Company vs company · Suffolk County, MA · 2027 plan year

Tufts Health Plan vs UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans

Medicare.gov compares Medicare Advantage plans with each other. This page also shows Original Medicare, so you can see the full trade-off: premiums, copays, the yearly limit, extra benefits, and the rules about doctors and approvals.

Text us about this comparison

Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Pinnie does not sell plans.

In Massachusetts, you can go back to Medigap later

Massachusetts law makes Medigap companies accept you from February 1 to March 31 each year. Your age and health do not change the price. Coverage from that window starts on June 1. The companies also sell Medigap during the rest of the year. So you can try Medicare Advantage and go back to Original Medicare with Medigap later.

Read about Medigap rights on Medicare.gov

Your yearly cost, side by side

Move the controls to match your year. Totals include premiums, the Part B premium, copays, and drug costs.

How much care do you expect?

Ongoing specialist care

Medigap plan with Original Medicare

Massachusetts sets its own Medigap plans: Core and Supplement 1A. Supplement 1 is open only to people who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. These plans are not the plans with letters, such as Plan G and Plan N. We have no prices for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. Without Medigap you pay 20% of most costs, with no yearly limit. Check Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 02151 on Medicare.gov

Specialist visits a year6Days in the hospital0

Brand-name drugs you fill each month1

Want to check your exact drugs? Medicare.gov lets you enter each drug and shows what each plan charges for it. Enter your drugs on Medicare.gov

Original Medicare

With no Medigap and Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP)

$6,139 a year

Premiums: $2,820
Medical costs: $1,616
Drugs: $1,703

No yearly limit on what you pay for medical care.

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)

HMO from Tufts Health Plan

$6,154 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,760
Drugs: $1,880

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,664.

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS from UnitedHealthcare

$6,207 a year

Premiums: $2,514
Medical costs: $1,825
Drugs: $1,868

Most you can pay in a bad year, before drugs: $9,664.

With these settings, Original Medicare costs about $15 less a year than Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO).

These are estimates, not quotes. Check every number with Medicare (Medicare.gov or 1-800-MEDICARE) and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Drug costs use typical prices for generic and brand-name drugs. Original Medicare amounts are 2027 projections from the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report. CMS sets the final amounts in November.

Text us about this comparison

What you pay each time you get care

In-network costs for one visit or one stay. The Original Medicare amounts follow your Medigap choice above: no Medigap.

Primary doctor visit

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$0
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$10
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0

Specialist visit

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$70
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$45
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0-$70
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0-$70
Prior authorization

Lab tests

Original Medicare, no Medigap
$0
most Medicare-covered tests
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$0-$70
Prior authorization
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$0-$45
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0
Prior authorization

MRI or CT scan

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$195-$350
Prior authorization
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$100-$350
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0-$320
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0-$320
Prior authorization

Emergency room

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$130
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$130
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$130

Urgent care

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$50
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$45
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0-$50
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0-$50

Outpatient surgery

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$0-$350
Prior authorization
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$0-$170
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$0-$635
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$0-$635
Prior authorization

Ground ambulance

Original Medicare, no Medigap
20%
after the $292 yearly Part B deductible
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$375
Prior authorization
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$325
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$350
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$275
Prior authorization

Hospital stay, 5 days

Original Medicare, no Medigap
$1,788
Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)
$2,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)
$1,750
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)
$2,740
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
$2,740
for a 5-day stay
Prior authorization

See every cost in one table

What you pay in network	Original Medicare, no Medigap	Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)	Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)	AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)	AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
Monthly premium	Part B $209.50 + drug plan $25.50	$0 + Part B $209.50	$88 + Part B $209.50	$0 + Part B $209.50	$75 + Part B $209.50
Yearly limit on what you pay	No yearly limit	$7,150 in network	$4,500 in network	$7,150 in network	$7,150 in network; $10,750 in and out of network
Medical deductible	$292 Part B; $1,788 Part A each benefit period	$0	$0	$0	$1,000
Primary doctor visit	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0 copay	$10 copay	$0 copay	$0 copay
Specialist visit	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$70 copay	$45 copay	$0-$70 copayPrior authorization	$0-$70 copayPrior authorization
Lab tests	$0, most Medicare-covered tests	$0-$70 copayPrior authorization	$0-$45 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization
MRI or CT scan	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$195-$350 copayPrior authorization	$100-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0-$320 copayPrior authorization	$0-$320 copayPrior authorization
X-rays	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$70 copayPrior authorization	$10-$45 copayPrior authorization	$30 copayPrior authorization	$30 copayPrior authorization
Emergency room	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$130 copay	$130 copay	$130 copay	$130 copay
Urgent care	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$50 copay	$45 copay	$0-$50 copay	$0-$50 copay
Outpatient hospital	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$450 copayPrior authorization	$0-$300 copayPrior authorization	$0-$685 copayPrior authorization	$0-$685 copayPrior authorization
Surgery center	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$350 copayPrior authorization	$0-$170 copayPrior authorization	$0-$635 copayPrior authorization	$0-$635 copayPrior authorization
Ground ambulance	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$375 copayPrior authorization	$325 copayPrior authorization	$350 copayPrior authorization	$275 copayPrior authorization
Hospital stay	$1,788, Part A deductible each benefit period; $447 a day for days 61-90	$550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$350 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90Prior authorization	$685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization	$685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90Prior authorization
Skilled nursing facility	$0, days 1-20, then $223.50 a day for days 21-100	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $170 per day for days 21-44; $0 per day for days 45-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization	$0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100Prior authorization
Mental health visit	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$0-$30 copay	$0-$25 copay	$0-$25 copayPrior authorization	$0-$25 copayPrior authorization
Physical therapy	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	$30 copayPrior authorization	$30 copayPrior authorization	$70 copayPrior authorization	$70 copayPrior authorization
Home health care	$0, Medicare-covered home health	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization	$0 copayPrior authorization
Medical equipment	20%, after the $292 yearly Part B deductible	0%-50% coinsurancePrior authorization	20% coinsurancePrior authorization	30% coinsurancePrior authorization	30% coinsurancePrior authorization
Part B drugs	20% after the $292 Part B deductible	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization	0%-20% coinsurancePrior authorization
Drug deductible (Part D)	$700 with Blue MedicareRx Value Plus (PDP)	$700	$200	$685	$685
Drug tiers (one month, retail)	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $3 copayPreferred Brand: 17% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 35% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $2 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 25% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 25% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $4 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 40% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 30% coinsuranceVaccines: $0 copay	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 20% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 27% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance	Preferred Generic: $0 copayGeneric: $8 copayPreferred Brand: 19% coinsuranceNon-Preferred Drug: 28% coinsuranceSpecialty Tier: 26% coinsurance

Not sure which of these costs apply to you?

Text us what you have now. We will help you read this comparison and check it with Medicare.gov.

Text us for free

A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

With Original Medicare, you buy a separate drug plan. In Massachusetts, 10 drug plans are for sale for 2027, from $13.30 to $284.70 a month. Half of them cost $114.75 a month or less.

Every 2027 drug plan limits what you pay for covered drugs to $2,400 a year. The drug coverage in Medicare Advantage plans has the same limit.
The premium is one part of your yearly cost. The calculator above adds premiums, medical costs, and drug costs, so you can see the whole year.
A Medicare Advantage plan can cost less in a light year. But you also take on its network and prior authorization rules.
If your income is limited, Extra Help can pay most of your drug plan premium and drug costs. Check Extra Help at SSA.gov

The two companies in Suffolk County

Tufts Health Plan

9 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
1 with a $0 premium; 0 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $3,850 to $7,150
Star ratings 3.5 to 4

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO) · $88 a month · limit $4,500
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime Rx (HMO) · $244 a month · limit $3,850
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime Rx Plus (HMO) · $280 a month · limit $3,850
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Value Rx (HMO) · $207 a month · limit $4,200
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Prime No Rx (HMO) · $186 a month · limit $3,850
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Value No Rx (HMO) · $153 a month · limit $4,200
Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic No Rx (HMO) · $58 a month · limit $4,500
Tufts Medicare Preferred PPO RX (PPO) · $220 a month · limit $7,150

UnitedHealthcare

4 plans for 2027 (not counting special needs plans)
3 with a $0 premium; 2 pay back part of your Part B premium
Yearly limits from $7,150 to $7,150
Star ratings 4 to 4

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO) · $75 a month · limit $7,150
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx MA-MA01 (PPO) · $0 a month · limit $7,150
AARP Medicare Advantage Patriot No Rx MA-MA2 (HMO-POS) · $0 a month · limit $7,150

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Cost is one side. The other side is how you get care. These rules come from the CMS plan files. Prior authorization means the plan must approve a service before you get it.

Original Medicare

Any doctor or hospital in the U.S. that takes Medicare
No referrals
Prior authorization only for a short list of services

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)

HMO

You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 18 services

Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)

HMO

You use doctors and hospitals in the plan network. Outside the network, the plan pays for emergencies and urgent care.
You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 18 services

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)

HMO-POS

You use the plan network. Some care outside the network is covered at a higher cost.
You need a referral to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 24 services

Specialist visits, Diagnostic tests, MRI or CT, Radiation therapy, Outpatient hospital, Observation stay, Surgery center, Ambulance, Mental health visits, Psychiatrist visits, Physical therapy, Occupational therapy, Home health, Partial hospitalization, Cardiac rehab, Pulmonary rehab, Medical equipment, Prosthetics, Diabetic supplies, Dialysis, Substance use care, Hospital stay, Skilled nursing, Part B drugs

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)

PPO

The plan has a network. You can go outside it, but you pay more.
No referral needed to see a specialist.

Prior authorization for 24 services

Extra benefits

Extra benefit	Original Medicare	Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)	Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)	AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)	AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)
Dental	No	Comprehensive, up to $750 a year	Comprehensive, up to $1,000 a year	Preventive only	Not covered
Eye exam	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	Yes
Glasses or contacts	No	Yes, $150 allowance	Yes, $150 allowance	No	Yes, $200 allowance
Hearing aids	No	Yes, copays from $250	Yes, copays from $250	Yes, up to $1,000	Yes, up to $700
Over-the-counter allowance	No	No	No	No	No
Fitness benefit	No	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
Rides to care	No	No	Yes	No	No
Meals after a hospital stay	No	No	No	Yes	No
Emergency care abroad	No, unless your Medigap plan pays for it	Yes	Yes	No	No
Part B premium giveback	No	No	No	No	No

What changed for 2027

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Smart Saver Rx (HMO)

Consolidated Renewal Plan; New Plan · 2026 plan H2256-046-0

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,400 to $7,150
Drug deductible up from $615 to $700
Specialist visit: $50 copay to $70 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $100-$200 copay to $195-$350 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$370 copay to $0-$450 copay
Ground ambulance: $350 copay to $375 copay
Inpatient hospital: $425 per day for days 1-6; $0 per day for days 7-90 to $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Dental maximum down from $1,500 to $750
Eyewear allowance down from $250 to $150
OTC allowance removed

Tufts Medicare Preferred HMO Basic Rx (HMO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H2256-026-1

Monthly premium up from $68 to $88
In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $3,850 to $4,500
Drug deductible up from $0 to $200
Specialist visit: $40 copay to $45 copay
Emergency care: $125 copay to $130 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $100-$250 copay to $100-$350 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$270 copay to $0-$300 copay
Inpatient hospital: $275 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $350 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90
Skilled nursing facility: $20 per day for days 1-20; $160 per day for days 21-44; $0 per day for days 45-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $170 per day for days 21-44; $0 per day for days 45-100

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0003 (HMO-POS)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H5253-157-2

In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
Drug deductible up from $520 to $685
Specialist visit: $0-$55 copay to $0-$70 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$250 copay to $0-$320 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$550 copay to $0-$685 copay
Ground ambulance: $275 copay to $350 copay
Inpatient hospital: $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Eyewear removed
OTC allowance removed
Worldwide emergency coverage removed

AARP Medicare Advantage from UHC MA-0006 (PPO)

Renewal Plan · 2026 plan H8768-055-2

Monthly premium up from $48 to $75
In-network out-of-pocket maximum up from $6,700 to $7,150
Medical deductible up from $0 to $1,000
Drug deductible up from $600 to $685
Specialist visit: $0-$60 copay to $0-$70 copay
Diagnostic radiology (MRI, CT): $0-$180 copay to $0-$320 copay
Outpatient hospital: $0-$550 copay to $0-$685 copay
Inpatient hospital: $550 per day for days 1-5; $0 per day for days 6-90 to $685 per day for days 1-4; $0 per day for days 5-90
Skilled nursing facility: $0 per day for days 1-20; $218 per day for days 21-100 to $0 per day for days 1-20; $221 per day for days 21-100
Eyewear allowance down from $300 to $200
Fitness benefit removed
Meals after a hospital stay removed
Worldwide emergency coverage removed
Overall star rating up from 3.5 to 4

More 2027 plans in Suffolk County

County guide: 2027 plans in Suffolk County State guide: Massachusetts

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Pinnie Direct is a free text line. Tell us what you have now and we will help you read this comparison.

First name

Last name

Date of birth

Of the person we will be helping.

State

Phone number

The number you will text us from.

What coverage do you have now?

Are you looking at plans for 2027?

I agree to the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, including receiving text messages from Pinnie Direct.

Next, you will send these answers in a text to Pinnie Direct. Message and data rates may apply. Reply STOP to stop.

Sources and method

Plan data comes from the CMS 2027 Plan Benefit Package and landscape files. The data is from 2026-10-10. We checked a sample of plans field by field against Medicare.gov. Original Medicare amounts are the 2027 projections in the 2026 Medicare Trustees Report (Tables V.E1 and V.E2). CMS sets the final amounts in November. Massachusetts sets its own Medigap plans: Core and Supplement 1A. Supplement 1 is open only to people who were eligible for Medicare before 2020. These plans are not the plans with letters, such as Plan G and Plan N. We have no prices or cost model for these plans, so the totals show Original Medicare without Medigap. You can look up Medigap plans and prices for ZIP 02151 on Medicare.gov. Totals use typical Medicare-allowed amounts for each service and typical drug prices.

These are estimates, not quotes, and they are for education only. Check every number with Medicare and with the plan before you choose. What you pay depends on your doctors and hospitals, your drugs and pharmacy, and the care you use. Plans can change their benefits, premiums, drug lists, and networks each year.

Pinnie is not an insurance agent or broker and does not sell Medicare plans. Pinnie is not connected with or endorsed by the U.S. government or the federal Medicare program. For all your options, visit Medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), TTY 1-877-486-2048.

See all comparisons

Tufts Health Plan vs UnitedHealthcare Medicare Advantage plans

Your yearly cost, side by side

What you pay each time you get care

A higher drug plan premium is not, by itself, a reason to switch

The two companies in Suffolk County

Doctors, referrals, and prior authorization

Extra benefits

What changed for 2027

More 2027 plans in Suffolk County

Questions about your choice? Text us.

Sources and method

We're here for you

Find a care advocate.
Get the support you need

Who We Are

How We Can Help

For Partners

Discover

Company