Medicare Supplement Plans in Massachusetts

Medicare Supplement plans in Massachusetts follow a different structure than you will see in most states. Rather than offering ten plans with letter designations, there are just three Medicare Supplement plans. They are known as the "Core Plan," the "Supplement 1 Plan," and the "Supplement 1A Plan."

Supplement 1 has the best overall coverage but is only available to those eligible before January 1, 2020.

Since there are fewer choices for Medicare Supplement plans in Massachusetts, you may find the system a little easier to understand. The federal government developed this system to help fill some of the "gaps" created by Original Medicare. It includes coverage for gaps in  Medicare Part A and Part B.

Core Plan

This is the most basic and affordable Medicare Supplement plan.

‍The Core Plan covers the following:

• Part A hospitalization copayments
• Part B coinsurance
• First 3 pints of Part A and B blood
• Up to 60 inpatient days in mental health hospitals per year

It does not cover the following:

• Part A inpatient deductible
• Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part B deductible
• Foreign travel emergency care
  

Supplement 1 Plan

Supplement 1 Plan has the most coverage of the three.

It covers:

• Part A hospitalization copayments
• Part B coinsurance
• First 3 pints of Part A and B blood
• Up to 120 inpatient days in mental health hospitals per year
• Part A inpatient deductible
• Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance
• Part B deductible
• Foreign travel emergency care
  

Supplement 1A Plan

Supplement 1A is the next-best plan after Supplement 1 in terms of coverage. It covers everything that Supplement 1 covers except the Part B deductible.

How Much Does a Medicare Supplement Plan Cost in Massachusetts?

In general, beneficiaries will usually be charged between $114 to $320 on monthly premiums, depending on which plan and carrier you choose. The overall average in the state is $207.

Massachusetts state law requires insurance companies to use the community rating method for their Medigap policies. This means all members pay the same premium regardless of health or age.

When Should I Apply?

Massachusetts is different from most states regarding enrolling in a Medicare Supplement plan because it operates under the policy of continuous open enrollment for all Medigap plans. Therefore, you can apply for either the Core Plan or Supplement 1A Plan at any time after turning 65 and enrolling in Part B and receive guaranteed enrollment from your insurance company. Only those who turned 65 and enrolled in Part B before January 1, 2020 can enroll in Supplement 1 Plan.

How Do I Apply?

If you're still confused about the Medicare Supplement plans in Massachusetts, you're not alone. You can call our Medicare specialists at any time for customized help. We can also help you apply for coverage over the phone. These Medicare Supplement plans are designed to save you money and ensure that you receive high-quality healthcare. So don't delay starting your coverage.

Can I Use My Massachusetts Plan in Other States?

Using your health insurance in any state is one of the main benefits of Medicare Supplement plans. You are never restricted to a network, so you can see any medical provider accepting Medicare as payment. Your Original Medicare will pay their portion of the bill first. Your Medicare Supplement plan in Massachusetts is designed to pick up the remaining out-of-pocket expenses.

You typically don't have to change Medicare Supplement plans when moving to a new state. However, Massachusetts is a bit different. Because Massachusetts has a unique plan design, you'll need to switch to a new plan based on the state you move to. However, you may find that your new state offers a plan with an outline of coverage similar to your Medicare Supplement plan in Massachusetts.

Ready to Learn More?

We help educate Medicare beneficiaries on their Medigap options and help them go through the process of reviewing and comparing plans. We work with some of the nation's top-rated Medigap carriers. So give us a call today, or request a quote online to learn more about Aetna Medicare Supplement Plan G and Mutual of Omaha Medicare Supplement Plan G in your state.