MedicareWire

Best Medicare plan, cost, and enrollment tools for seniors.

Guide to Medicare Advantage Plans in Essex County, MA for 2025

There are 42 Medicare Advantage plans available in Essex County, MA for the 2025 plan year, including 20 plans with $0 premiums. Most plans include prescription drug coverage. These counts exclude Special Needs Plans.

Not in Essex County? Enter your ZIP code to see plans in your area.

Essex County, Massachusetts Medicare Advantage Plans

Plan Name Type Premium MOOP Rx Ded. Rating
Aetna Medicare Discover* PPO $0 $5,900 $250
☆☆☆☆☆
Aetna Medicare Eagle* PPO $0 $5,900 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Aetna Medicare Enhanced Select* PPO $157 $7,500 $450
☆☆☆☆☆
Aetna Medicare Explorer* PPO $0 $5,900 $450
☆☆☆☆☆
Erickson Advantage Freedom* HMO-POS $67 $4,300 $100
☆☆☆☆☆
Erickson Advantage Liberty* HMO-POS $0 $6,750 $200
☆☆☆☆☆
Erickson Advantage Liberty no Rx* HMO-POS $0 $6,750 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Erickson Advantage Signature* HMO-POS $162 $2,400 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 HMO-POS $0 $5,900 $340
☆☆☆☆☆
Aetna Medicare Value HMO-POS $0 $6,750 $450
☆☆☆☆☆
Fallon Medicare Plus Blue HMO $164 $3,400 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Fallon Medicare Plus Green HMO $68 $5,200 $175
☆☆☆☆☆
Fallon Medicare Plus Orange HMO $0 $7,550 $200
☆☆☆☆☆
Fallon Medicare Plus Saver No Rx HMO $35 $6,700 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic No Rx HMO $38 $3,650 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx HMO $58 $3,650 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime No Rx HMO $166 $3,650 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime Rx HMO $213 $3,650 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime Rx Plus HMO $245 $3,650 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Saver Rx HMO $0 $7,550 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx HMO $0 $5,200 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Value No Rx HMO $133 $3,650 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Value Rx HMO $178 $3,650 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Humana USAA Honor Giveback PPO $0 $4,950 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-138 PPO $0 $5,200 $395
☆☆☆☆☆
HumanaChoice Giveback H5216-424 PPO $0 $5,200 $395
☆☆☆☆☆
HumanaChoice H5216-249 PPO $0 $6,750 $350
☆☆☆☆☆
HumanaChoice H5216-250 PPO $6 $6,400 $450
☆☆☆☆☆
Mass General Brigham Advantage PPO $0 $5,500 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Mass General Brigham Advantage Premier PPO $140 $3,150 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Mass General Brigham Advantage Signature PPO $299 $0 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare HMO Blue FlexRx HMO-POS $73 $4,100 $260
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare HMO Blue PlusRx HMO $194 $3,800 $200
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare HMO Blue SaverRx HMO-POS $0 $6,200 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare HMO Blue ValueRx HMO $23 $3,750 $320
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare PPO Blue PlusRx PPO $250 $3,800 $200
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare PPO Blue SaverRx PPO $0 $5,600 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Medicare PPO Blue ValueRx PPO $87 $6,600 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
Tufts Medicare Preferred Access Rx PPO $0 $5,400 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 PPO $0 $6,700 $420
☆☆☆☆☆
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx MA-MA01 PPO $0 $6,700 N/A
☆☆☆☆☆
Mass General Brigham Advantage Secure HMO-POS $52 $3,350 $0
☆☆☆☆☆
**Certain PFFS, MSA, and HMO-POS plans have a combined in and out-of-network maximum. Limits are detailed on the plan pages.
📊 At a Glance: Medicare Advantage in Essex County
Average Monthly Premium
$66.85
Plans with $0 Premium
20
Average MOOP Limit
$5,056 ($9,350 max. in 2025)
Average Rx Deductible
$164.85
Plans Without Drug Coverage
4 (standalone Massachusetts Part D plans)
Plans with 5-Star Ratings
No 5-star plans available.
Stars  Ratings (Plan Mix)
4+ Stars: 56% · 3 Stars: 44% · Below 3: 0%
Plans Available
42 (excluding Essex County SNP plans)
Plan Type Breakdown
18 PPO · 9 HMO-POS · 15 HMO
Countywide Enrollments
41,026 (excluding SNP plans)
Top 3 Plans by Enrollment
1. AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO) — 6,618 enrollees
2. AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS) — 4,839 enrollees
3. Medicare PPO Blue SaverRx (PPO) — 4,617 enrollees

Data Sources: CY2025 Landscape, PBP Benefits, Star Ratings Data, Monthly Enrollment by CPSC, and SimpleMaps U.S. Counties. Enrollment data last updated . County demographic data last updated .

Understanding Your Medicare Advantage Options

Medicare Advantage Plans, also known as Medicare Part C, are private health plans that provide all-in-one coverage, including Medicare Part A (hospital insurance) and Medicare Part B (medical insurance). On top of the core benefits, many of the plans in Essex County throw in some nice extras - think prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs - making them a solid choice for those in Essex County looking for something more than Original Medicare.

🏥 Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) Plans

HMO plan members must use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals in Essex County, and typically need a referral to see a specialist. Some Medicare Advantage HMO Plans may have lower costs but offer less flexibility in choosing healthcare providers. There are 11,349 residents enrolled in HMO plans in this county. The most popular plan is Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx .

🔓 Preferred Provider Organization (PPO)

A PPO allows more flexibility in choosing healthcare providers, with the option to see specialists without referrals, though often at a higher cost. Medicare Advantage PPOs usually have higher premiums and out-of-pocket expenses. There are 23,590 Essex County residents enrolled in PPO plans. The most popular of these plans by enrollments is AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 .

🔀 Health Maintenance Organization Point of Sale (HMO-POS)

Medicare HMO-POS plans are a type of HMO that offers a little more flexibility. Like a regular HMO, you typically use the plan's network of doctors and hospitals for care, usually requiring a referral to see specialists. However, an HMO-POS plan lets you receive certain healthcare services outside of the network at a higher cost. There are 6,087 residents enrolled in HMO-POS plans in this Essex County. The most popular plan by enrollments is AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 .

Advantages of Enrolling in Medicare Advantage

Many Medicare Advantage Plans offer extra benefits that go beyond Original Medicare, making them an attractive option for some people. These plans provide comprehensive coverage, often including additional services like prescription drug coverage, dental, vision, and wellness programs, all bundled into one plan. By choosing a Medicare Advantage Plan, you can simplify your healthcare and potentially save on costs.

Take a look at the main benefits provided by Medicare Advantage Plans in Essex County:

🧑‍⚕️Coordinated Care

Plans often include care coordination services, which help you manage your healthcare across different providers and services.

💸 Cost Savings

Many plans have low or $0 premiums and offer capped out-of-pocket costs, providing financial protection against high medical expenses.

🧾 Comprehensive Coverage

Includes Medicare Part A, Part B, and often Part D (prescription drug coverage), along with additional benefits like dental, vision, and hearing.

🧘 Wellness Programs

Many Yavapai County plans offer free gym memberships, wellness programs, and preventive care services. You need to stay healthy, right?

Tips for Selecting a Medicare Advantage Plan

Choosing the right Medicare Advantage Plan out of the 42 plans available in Essex County requires careful consideration of several key factors:

🏥1. Provider Network

Verify that your current doctors and preferred hospitals are included in the plan's network. Access to your healthcare providers can significantly impact your care experience.

💊 2. Prescription Drug Coverage

Make sure the plan covers your medications, particularly if you have specific prescriptions you rely on regularly.

💰 3. Costs

Examine the plan's premiums, copayments, and out-of-pocket limits. Compare these costs against your budget to avoid unexpected expenses.

🎁 4. Additional Benefits

Consider what extra services, such as dental, vision, or wellness programs, are important to you, and check if the plan offers them.

⭐ 5. Plan Ratings

Look into the plan's star ratings, which provide insight into the plan's overall quality and member satisfaction.

Learn more about the basics of comparing Medicare Advantage Plans.

Medicare Advantage Enrollment Periods

Making sense of Medicare Advantage enrollment periods can seem overwhelming, but it's worth the effort for better health coverage. Missing these key dates could delay your coverage or limit your plan choices for 2025 in Essex County.

📅 Initial Enrollment Period (IEP)

This initial enrollment window starts three months before and ends three months after your 65th birthday, offering a total of seven months to enroll in a Medicare Advantage Plan.

🗓️ Annual Enrollment Period (AEP)

Every year from October 15 to December 7, you have the option to change, enroll, or disenroll from a Medicare Advantage Plan.

🔁 Open Enrollment Period (OEP)

Running from January 1 to March 31, this period allows changes to your Medicare Advantage Plan if you’re already enrolled or lets you switch back to Original Medicare.

For comprehensive details on how to enroll, visit our detailed guide on Medicare Enrollment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the most popular Medicare Advantage plan types in Essex County?

Based on the 2025 plan data, PPO plans are the most common in Essex County. The full breakdown of plan types is: 18 PPO · 9 HMO-POS · 15 HMO.

How much can I expect to pay out of pocket for Medicare Advantage plans?

The average maximum out-of-pocket limit (MOOP) in Essex County is $5,056 for 2025.

Do any Medicare Advantage plans in Essex County have 5-star ratings?

No 5-star rated Medicare Advantage plans are available in Essex County for the 2025 plan year. However, 56% of plans have a rating of 4 stars or higher.

What is the average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in Essex County?

The average monthly premium for Medicare Advantage plans in Essex County is $66.85. A total of 20 offer $0 premiums, though costs vary by plan type and benefits.

More About These Plans

Carrier Plans Offered

Medicare Advantage and Part D plans and benefits offered by the following carriers: Aetna Medicare, Anthem Blue Cross, Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield, Aspire Health Plan, Baylor Scott & White Health Plan, Capital Blue Cross, Cigna Healthcare, Dean Health Plan, Devoted Health, Florida Blue Medicare, Freedom Health, GlobalHealth, Health Care Service Corporation, Healthy Blue, HealthSun, Humana, Molina Healthcare, Mutual of Omaha, Medica Central Health Plan, Optimum HealthCare, Premera Blue Cross, SCAN Health Plan, Simply, UnitedHealthcare(R), Wellcare, WellPoint.

Master Plan Pages by Plan ID

The plan pages listed in the table above have been modified for localization to help consumers identify plans available in their area. Most plans are available in multiple areas. The following list of plan IDs link to each plan's master page.

Plan Availability

The MA and MAPD plans on this page are available to people on Medicare enrolled in both Medicare Part A and Part B living in Amesbury, Andover, Beverly, Boxford, Byfield, Danvers, Essex, Georgetown, Gloucester, Groveland, Haverhill, Ipswich, Lawrence, Lynn, Lynnfield, Manchester, Marblehead, Merrimac, Methuen, Middleton, Nahant, Newbury, Newburyport, North Andover, Peabody, Rockport, Rowley, Salem, Salisbury, Saugus, South Hamilton, Swampscott, Topsfield, Wenham, West Newbury, and all other areas of Essex County, Massachusetts, including the following zip codes: 01810, 01812, 01826, 01830, 01831, 01832, 01833, 01834, 01835, 01840, 01841, 01842, 01843, 01844, 01845, 01860, 01876, 01885, 01899, 01901, 01902, 01903, 01904, 01905, 01906, 01907, 01908, 01910, 01913, 01915, 01921, 01922, 01923, 01929, 01930, 01931, 01936, 01937, 01938, 01940, 01944, 01945, 01949, 01950, 01951, 01952, 01960, 01961, 01965, 01966, 01969, 01970, 01971, 01982, 01983, 01984, 01985, 05501.

Citations & References