Medigap plans in Massachusetts
We track the rules that matter when you compare or switch Medigap plans in Massachusetts: how premiums are rated, whether the state adds switching protections on top of the federal baseline, and whether carriers must sell to people under 65.
Massachusetts adds extra Medigap protections on top of the federal baseline. Massachusetts requires year-round Medigap guaranteed issue during an annual open enrollment running February 1 through March 31, with no underwriting.
Massachusetts Medigap rules at a glance
| Standardized plans | Massachusetts uses its own Core and Supplement 1/1A/2 plan structure instead of the federal Plan A-N letters. |
|---|---|
| Rating method | Attained-age rated |
| State switching rule | Year-round guaranteed issue |
| Under-65 access | State mandates carrier access |
Source: NAIC Medicare Supplement Insurance Model Regulation (#651) and the Massachusetts Department of Insurance. Always confirm current rules with your state DOI or SHIP before applying.
How pricing works in Massachusetts
Most carriers in this state use attained-age rating, so premiums rise as you get older. Issue-age and community-rated policies may also be offered.
A community-rated plan charges the same monthly premium regardless of age. Issue-age plans lock your premium based on the age you bought in. Attained-age plans start lower in your 60s and rise as you get older. Over a 20-year horizon, the rating method usually matters more than the plan letter.
Switching Medigap plans in Massachusetts
Federal law gives you a 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period that starts the month your Part B begins. During that window any Medigap carrier in Massachusetts must sell to you with no medical underwriting. After it closes, federal guaranteed-issue rights only trigger in specific situations (for example, when your employer plan ends or a Medicare Advantage plan leaves your area).
Massachusetts requires year-round Medigap guaranteed issue during an annual open enrollment running February 1 through March 31, with no underwriting.
We walk through the federal switching mechanics in our guide on leaving Medicare Advantage, and compare the most popular Medigap plan letters in Plan G vs Plan N.
People under 65 in Massachusetts
Massachusetts requires Medigap availability for people under 65 on Medicare.
See our overview of Medicare on disability for how the 24-month waiting period and SSDI interact with state Medigap rules.
Frequently asked questions
- What Medigap plans are sold in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts uses a state-specific Medigap structure rather than the federal Plan A through Plan N letters. Massachusetts uses its own Core and Supplement 1/1A/2 plan structure instead of the federal Plan A-N letters.
- Can I switch Medigap plans in Massachusetts without medical underwriting?
- Massachusetts requires year-round Medigap guaranteed issue during an annual open enrollment running February 1 through March 31, with no underwriting.
- How are Medigap premiums priced in Massachusetts?
- Most carriers in this state use attained-age rating, so premiums rise as you get older. Issue-age and community-rated policies may also be offered.
- Can people under 65 buy Medigap in Massachusetts?
- Massachusetts requires Medigap availability for people under 65 on Medicare.
Compare other states
Related guides
Confirm your Medigap window in Massachusetts
Your 6-month Medigap Open Enrollment Period is tied to your Part B effective date. We'll calculate it from your date of birth.
Educational resource. Not legal, tax, or insurance advice. Always confirm specifics with Medicare.gov, your State Health Insurance Assistance Program, or the Massachusetts Department of Insurance.