Nearly 1.4 million people in Massachusetts are signed up for Medicare, placing it in the top half of U.S. states for Medicare beneficiaries
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Medicare is the federal health insurance program for people age 65 and older. Medicare Advantage is a bundled alternative to Medicare sold by private insurance companies. It offers all the same benefits and usually some extras, such as cost savings on dental and vision coverage.

Medicare Advantage plans offer more benefits than Original Medicare, and they can be cheaper than paying for Medicare and a Medicare Supplement plan. However, they have less flexibility since you’ll need to get care from within the plan’s network of providers. Weigh your options to determine which plan best suits your needs.

» MORE: Medicare vs. Medicare Advantage: Which should I choose?

What to know about Medicare in Massachusetts
About 1 in 6 people in Massachusetts are 65 and older, and there are a variety of Medicare Advantage plans in the state
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The average monthly premium in 2023 for a Medicare Advantage plan in Massachusetts is $44.26. (It was $50.94 in 2022.)

There are 113 Medicare Advantage plans available in Massachusetts in 2023. (This number hasn't changed since 2022.)

All Medicare-eligible people in Massachusetts have access to a $0-premium Medicare Advantage plan.

Medicare Advantage companies in Massachusetts
Aetna.

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts.

Commonwealth Care Alliance.

EternalHealth.

Fallon Health.

Health New England Medicare Advantage.

Humana.

Lasso Healthcare.

Mass Advantage.

Mass General Brigham Health Plan.

Molina Healthcare of Wisconsin and Massachusetts.

Tufts Health Plan.

UnitedHealthcare.

Wellcare.

Top-rated Medicare Advantage plans in Massachusetts
Each year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, or CMS, awards every Medicare Advantage plan a star rating on a scale of 1 to 5, with 5 being a top-rated plan. Below are companies with at least one plan that received top marks in Massachusetts for the 2023 plan year
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. (Get more information about Medicare star ratings.)

5-star plans
The companies below offer plans in Massachusetts that are rated 5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

Tufts Health Plan.

UnitedHealthcare.

4.5-star plans
The companies below offer plans in Massachusetts that are rated 4.5 stars out of 5 by CMS:

Fallon Health.

Humana.

» MORE: Best Medicare Advantage plans
Medicare resources in Massachusetts
The SHINE Program: This program, called Serving the Health Insurance Needs of Everyone, offers free information and counseling on health insurance to residents with Medicare.

Massachusetts Senior Medicare Patrol: Provides information on preventing health care errors, fraud and abuse for Medicare beneficiaries and their caregivers.

MCPHS University Pharmacy Outreach Program: Offers resources and assistance with your medications and Medicare prescription drug plan.

Massachusetts law about Medicare: Shares information on Massachusetts laws that apply to Medicare.

Find the right Medicare Advantage plan
It’s important to do your research before selecting a Medicare Advantage plan for yourself. Here are some questions to consider asking:

What are the plan’s costs? Do you understand what the plan’s premium, deductibles, copays and/or coinsurance will be? Can you afford them?

Is your doctor in-network? If you have a preferred medical provider or providers, make sure they participate in the plan’s network.

Are your prescriptions covered? If you’re on medication, it’s crucial to understand how the plan covers it. What tier are your prescription drugs on, and are there any coverage rules that apply to them?

Is there dental coverage? Does the plan offer routine coverage for vision, dental and hearing needs?

Are there extras? Does the plan offer any extra benefits, such as fitness memberships, transportation benefits or meal delivery?

Medicare Advantage companies
Get more information below about some of the major Medicare Advantage companies. These insurance companies offer plans in most states. The plans you can choose from will depend on your ZIP code and county.

AARP Medicare Advantage plans.

Aetna Medicare Advantage plans.

Anthem Medicare Advantage plans.

Blue Cross Blue Shield Medicare Advantage plans.

Cigna Medicare Advantage plans.

Humana Medicare Advantage plans.

Kaiser Permanente Medicare Advantage plans.

UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans.

Wellcare Medicare Advantage plans.

If you have additional questions about Medicare, visit Medicare.gov or call 800-MEDICARE (800-633-4227, TTY 877-486-2048).