Calculate your Medicare costs in Massachusetts for 2026. Massachusetts requires community-rated Medigap plans. 31 Medicare Advantage plans available.
Massachusetts has approximately 31 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with an average MA premium of $25/month (vs. the $17/month national average). Massachusetts is one of a handful of states that requires community-rated Medigap policies — all enrollees pay the same premium regardless of age. Free Medicare counseling is available through SHINE Program at 1-800-243-4636.
Medicare in Massachusetts works the same as nationwide — it is administered by the federal government through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). However, several important aspects of Medicare vary by state, including the number and quality of Medicare Advantage plans available, Medigap regulation, and state-specific assistance programs.
In Massachusetts, there are approximately 31 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, compared to a national average of around 40 plans per area. The average MA premium in Massachusetts is $25/month. Fewer plan options mean less competition, but Massachusetts seniors can still find quality Medicare Advantage coverage. Use our comparison tool above to evaluate whether Advantage or Original Medicare better fits your needs.
Massachusetts has unique Medigap (Medicare Supplement) protections. Unlike most states where premiums increase significantly with age, Massachusetts requires community rating — insurers must charge the same premium to all enrollees regardless of age, gender, or health status. This makes Massachusetts one of the most senior-friendly states for Medigap coverage, and older enrollees enjoy significant savings compared to attained-age rated states.
Margaret is 64 and will turn 65 in March 2026, becoming eligible for Medicare in Massachusetts. She worked for 30+ years paying Medicare taxes (so Part A is free). Her 2024 MAGI was $88,000 (single filer — below the $106,000 IRMAA threshold).
If Margaret chose Medicare Advantage instead: average premium in Massachusetts is $25/month. Her total MA cost would be $210/month (Part B + MA premium), saving her approximately $197/month compared to Original Medicare with Medigap. However, she would face network restrictions and copays for services.
Medicare Advantage Plan Availability (31 plans in Massachusetts)
Massachusetts has 31 Medicare Advantage plans available in 2026, with an average premium of $25/month. Plan availability varies by county — you may have more or fewer options depending on your specific location within Massachusetts. Use medicare.gov's plan finder or contact SHINE Program to see all plans available at your address.
Income-Related Adjustments (IRMAA)
Your Part B premium is the same regardless of which state you live in — it's determined by your income. In 2026, singles earning over $106,000 (or couples over $212,000) pay IRMAA surcharges on top of the standard $185/month Part B premium. IRMAA is based on your 2024 tax return. If your income has decreased due to retirement or a life event, you can appeal the surcharge using SSA Form SSA-44.
Community Rating in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires community-rated Medigap policies, meaning all enrollees pay the same premium regardless of age. This is a major benefit for older Massachusetts seniors compared to attained-age rating states where premiums can double or triple from age 65 to 85. Insurers in Massachusetts also have stronger guaranteed issue requirements.
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In 2026, approximately 31 Medicare Advantage plans are available in Massachusetts. The number of plans varies by county — urban areas typically have more options than rural counties. The average Medicare Advantage premium in Massachusetts is approximately $25/month in 2026, compared to the national average of $17/month. You can compare all available plans at medicare.gov during the Annual Enrollment Period (October 15 – December 7) or when you first become eligible for Medicare.
Yes — Massachusetts is one of the few states that requires community rating for Medigap (Medicare Supplement) policies. This means insurers must offer the same premium regardless of your age, gender, or health status. Community rating provides significant protections for older beneficiaries who might otherwise face steep premium increases. You have stronger guaranteed issue rights in Massachusetts than in most other states.
Massachusetts's State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) is called SHINE Program. SHIP provides free, unbiased Medicare counseling to Massachusetts Medicare beneficiaries. Counselors can help you compare Medicare Advantage and Medigap plans, understand your Medicare rights, file appeals, and navigate billing problems. Contact Massachusetts SHIP at 1-800-243-4636 — all services are free and provided by trained volunteers. This is an excellent resource for unbiased plan comparison guidance.
Medicare enrollment timelines are the same in Massachusetts as nationwide. Your Initial Enrollment Period (IEP) begins 3 months before your 65th birthday month and ends 3 months after. If you miss your IEP, the General Enrollment Period runs January 1 – March 31 each year, with coverage starting July 1. If you have employer health coverage through active work, you have a Special Enrollment Period when that coverage ends. The Annual Enrollment Period for Medicare Advantage and Part D is October 15 – December 7. Contact SHINE Program at 1-800-243-4636 for personalized enrollment guidance.
In Massachusetts, the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185/month in 2026 (same for all states). Part A is typically free if you paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years. If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, the average MA premium in Massachusetts is approximately $25/month. With Original Medicare plus a Plan G Medigap supplement and Part D drug coverage, total premiums typically run $400–$450/month for most seniors in Massachusetts. Your actual costs depend on your income (which affects IRMAA surcharges), specific plan choice, and coverage type. Use our calculator above for a personalized estimate.
Medicare Disclaimer
These calculators provide estimates based on 2026 Medicare data for educational purposes only. Medicare costs and coverage vary by plan, location, and individual circumstances. Contact Medicare directly at 1-800-MEDICARE or medicare.gov for official information. Consult a licensed Medicare advisor for personalized plan comparison. This site is not affiliated with or endorsed by Medicare or the US government.