance: It regulates insurance companies in Massachusetts and provides consumer resources and assistance. You can find information about Medicare plans, insurance providers, and consumer rights on its website.

Make Medicare simple in Massachusetts.

At CoverRight, our specialists deeply understand the Medicare system and the Massachusetts healthcare market. We’ll help guide you to coverage that fits your life and budget.

Start today.

Sources

1. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • Medicare Open Enrollment Partner Resources. Published 2024. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 23, 2024.
2. Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS)
   • 2024 Medicare Advantage and Part D Ratings Fact Sheet. Published October 13, 2023. Available at: cms.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
3. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Coverage Information: When to Buy. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
4. Medicare.gov
   • Medigap Overview. Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024
5. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
6. Medicare.gov
   • When Does Medicare Coverage Start? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
7. Medicare.gov
   • What Does Medicare Cost? Available at: medicare.gov. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.
8. Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF)
   • Key Facts About Medicare Part D Enrollment, Premiums, and Cost Sharing in 2024. Available at: kff.org. Last Accessed December 22, 2024.

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