What is MACRA?

MACRA refers to the Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act of 2015. This law prevents Medicare Supplement plans from covering the cost of the Medicare Part B deductible, for newly eligible individuals as of January 1, 2020.

Understanding the Federal MACRA Mandate

MACRA (Medicare Access and CHIP Reauthorization Act) doesn’t affect you if you are already eligible for Medicare or currently enrolled in a Medicare Supplement plan. But the Federal Government has determined if you are newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020, any Medicare Supplement plan you join would not provide coverage for the Medicare Part B deductible. Tufts Health Plan has several Medicare Supplement plans available that will provide you with excellent coverage options. More details about MACRA are included in the questions below: 

Who is affected by MACRA?

Only people newly eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020. You are newly eligible for Medicare if you turn 65 on or after January 1, 2020, or become eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, 2020 due to disability or end-stage renal disease (ESRD).

What if I am already enrolled in the Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1 plan?

If you enrolled in the Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1 plan before January 1, 2020, you are not affected by MACRA and can continue to use your plan. You don’t need to take any action. Your plan or benefits will not be affected by MACRA.

What if I am eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan but haven’t enrolled?

MACRA does not affect you if you were eligible for a Medicare Supplement plan before January 1, 2020, but haven’t yet enrolled. You can enroll in eligible plans such as Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1, Tufts Medicare Supplement 1A plan, or Tufts Medicare Supplement Core plan.

What if I am eligible for Medicare but my domestic partner isn’t eligible until after January 1, 2020?

You are not affected by MACRA if you are eligible for Medicare before January 1, 2020. You can enroll in our Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1 plan, Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1A plan, or Tufts Medicare Supplement  Core plan.

If your domestic partner is eligible for Medicare on or after January 1, he/she is affected by MACRA and can enroll in Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1A plan or Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement Core plan, both do not cover your Medicare Part B deductible.

What if I currently have a Tufts Medicare Supplement Plan through my Massachusetts employer?

MACRA does not affect Medicare Supplement plans offered by employer groups. If you have a Medicare Supplement plan through your employer or are on your spouse’s Medicare Supplement plan offered through your spouse’s employer, you aren’t affected.

Which plans can I enroll in if I am affected by MACRA?

If you are affected by MACRA you can enroll in Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement Core plan now or Tufts Medicare Preferred Supplement 1A plan  for an effective date of 1/1/2020.

If you have any questions about which plan options are available to you, or need any additional information, our local Medicare Experts are available to assist you. Call today at 1-800-890-6600 (TTY: 711).