📋 Premiums for Medicare Drug Plans Will Be Less Next Year (AARP Article)

[Spring2025]

FROM THE ARTICLE - SEE ARTICLE FOR MORE!!!

Open enrollment for Part D and Medicare Advantage plans begins Oct. 15.

By Kimberly Lankford, AARP. Published September 27, 2024.

Average monthly premiums for Medicare Part D and Medicare Advantage plans will decrease in 2025, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) announced Friday.

The average monthly premium for a stand-alone Part D prescription plan is projected to be $40 next year, a decline of $1.63, almost $20 annually.

https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/drug-plan-premiums.html

[donp12594]

 The key is making sure all of your drugs are covered. Wellcare is 0 payout no premium for my 4 generics but for 2025 my wife will change plans. If she stays on Wellcare two of her brand drugs are NOT covered and cost a fortune. She will be moving to a BCBS plan with a premium but overall much less expensive. The Medicare comparison tool is awesome!

[JerryS109]

@donp12594 You mentioned that the Medicare comparison tool is awesome. I may have come across that tool ... not sure. Could you point me to it?

Thanks!

[Spring2025]

[10/16/24] Jerry @JerryS109 , the LINK to the tool was in the EMAIL we all received from Medicare this month. Do you have an "online" Medicare Account? Nicole

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[*** JERRY wrote: You mentioned that the Medicare comparison tool is awesome. I may have come across that tool ... not sure. Could you point me to it?

Thanks! ***]

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[Spring2025]

[10/15/24] Thanks Don @donp12594 , I will make sure to ASK about my two meds. Nicole

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[*** DON wrote: The key is making sure all of your drugs are covered. Wellcare is 0 payout no premium for my 4 generics but for 2025 my wife will change plans. If she stays on Wellcare two of her brand drugs are NOT covered and cost a fortune. She will be moving to a BCBS plan with a premium but overall much less expensive. The Medicare comparison tool is awesome! ***]

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[donp12594]

AARP UHC Supplemental Plan continues to be a great value, and will continue in 2025. The Plan D Prescription Plan not so much, and I will be saying adios to this expensive plan and moving to WellCare. With my 4 generic spripts, my total out of pock is 0 for the entire year. For the AARP UCH Walgreens plan, hundreds out of pocket. Thanks but no thanks. Yep, rip off.

[Spring2025]

[10/9/24] Don @donp12594 , it looks like Wellcare for me too per the Medicare Site's Comparison Tool. 

Nicole

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[*** DON wrote: AARP UHC Supplemental Plan continues to be a great value, and will continue in 2025. The Plan D Prescription Plan not so much, and I will be saying adios to this expensive plan and moving to WellCare. With my 4 generic spripts, my total out of pock is 0 for the entire year. For the AARP UCH Walgreens plan, hundreds out of pocket. Thanks but no thanks. Yep, rip off. ***]

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[javmd]

I'm not sure what world this AARP article was written for.  In the real world, plan premiums are increasing.  My AARP UHC plan in North Carolina went up last year to $60+/mo from $40+.  Now that is well over $70/mo.  Because of that increase I ditched AARP and for 2024 went to Silverscript for $5/mo.  Now Silverscript is increasing to $40/mo.  Wellcare has a plan for $0.  I've checked the Tier copays, and have compared some formulary items, and it doesn't seem any reason to stay with Silverscript, and certainly no reason to consider AARP's plan.  I'm still not sure why AARP continues to promote UHC other than the payments/royalties UHC pays to use AARP's name.  Also, some pharmacies may have their own discount plans (eg. Blink) that they will give you a special price for without you even asking, bypassing your insurance copay.  It's a real quagmire.  Reason to have CMS ability to have competitive bidding for all drug prices. Time to put the PBMs out of business - they're reaping huge profits and guess who's paying for it.

[Spring2025]

[10/6/24]

With me @javmd using the Medicare Site comparison tool, it seems BOTH SilverScript and Wellcare are best for me. But I plan to call SilverScript on 10/15/24 to see what is up. Yes, my $6 a month got deleted. They are saying in 2025 I would be paying about $28. Nicole

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[*** JAYMD wrote: I'm not sure what world this AARP article was written for.  In the real world, plan premiums are increasing.  My AARP UHC plan in North Carolina went up last year to $60+/mo from $40+.  Now that is well over $70/mo.  Because of that increase I ditched AARP and for 2024 went to Silverscript for $5/mo.  Now Silverscript is increasing to $40/mo.  Wellcare has a plan for $0.  I've checked the Tier copays, and have compared some formulary items, and it doesn't seem any reason to stay with Silverscript, and certainly no reason to consider AARP's plan.  I'm still not sure why AARP continues to promote UHC other than the payments/royalties UHC pays to use AARP's name.  Also, some pharmacies may have their own discount plans (eg. Blink) that they will give you a special price for without you even asking, bypassing your insurance copay.  It's a real quagmire.  Reason to have CMS ability to have competitive bidding for all drug prices. Time to put the PBMs out of business - they're reaping huge profits and guess who's paying for it. ***]

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[Spring2025]

[10/1/24]

Oh my goodness @shamit , just got off the phone with SilverScript Customercare. Lol, now it will be OCTOBER 15TH to get my question answered. Oh, I DIDNOT ask - but guy said PAPER COPY of the "online" Change Document we BOTH have will be MAILED./lol  🤣😂

Got to luv Aetna.

Nicole

[Spring2025]

[10/1/24]  Well it is FINALLY October 1st. Guess I should call Aetna Medicare AGAIN to see IF this time I can get some ANSWERS.

As you said @shamit , the ONLINE version of the 2025 CHANGES is hard to see. Lol, and my "tiny" VERY OLD Android Cell Phone does NOT help.

IF you can (NO PRESSURE) let me know what happens with you.

I am really LAZY and may stay with their SilverScript Part D plan IF my Blood Pressure and Chlolestral meds are STILL COVERED.

In my "humble" opinion, ALL of them are going to "lack" in some areas. Bottom line, I luv my CVS and want to stay with them.

Good Luck EVERYONE with 2025!!!

Nicole

[shamit]

@Spring2025   Nicole, please take the time to check out your options.  I know it is easy to just keep what you have.  But for me that would cost a lot of money.

I received an email from Medicare today that had a preview of the Part D plans in my area.  I entered my information (zip code, county, drugs, and nearby pharmacies).  If I stick with my current plan it will cost me roughly $1080 for the year (premiums + prescriptions) 

There are 5 other plans that are less expensive.  Hopefully this will be accurate when the enrollment time comes.  The least expensive has a $0 per month premium and all 3 of my prescriptions are $0 per month copay.  So I would pay $1080 if I stay with the current plan  or I could switch and pay $0. 

It isn't that hard to switch.  You can do it online on the Medicare site that compares the plans.  My husband switched last year and it was pretty easy.  In fact the plan he currently has is the plan I will be switching to.  He takes no prescriptions so he always chooses the lowest priced premium.  Last year even though it had a lower premium than my current plan the total cost for the year (premium + prescriptions) was higher than my current plan.  

Oh yes and CVS is a preferred provider here.  Also Walgreens.  All the others nearby are in network but not preferred so they would cost a little more for the prescriptions since they are preferred.  I hope you check and find something that will work better for you too.

[Spring2025]

▶️*** EDITED 10/2[10/1/24] 

@shamit  , thanks!!! Your husband is so lucky. Never heard of anyone▶️*** AGE 65 and older NOT taking meds. Good for him!!!

Lol, so that is the MEDICARE EMAIL sitting in my IN BOX.

Heading to go READ it - appreciate the heads up.

Nicole

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[*** SHAMIT wrote: Nicole, please take the time to check out your options.  I know it is easy to just keep what you have.  But for me that would cost a lot of money.

I received an email from Medicare today that had a preview of the Part D plans in my area.  I entered my information (zip code, county, drugs, and nearby pharmacies).  If I stick with my current plan it will cost me roughly $1080 for the year (premiums + prescriptions) 

There are 5 other plans that are less expensive.  Hopefully this will be accurate when the enrollment time comes.  The least expensive has a $0 per month premium and all 3 of my prescriptions are $0 per month copay.  So I would pay $1080 if I stay with the current plan  or I could switch and pay $0. 

It isn't that hard to switch.  You can do it online on the Medicare site that compares the plans.  My husband switched last year and it was pretty easy.  In fact the plan he currently has is the plan I will be switching to.  He takes no prescriptions so he always chooses the lowest priced premium.  Last year even though it had a lower premium than my current plan the total cost for the year (premium + prescriptions) was higher than my current plan.  

Oh yes and CVS is a preferred provider here.  Also Walgreens.  All the others nearby are in network but not preferred so they would cost a little more for the prescriptions since they are preferred.  I hope you check and find something that will work better for you too. ***]

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[LG322302]

You've never heard of anyone who doesn't take medications? Well the US is the most heavily medicated country in the world.  And I guess that depends on how you define "medication"--as just prescription drugs or OTC. I don't (and won't) take prescription drugs after a bad experience with a doctor who over prescribed a drug for off label use several years ago. I do how take supplements regularly and OTC medicine occasionally. 

[GailL1]

@LG322302 

Good for you that you take no Prescription Rx now  - I just take one (1) and it is generic and cheap.

However, when you go on Medicare, you have to sign up for a Prescription Drug plan - free standing or within a Medicare Advantage plan OR have an approved credible coverage PDP.

If you don’t, you will have to pay a late sign up penalty for signing up after you are required and that last forever.

That’s the way insurance works - to participate everybody shares in everybody else’s cost.  So, it’s doesn’t really matter if you take NO Prescription drugs - you still have to have a credible plan - that’s what Medicare deems to be credible - like employer group coverage or VA / CHAMPVA coverage.

Being a Rebel might get expensive if you don’t get a plan when required.  

Many beneficiaries who take no Prescription drugs will just sign up for the cheapest plan available to them in their area and then just keep finding the cheapest one every year during OE - until they start some Rx and then they have to look for the best plan for their needs. 

Keep on staying healthy.  

[Spring2025]

[10/2/24] @GailL1 , I had to remind myself there are ▶️*** NOW age 18+ AARP ***◀️ members =  NO MORE just age 55+. I have NO idea how old this poster is and do not need to know. Anyway I have ADDED (edited) ▶️*** age 65 ***◀️ to this MEDICARE (old people) discussion. Congrats on only ONE PRESCRIPTION!!! Nicole

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[*** GAIL wrote: Good for you that you take no Prescription Rx now  - I just take one (1) and it is generic and cheap.

However, when you go on Medicare, you have to sign up for a Prescription Drug plan - free standing or within a Medicare Advantage plan OR have an approved credible coverage PDP.

If you don’t, you will have to pay a late sign up penalty for signing up after you are required and that last forever.

That’s the way insurance works - to participate everybody shares in everybody else’s cost.  So, it’s doesn’t really matter if you take NO Prescription drugs - you still have to have a credible plan - that’s what Medicare deems to be credible - like employer group coverage or VA / CHAMPVA coverage.

Being a Rebel might get expensive if you don’t get a plan when required.  

Many beneficiaries who take no Prescription drugs will just sign up for the cheapest plan available to them in their area and then just keep finding the cheapest one every year during OE - until they start some Rx and then they have to look for the best plan for their needs. 

Keep on staying healthy.***]

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[Spring2025]

[10/2/24]

@LG322302 I have just EDITED my post to CLARIFY what I mean't. I ONLY took Vitamins and the occasional Advil when I went to a dentist until I became OLD. It is VERY UNUSUAL that an OLD person has NO PRESCRIPTIONS is what I was saying. I was by NO means stating people OVER MEDICATE. Not my biz, way too busy enjoying my retirement to care who does.

MY EDITED POST.

Never heard of anyone▶️*** AGE 65 and older NOT taking meds. Good for him!!!

Gosh, I wish I WAS @shamit 's husband!!!  👍

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[*** LG wrote: You've never heard of anyone who doesn't take medications? Well the US is the most heavily medicated country in the world.  And I guess that depends on how you define "medication"--as just prescription drugs or OTC. I don't (and won't) take prescription drugs after a bad experience with a doctor who over prescribed a drug for off label use several years ago. I do how take supplements regularly and OTC medicine occasionally. ***]

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[shamit]

@Spring2025 - Yes, I think it is something that he has good blood pressure and cholesterol levels at 75. 

When my thyroid shut down my blood pressure and cholesterol levels went up.  I have read there is a correlation between low thyroid and those other dreaded conditions.  With medication I keep them in check.  And I only take the small doses for each. 

I rarely take OTC medications.  I usually go months without taking any.   I am 71.  Hope you find a Part D plan you like.

[Spring2025]

[10/2/24]

You too @shamit . From the Medicare EMAIL it seems what I have and WELLCARE is the way to go. But I am OLD and DONOT "trust" online.  🙄🙄🙄  So I will be calling Aetna Medicare AGAIN on 10/15/24. Lol, maybe by then the MAIL they told you WAS MAILED - me, it WILL BE MAILED has arrived.

Nicole

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[*** SHAMIT wrote: Yes, I think it is something that he has good blood pressure and cholesterol levels at 75. 

When my thyroid shut down my blood pressure and cholesterol levels went up.  I have read there is a correlation between low thyroid and those other dreaded conditions.  With medication I keep them in check.  And I only take the small doses for each. 

I rarely take OTC medications.  I usually go months without taking any.   I am 71.  Hope you find a Part D plan you like. ***]

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[Spring2025]

[9/28/24] Gail @GailL1 , I am confused. I thought premiums were INCREASING in 2025.

Nicole

[GailL1]

@Spring2025 

Let me see if I can explain it and what I actually said.  

By law, the Inflation REduction Act, the BASE premiums can only go up 6% -

CMS.gov New RElease - Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable as... 

per the link: 

• Premium Stabilization: Beginning in 2024, the Inflation Reduction Act provides a mechanism to limit premium increases for people enrolled in Part D. Specifically, the law limits the growth in the base beneficiary premium (used to calculate the plan-specific basic premium) to a 6% annual increase. 

Now that is the BASE premium  and a  base premium is just that a base onto which other amounts are added depending on what’s in the plan. what is in a premium?  The actual “meat” of the policy.  The actual “meat” of the policy is what makes it a benefit or a detriment based on ones needs.  

That’s what I am cautioning against - DON”T just look at the premium - look at the meat of the policy - what’s covered, for how much, what tier, what deductible.  Those are the things that can be designed and sanctioned by CMS. to meet the base premium.  

Things like this will reduce the cost of the plan to a beneficiary but it may also take away some of their needs too:

• A needed expensive drug may not be in the formulary anymore
• A needed drug has been pushed up to a higher more expensive tier
• The deductible might be way higher
• copays may change to coinsurance

Or the plan may have just disappeared altogether.  

So what everybody should do is review their current plan in detail based on ones needs when they get their EOC (explanation of change).

Then when the new plans come out for your area, beginning soon, compare your needs to the other plans to see if you would come out better with another plan.

When the government ask insurers to pick up more, they do but it is then the cost is just passed along to the beneficiaries.  Fact of Life like everything else, low man on the totem pole pays.  

This cautionary review shouldn’t just be for free standing drug plan.  As you may or may not know, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans have an included Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  So review the one that you have - free standing Prescription Drug Plans or a Medicare Advantage plan.

My caution is posted here on this board:

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Medicare-Insurance/PLEASE-REVIEW-YOUR-MEDICARE-COVERAGE-FOR-2025/td-p/... 

To buy any insurance product, you have to know your needs, your pocketbook and then you analysize the details of the policy based on those factors.  They may throw in some “free’ (HA_HA) stuff but that’s just fluff.  And some MA plans are reducing that fluff, whatever it may be.  

Now would I ever tell you that I don’t believe the government?  Not unless I can prove it without a shadow of a doubt.  Do I have doubt ?  Well . . . . . 

[shamit]

But they have a way around that only 6% increase.  Like what is being done to me.  They are no longer offering the plan I have this year for next year.  This company is only offering one plan d, not 3 like last year.  My current premium is $9.90 and my 3 prescriptions have a $0 copay per month.  The new plan is $44.90 with $5 and $10 copays per month.  That is a huge increase.  They also claim they sent me a letter about this but I never received it.  I found it online supposedly sent in August but they claim they sent it in the middle of September.   Plus they have no plans to send me another copy. Two dates 3 weeks apart.  Probably didn't send it all and hope I will be dumb and stick with them.  Insurance companies always find a way around laws.

I will be checking the other plans.  I know to enter my drugs to get an accurate cost per month.  I only take generic.  Two of my prescriptions would only cost $10 for a 3 month supply at Walmart. So only $30 compared to almost $165 for 3 months for the plan d.  I can't wait to see what the other plans cost will be when I enter my drug prescriptions.   Hope to find something more affordable then the plan they are moving me into.

The number of plans being offered here this year is only 14 compared to 22 last year.  Most of the ones left are the high priced ones.  And I mean high priced. 8 of them are over $60 a month, some are over $100 a month.  Much higher than the national average.  And that is just for the premium.  Most have $10 or more monthly copays for the drugs. I saw this in the Medicare handbook for 2025 in the back pages. 

And I live in the second largest county in Oklahoma.  We are a healthcare wasteland.  This state has the third lowest number of doctors per capita in the country.  Yeah Medicare really works.  Beware of Medicare For ALL!  It will only get worse then

[Spring2025]

[9/29/24] @shamit , me TOO here in Virginia!!!  😤😤😤

Aetna Medicare is DELETING my $6 a month SilverScript Part D Prescription with ZERO cost at CVS for my Blood Pressure and Chlolestral. And they had sent me an EMAIL to tell me my CHANGE DOCUMENT NOTICE was "available" online (which I elected). Clicked on document and said NOT AVAILABLE, CHECK BACK.  🙄🙄🙄  So I called the SilverScript Customer Care and was told she CANNOT see where I was sent an EMAIL OR THAT THERE IS AN ONLINE DOCUMENT in my Document File Folder./lol  🤣😂  So I ASK what was in THIS INVISIBLE DOCUMENT??? She CANNOT tell me until OCTOBER 1st. Anyway, was FINALLY able to see it ONLINE. They got rid of my CHEAP plan, changed it to their $28 monthly plan and it seems I will be PAYING FOR MY 2 MEDS. Plan to call AGAIN ON OCTOBER 1ST.

Nicole

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[*** SHAMIT wrote: But they have a way around that only 6% increase.  Like what is being done to me.  They are no longer offering the plan I have this year for next year.  This company is only offering one plan d, not 3 like last year.  My current premium is $9.90 and my 3 prescriptions have a $0 copay per month.  The new plan is $44.90 with $5 and $10 copays per month.  That is a huge increase.  They also claim they sent me a letter about this but I never received it.  I found it online supposedly sent in August but they claim they sent it in the middle of September.   Plus they have no plans to send me another copy. Two dates 3 weeks apart.  Probably didn't send it all and hope I will be dumb and stick with them.  Insurance companies always find a way around laws.

I will be checking the other plans.  I know to enter my drugs to get an accurate cost per month.  I only take generic.  Two of my prescriptions would only cost $10 for a 3 month supply at Walmart. So only $30 compared to almost $165 for 3 months for the plan d.  I can't wait to see what the other plans cost will be when I enter my drug prescriptions.   Hope to find something more affordable then the plan they are moving me into.

The number of plans being offered here this year is only 14 compared to 22 last year.  Most of the ones left are the high priced ones.  And I mean high priced. 8 of them are over $60 a month, some are over $100 a month.  Much higher than the national average.  And that is just for the premium.  Most have $10 or more monthly copays for the drugs. I saw this in the Medicare handbook for 2025 in the back pages. 

And I live in the second largest county in Oklahoma.  We are a healthcare wasteland.  This state has the third lowest number of doctors per capita in the country.  Yeah Medicare really works.  Beware of Medicare For ALL!  It will only get worse then ***]

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[shamit]

@Spring2025  Mine is also Aetna Silverscript at CVS.  My plan has been discontinued for next year, just like yours.   Very strange you didn't get your letter either.  Mine online is so hard to work with.  You have to enter each page number separately to see it.  And some of the pages are blank. Not saying they didn't send the letter,  but it sure is suspicious that we both didn't get the letter.

I am pretty sure I can do better.  One of the 5 lower premiums has to come out better than this Aetna plan.  It will almost assuredly cost more than this year but hopefully better than that Aetna plan.  My prescriptions are also for Cholesterol and High Blood Pressure.  I also have thyroid medicine since my thyroid shut down 24 years ago.  At least your premium would be $28.  Mine is almost $45.

@GailL1   One other thing a do know, my deductible went from $280 to now $590.  I think they did a low cost one last year to get people signed up and hope many won't pay attention to the huge increase for this year.  Everything on mine went up dramatically.  Premium - UP $10 to $45.  Copay - UP from $0 to $5/$10, Deductible - UP from $280 to $590.

[GailL1]

@shamit 

It isn’t that they are going around the law, it is just that we (beneficiaries) aren’t speaking the same lingo as CMS and the drug plan insurers and for that matter the drug manufacturers too.

CMS refers to the “base” rate - most plans aren’t base variety- they use the base rate to figure the Part D late enrollment penalty.  Many plans are considered Enhanced because they offer more than just the base - could be any number of design things - a larger formulary, a lesser deductible, some added benefits like an OTC allowance.  

sounds like you are doing the right things - like I have been posting about.   You have to look at the “meat” of the plan not just the premium.  And even if it is called by the same name this year as last year - scrutinize it cause most likely it has changed and those changes maybe something that one needs.

When all of these new benefits are added in - it is great for the people that need them but the rest is paying for it.  

I hope you can find the plan that you need and it is not too expensive.  Sounds like you know exactly what you are doing.  

Good Luck - 

[Spring2025]

[9/28/24] Thanks and yes I saw your post when you posted it Gail @GailL1 . Nicole

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[*** GAIL wrote: Let me see if I can explain it and what I actually said.  

By law, the Inflation REduction Act, the BASE premiums can only go up 6% -

CMS.gov New RElease - Medicare Advantage and Medicare Prescription Drug Programs to Remain Stable as... 

per the link: 

• Premium Stabilization: Beginning in 2024, the Inflation Reduction Act provides a mechanism to limit premium increases for people enrolled in Part D. Specifically, the law limits the growth in the base beneficiary premium (used to calculate the plan-specific basic premium) to a 6% annual increase. 

Now that is the BASE premium  and a  base premium is just that a base onto which other amounts are added depending on what’s in the plan. what is in a premium?  The actual “meat” of the policy.  The actual “meat” of the policy is what makes it a benefit or a detriment based on ones needs.  

That’s what I am cautioning against - DON”T just look at the premium - look at the meat of the policy - what’s covered, for how much, what tier, what deductible.  Those are the things that can be designed and sanctioned by CMS. to meet the base premium.  

Things like this will reduce the cost of the plan to a beneficiary but it may also take away some of their needs too:

• A needed expensive drug may not be in the formulary anymore
• A needed drug has been pushed up to a higher more expensive tier
• The deductible might be way higher
• copays may change to coinsurance

Or the plan may have just disappeared altogether.  

So what everybody should do is review their current plan in detail based on ones needs when they get their EOC (explanation of change).

Then when the new plans come out for your area, beginning soon, compare your needs to the other plans to see if you would come out better with another plan.

When the government ask insurers to pick up more, they do but it is then the cost is just passed along to the beneficiaries.  Fact of Life like everything else, low man on the totem pole pays.  

This cautionary review shouldn’t just be for free standing drug plan.  As you may or may not know, the majority of Medicare Advantage plans have an included Medicare Prescription Drug Plan.  So review the one that you have - free standing Prescription Drug Plans or a Medicare Advantage plan.

My caution is posted here on this board:

https://community.aarp.org/t5/Medicare-Insurance/PLEASE-REVIEW-YOUR-MEDICARE-COVERAGE-FOR-2025/td-p/... ***]

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