Medicare Plans in Massachusetts
Sorting through the Medicare plans available in Massachusetts to find the right level of coverage can be daunting. We don’t think it has to be! We’ll help you navigate the wide variety of Medicare plans available in Massachusetts to find the coverage that’s right for you.
Who’s eligible for a Medicare Plans in Massachusetts ?
Medicare is a government-sponsored insurance program that provides healthcare benefits to those who qualify, by either age, illness, or disability. Most people become eligible for Medicare plans in Massachusetts when they turn 65. If you are under 65, you can also qualify if you have received Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI) for two years. You may also qualify if you’ve been diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) or End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).
To qualify, you must be a citizen or permanent resident, having lived in the US for the past five years. You or your spouse must also have worked and paid Medicare taxes for 10 years.
If you are unsure whether you’re eligible or will be turning 65 in the next six months, we can help. Talk to a licensed insurance agent now by calling the number above.
What are the Medicare Plans in Maryland?
Orginial Medicare Part A & Part B
Original Medicare is split up into two parts:
Part A (Hospital Insurance) covers certain services, like inpatient hospital care, care received at a skilled nursing facility, and hospice care.
Part B (Medical Insurance) covers outpatient medical services and supplies that are considered medically necessary. Part B also covers some preventive care, like flu shots and cardiovascular screenings.
It is important to note that Original Medicare doesn’t cover everything. For example, it generally doesn’t cover prescription medications, hearing exams or hearing aids, long term care received at a nursing home, dental care, eyeglasses, etc. That’s why there is a variety of additional Medicare plans, offered by Medicare-approved private insurance companies, to help expand your coverage.
Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C)
Medicare Advantage plans offer an alternative way to get the coverage provided by Original Medicare (Parts A and B). These plans provide the same coverage as Original Medicare (except for hospice care, which remains covered by Part A). They can also provide additional benefits, like dental and vision coverage. Some plans, called Medicare Advantage Prescription Drug (MAPD) plans, also include prescription drug coverage.
In order to enroll in a Medicare Advantage plan, you must first be enrolled in both parts of Original Medicare. Premiums for these plans generally start at $0 and increase according to the level of coverage offered by the plan. In addition to your Part C premium, you will need to continue paying your Part B premium. There is a wide selection of Medicare Advantage plans available in Massachusetts, offering varying degrees of coverage.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (Part D)
Medicare Prescription Drug plans work alongside Original Medicare (Parts A and B) to provide prescription drug coverage. This is not covered by Original Medicare or Medigap plans. Medicare Prescription Drug plans place medications into tiers, each tier with an associated copay/coinsurance. Each plan provides a formulary, allowing you to see where your medications fall and their associated costs. This helps you determine which plan would provide the best value for your prescription needs.
When Can I Enroll In A Plan?
Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Plans
You are first eligible to sign up for Medicare plans in Massachusetts during your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP). Your IEP starts three months before your 65th birthday month and continues through the following three months. This means you have a total of seven months to enroll.
Following this period, you will be able to make changes to your Medicare Advantage or Medicare Prescription Drug coverage during the Annual Election Period (AEP). The AEP occurs once per year, from October 15th to December 7th.
Medicare Initial Enrollment Period
7-Month Initial Enrollment Period | Begins 3 months before the month you turn 65
*Signing up for Parts A and B during months 5,6, and 7 may result in delayed coverage.
KEY FACT: The General Enrollment Period provides you an opportunity to enroll in Original Medicare if you missed your IEP. This period occurs every year from January 1st to March 31st. Then, you’ll have an opportunity to select a Medicare Advantage Plan from April 1st through June 30th.
Additional Medicare Resources in Massachusetts
The SHINE program (Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone) is a state health insurance assistance program that provides Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries and their representatives with free health insurance information, counseling and assistance.
MassHealth Buy-In is a federal/state program for people with limited income and resources get help to pay Medicare costs.
Sources: www.medicare.gov ; www.mass.gov