Medicare Supplement (Medigap) Policies

Massachusetts requires insurers to offer at least one Medicare Supplement plan to adults under sixty-five afflicted with disability. Massachusetts does not require insurers to sell a Medicare Supplement policy to adults under sixty-five with ESRD.

 

Mini-COBRA Policies (small group)

Massachusetts mandates continuation coverage for small employers for thirty-six months following separation although group carriers are allowed to drop some benefits (e.g. dental care, vision).

 

Medicare Savings Program (premium support)

Massachusetts has three Medicare Savings Programs:

• Qualified Medicare Beneficiaries (QMBs): For individuals with a monthly income under $903 and for couples with a monthly income under $1215, the state pays all premiums for Part B and all Co-Pays and Deductibles for Medicare Part A & Medicare Part B.

• Specified Low-Income Medicare Beneficiaries (SLMBs): For individuals with income under $1083 or couples with income under $1457, the state pays premiums for Part B.

• Qualified Individuals (QIs): For individuals with income under $1219 or for couples with an income under $1640, the state pays premiums for Part B.

To qualify for any one of these programs, participants must have assets below $6600 or be part of a couple with assets below $9910.

State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP)
The Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (Elder Affairs) administers the SHIP in partnership with 13 regional subcontracting agencies, including municipal councils on aging and area agencies on aging. A combination of paid professionals and certified volunteers advise seniors. Beneficiaries access services through a statewide toll-free telephone system which routes calls to the nearest local sponsor or by calling or local counselling site and scheduling an appointment.

Low-Income Subsidy (“extra-help”) for Prescription Drugs 
This program is a subsidy for Medicare Part D recipients with resources under $13,070 (or $26,120 for a couple) to receive money towards a Medicare prescription drug plan. The benchmark of support is different depending on which region of the country you live in. In Massachusetts in 2012, the low-income subsidy was $32.04 per month

 

If you live in Massachusetts, and you are interested in getting a Medicare Plan, please contact the Medicare experts at eAmeriFamily Insurance.  They are industry veterans and will guide you through the process of getting the right Medicare, Medicare Advantage, or MediGap Plan for you.