UMass Memorial to offer Mass Advantage Medicare health plan

Mass Advantage, a new Medicare Advantage health plan owned by UMass Memorial Health Ventures, Shields Managed Care Solutions LLC, and WCAS CM Holdings, LLC, announced Tuesday that it is ready to do business in Worcester County.

“Our push to become a more integrated health care provider was missing this component,” Dr. Eric Dickson, president and CEO of UMass Memorial Health, said in an announcement. “Mass Advantage will give Medicare beneficiaries access to everything UMass Memorial has to offer - including our world-class clinical staff. Mass Advantage was created by local people who understand this community and who over time have built up a great deal of trust.”  

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies that must follow rules set by Medicare and must cover all benefits offered under traditional Medicare. The plans are “comprehensive programs that offer medical and prescription drug coverage and may include additional benefits such as dental, vision care, fitness, and other supplemental benefits,” according to the announcement.  

Mass Advantage will offer a selection of PPO and HMO options. As a Medicare Advantage-Prescription Drug Plan, Mass Advantage offers an alternative route for Medicare Parts A, B and D coverage.

Medicare-eligible Worcester County residents may select Mass Advantage as their health plan when Medicare’s annual enrollment period begins Oct. 15. Coverage for newly enrolled members will begin Jan. 1.

Mass Advantage will offer several in-person and virtual informational seminars for Medicare beneficiaries beginning in October. Anyone interested in receiving more information about Mass Advantage can visit www.massadvantage.com/learnmore and request information about available options. Details about eligibility and benefits will be provided after Oct. 1.