Part D Premiums

[armoore]

Recently received notice from United Health of a large increase in premiums and ultimate cost for my Part D Plan. Today I checked the Medicare site for comparison. Why is United/AARP so much higher than other coverage??  I expected AARP to select partners that were most beneficial to members.

[MariamaA859467]

Hi @armoore,

Thank you for contacting AARP to share your concerns about the increase to you Medicare Part D premium.

AARP is aware there are many factors that make up a consumer’s Part D plan premium. Across the industry at this time, many Part D plans are experiencing significant year-over-year premium increases due to underlying prescription drug costs, as well as a number of other factors which are impacting the Medicare Part D program.  This is not unique to the AARP-branded MedicareRx Part D plans from UnitedHealthcare. 

UnitedHealthcare has informed us that their goal is to provide valuable, sustainable, and affordable plans for Medicare members. According to United, although premiums for most Medicare Part D plans change each year, United has worked hard to minimize those increases over the past few years. However, United advised us that, to continue maintaining the consistency of their prescription drug plan benefits in 2024, their Part D prescription drug plan premiums needed to increase.

We understand premium changes can be difficult for our members. If you are interested in learning more about other available plans, please contact Medicare directly 24 hours a day, seven days a week, 365 days a year at 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) or at Medicare.gov.

We apologize for any inconvenience this issue may have caused. Thank you for your valued membership with AARP.

Mariama A.

[GailL1]

Part D premiums are directly related to the richness of the benefits.  That’s for any plan.  

There is the base premium - then there is the enhanced premium.

Things like if there is a deductible, copay amounts for various tier drugs especially the higher tiers.  Probably $ 0.00 for generics in tier 1.

So without an analysis of the plan before and after - the increase in premium from one year to the next doesn’t mean much.  That’s actually why beneficiaries are urged to review their need and their plan every year during open enrollment.

Now Part D is going thru some changes - so somebody has to pay - right?

Insurers seem to be taking this next year to do some adjusting to what the future will hold for them.

Kind of technical but does explain premiums and what is in store for Part D based on the Inflation Reduction Act going into effect in the next few years.

CMS.gov - 07/23/2023 - CMS Releases 2024 Projected Medicare Part D

Premium and Bid Information

If you find a better plan for your needs - change your plan during this open enrollment.