Medicare Supplement Insurance (Medigap) in Massachusetts works differently than in most states. Instead of the standard 10 plan options (A–N) available elsewhere, Massachusetts residents can only choose between two Medigap policies: the Core Plan and the Supplement 1 Plan. Both help cover out-of-pocket costs such as deductibles, copayments, and coinsurance.
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Core Benefits Included in Both Massachusetts Plans
Regardless of which option you select, both the Core Plan and the Supplement 1 Plan provide four key benefits:
- Medicare Part A coinsurance plus 365 additional hospital days after Medicare benefits are used up
- Medicare Part B coinsurance
- First three pints of blood each year
- Part A hospice coinsurance or copayment
Coverage Comparison: Core Plan vs. Supplement 1 Plan
| Benefit | Core Plan | Supplement 1 Plan |
|---|---|---|
| Basic benefits | ✔ | ✔ |
| Part A inpatient hospital deductible | ✔ | |
| Part A skilled nursing facility coinsurance | ✔ | |
| Part B deductible | ✔ | |
| Foreign travel emergency coverage | ✔ | |
| Inpatient mental health hospital | 60 days per calendar year | 120 days per calendar year |
| State-mandated benefits (Pap tests, mammograms, and other preventive services) | ✔ |
How Medigap Pricing Works in Massachusetts
The way insurers set premiums affects long-term affordability. Massachusetts uses the same three pricing methods found in other states:
- Attained-age rated – Premiums rise as you age.
- Issue-age rated – Premiums are tied to your age at the time of purchase and may rise with inflation, not age.
- Community rated – All enrollees pay the same premium regardless of age.
Under-65 Eligibility in Massachusetts
Massachusetts provides stronger consumer protections than many states. Insurers must offer their full Medigap plan options to people under 65, and they cannot charge higher premiums based on age. However, insurers may decline to cover applicants with end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
Choosing a Medigap Plan in Massachusetts
The Core Plan is typically the lower-cost option and covers only the essentials, while the Supplement 1 Plan provides broader benefits similar to what Plan F offers in other states. Which plan is right for you depends on your budget, health needs, and whether you want protection for costs like the Part A deductible or foreign travel emergencies.
To compare premiums and benefits in your area, use our Medigap rate comparison tool and see which Massachusetts plan fits your needs.