Medicare Insurance in Massachusetts
Find the best Medicare plan for Massachusetts residents
Massachusetts has more than 1.3 million Medicare beneficiaries — and with a highly regarded healthcare system and a large aging population, Bay State residents have access to some of the most competitive Medicare plan options in the country. Whether you are new to Medicare or reviewing your current coverage, understanding your choices can help you find the right plan at the right price.
10 Tips for Finding the Best Medicare Insurance in Massachusetts
- Learn the differences between Medicare Advantage and Medigap so you know which approach fits your healthcare needs and budget.
- Compare plans every year during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7), because benefits, premiums, and drug formularies can change.
- Check whether your preferred doctors and hospitals are in-network before enrolling in a Medicare Advantage plan.
- Review Part D prescription drug coverage carefully — make sure your medications are on the plan's formulary and at an affordable tier.
- Enroll in Medicare Part B on time to avoid a permanent late-enrollment penalty added to your monthly premium.
- Consider your travel habits — Original Medicare with a Medigap policy typically provides broader geographic coverage than most HMO-based Medicare Advantage plans.
- Look into Extra Help (Low Income Subsidy) if you have limited income and resources, as it can significantly reduce your Part D costs.
- Use the Medicare Plan Finder at Medicare.gov to compare local plans side by side on cost, coverage, and quality star ratings.
- Work with a licensed, independent Medicare insurance agent who represents multiple carriers so you receive unbiased guidance.
- Re-evaluate your Medigap plan if your health needs have changed — switching may save money or provide better benefits depending on your situation.
How Many Medicare Advantage Plans Are Available in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries have access to a robust Medicare Advantage market. In recent plan years, Bay State residents have been able to choose from more than 60 Medicare Advantage plans offered by carriers operating throughout the state. Major insurers offering Medicare Advantage in Massachusetts include Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Tufts Health Plan, UnitedHealthcare, Humana, and Aetna, among others. Many plans include extra benefits such as dental, vision, hearing, and fitness programs beyond what Original Medicare covers. Plan availability varies by county, so beneficiaries in the Greater Boston area and other densely populated regions typically have the widest selection.
How Many Medicare Supplement Plans Are Offered in Massachusetts?
Massachusetts is one of three states — along with Minnesota and Wisconsin — that does not follow the standard federal Medigap plan lettering system. Instead of Plans A through N, Massachusetts has its own standardized Medigap framework with a Core plan and a Supplement 1 plan (as well as a Supplement 1A option). These state-standardized plans offer comprehensive coverage and must provide at minimum the Core benefits, which include coverage for hospital coinsurance, skilled nursing facility coinsurance, and the first three pints of blood. More than 20 insurance carriers are approved to sell Medigap policies in Massachusetts, including Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Tufts Health Plan, AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, and Cigna. Because plans are standardized, comparing premiums among carriers is straightforward — the coverage is identical, so price and carrier reputation are the primary differentiators.
Senior Population Facts (Over 65)
Massachusetts has a significant and growing senior population. According to U.S. Census Bureau data, approximately 1.1 million residents — roughly 16% of the state's total population — are age 65 or older. This share is expected to grow steadily as Baby Boomers continue to age into Medicare eligibility.
- Healthcare: Massachusetts consistently ranks among the top states for overall healthcare quality and access. The state has a high rate of health insurance coverage overall and strong hospital infrastructure, anchored by world-class academic medical centers such as Massachusetts General Hospital, Brigham and Women's Hospital, and UMass Memorial Medical Center. Seniors benefit from robust healthcare networks, though costs in the state can be higher than the national average.
- Housing: Housing costs in Massachusetts, particularly in the Greater Boston metro area, rank among the highest in the nation. Many seniors on fixed incomes face housing affordability challenges. The state offers programs such as the Homestead Exemption and various property tax relief initiatives for qualifying older residents, and there is a wide range of senior living communities and assisted living facilities throughout the Commonwealth.
- Economic Security: The median household income for Massachusetts seniors is above the national average, though the high cost of living means that out-of-pocket healthcare and housing expenses can erode financial security. The state administers programs such as the Prescription Advantage program (a state-funded prescription drug benefit for seniors), ConnectorCare, and MassHealth (Medicaid) for those who qualify, providing additional layers of support for lower-income older adults.