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

[SpringIsHereVA]

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

[SpringIsHereVA]

[Saturday 3/29/25]

You were correct @shamit , it was my 2nd Wellcare Medicare Part D Exolanation of Benefits (EOB).

Finally got it from my mailbox along with the famous junk mail tonight.  🙄

THIS TIME I am reading it NOW and see some useful info. Usually I just throw them in my plastic container for mail. Of course I would check meds to make sure they are MINE.  👍

(1) I see their Go Paperless message at BOTTOM of 1st page. Will be doing that TOMORROW. One less chance of my PERSONAL info being stolen by a dishonest post office employee.

(2) A note beside my Blood Pressure med says NO lower cost alternative drug is available. Fine with me as I paid ZERO.  🙃

(3) Says I am in STAGE 2 Initial Coverage. Read the explanation they provided. Lol, I am getting so INTELLIGENT in my old age = learning all these NEW words.  🤣😂

*** I am going to send you an AARP Private Message about growing broccoli. Need some tips please.  😉

Take care,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereVA]

[3/24/25] @shamit , did your 1st Wellcare EOB arrive in your mail as yet?  🤔

As previously discussed, I got my 1st EOB.

➡️  *** TODAY I got an email from my post office (I signed up) telling me there is mail from Wellcare (with a picture of mail) in my mailbox.

Lol, learn't real fast this does NOT mean it is IN my mailbox. Will check box probably this weekend when I take my trash to dumpster. NOT making a special trip.

I am thinking MAYBE it is my 2nd EOB. Who knows.

Lol, hope it is NOT a letter "changing" my FREE ride = zero cost.

Hmmm, Spring is here on some days here in Virginia. Sowed seeds (indoor and outdoor) and bulbs. Now to see what makes it and what the squirrels and chipmunks dig up.  🙄

Take care,

Nicole  👵

[shamit]

Yes I finally received my first EOB, which was for January.  It was dated February 13, but it came almost 2 weeks later.  I have received my second one dated March 12, which is for February.  So far all 4 prescriptions have been $0.

My thyroid medicine is the most expensive.  I paid $0, but the plan paid $93.20 for a 90 day supply.  So far I haven't received any letters saying there is a change in cost for any of the prescriptions.  I take 3, cholesterol, blood pressure, and thyroid.  The January prescription was for an UTI, so not a maintenance drug.   I am happy so far.

Hope you plants come up and are not food the the animals.  We grow a lot of vegetables, but not many flowers.  We grow blackberries, asparagus, kale, lettuce, cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, collards, carrots, potatoes, sweet potatoes, sweet peppers, tomatoes, basil, rosemary, chives, onions, and probably a few others that I am forgetting.  My husband is a vegetarian so that's why we grow so many different things.  It also helps with the food budget.

The weather here has been mostly in the 70's and 80's.  But we haven't had much rain, so we are in a draught.  We also have had high winds (60+ mph) and high fire danger.  A week ago Friday there were many fires around.  Over 400 buildings burned.  Our town of 18,000 had several shelter for people who were evacuated from a nearby town that suffered a lot of burnt homes.   Still no rain and nearly every day we are a high fire danger.  Winds still get up to 30 to 40 mph but still much better than 60+.

Take care.

[SpringIsHereVA]

@shamit , well we have 2 in common - chlolestral and blood pressure.

Yikes, stay safe!!!  😱

Take care,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/24/25] @shamit , have you received any Medicare Part D Explanation of Benefits (EOB) from Wellcare? 🤔

I received my 1st one today in my mailbox.

Wondering IF I can get this "changed" to ELECTRONIC ONLY.

Lol, had just got SilverScript set up after fighting with them ALL OF 2024.

I guess I will call Wellcare THIS FRIDAY when I am home all day = probably a long wait on hold and some foreigner. Was so frustrated when I had called them about my MISSING membership card they claimed was sent. Lady was nice, but it took forever to get her to understand what I was complaining about. Oh well, sign of the times I guess and a test of my old lady patience. 🤣😂

Thanks,

Nicole 👵

[shamit]

I haven't received anything yet.  I had a prescription filled in January but and 3 here in February.  Don't know if or when I'll get an EOB.  I did look at my account online and saw the claims and that I paid $0 on all of them.  

Under the communications preferences they said EOB are not electronic unless you log in to Express Scripts and set it up.  So I guess I should get something in the mail  But our mail is terrible.  So much is misdirected.  I think many people just throw out the stuff that isn't theirs.  At least I can see online what was filled and my cost.  I wonder how often they send EOB's.

[SpringIsHereVA]

@shamit , the EOB I got today says the month AFTER the pharmacy bills them.

Are you set up to get notified by your LOCAL post office when mail is coming your way? 🤔

I luv it as you can use the EMAIL you receive from them to file a LOST MAIL claim.

Well, I am NOT happy about way too many places send mail with PERSONAL INFO in it. Leaves us open to being ripped off and mail stolen too. Use to hate ELECTRONIC, but seems the best way to be safe.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/14/25] @shamit , hopefully me TAGGING you = you will get an AARP email "copy" of my post since @AARPConsumerCare has NOT responded to my Medicare Glitch Report. 🙄

Guess what!!!

At 8am THIS MORNING as I was getting ready to go get Mister (my spoilt cat 🐈) MORE food JUST IN CASE the storm heading my way here in Virginia - IS STILL HERE next week. 😭

Girl, a CVS text telling me my Blood Pressure Refill is READY. 😱

Lol, so NOT asking how come after being told yesterday NO WAY. 🙄

*** Back home until it is SAFE to be out driving AGAIN ***

Cat HAPPY and I HAPPY. 🙃

Alot of trees in roadways still and hundreds still without power. SO NOT ready for the WEEKEND STORM. Lol, time to move back to Florida. Hold on - the Summers there are hell and my hot flashes. Was fun BEFORE them. 👍

Happy Valentine Day - Happy Friday. 👵

[shamit]

@SpringIsHereVA  I am happy to hear that you got your Blood Pressure Refill.  I still say that person you talked to didn't know what they were saying or doing.  I think when they said they couldn't override it, they actually did override it.  Again I think it is more a CVS thing than a WellCare thing.  

I have to fight nearly every time for my Thyroid Medicine.  They don't have it and have to order and a week later it is still not there.  Then they transfer it to another CVS in the area and they fill it.  And most of the time they wait until day 89 of 90 to refill.  So I always ask to get it refilled about 7-10 days before needed.   And I have had 3 different Drug Plans, and it always seems to be the same thing.  To me it is CVS.

Sorry to hear about the bad weather.  Stay safe.  We had an inch of sleet and freezing rain Wednesday.  They are calling for snow tomorrow and on Wednesday.  It will be very cold for the next 10 days.  Next Thursday are high is supposed to be 18.  Most days in the 20's and 30's.  We are supposed to be in the mid 50's.  We also went out today and stocked up so we can stay home for the next week.  

Happy Valentine's Day!

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/14/25] And @shamit , forgot - it was zero cash. Happy Dance!!!

Okay, now I can relax until APRIL when my Chlolestral autorefills. 🙄

Hmmm, hope this stays the SAME. IF it does, I will STAY with Wellcare. 👍

Gosh I had read in this Medicare Forum about a couple having SilverScript like we did last year 2024. They were on am EXTENDED vacation and MISSED the "deadline" to SWITCH. Yikes = MAJOR INCREASE in premium. Girl, GRATEFUL FOR 0 cash all the way with Wellcare.

Lol, see you THIS OCTOBER 2025 = time to REVIEW coverage time. 👵

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/13/24] @shamit , hopefully mr TAGGING you = you will get an AARP email "copy" of my post since @AARPConsumerCare has NOT responded to my Medicare Glitch Report. 🙄

Or MAYBE, glitch has been FIXED and THIS POST will "show" on site's MAIN PAGE where hundreds of complaints about AARP and Rock & Roll posts are TODAY. Seems Rock & Roll is more IMPORTANT than DISCUSSIONS ABOUT MEDICARE this year 2025. 😤

I need a "divorce" - the honeymoon is over girl with Wellcare after a 2-month marriage.

Get this.

On MONDAY I have 5 MORE Blood Pressure pills LEFT.

Red Alert = when is my NEXT REFILL going to be READY?

Checked CVS app on my Android.

Autofill on Sunday.

My LAST pill is on Monday and have way too much on my plate to go to CVS on Sunday OR Monday. Depending on WHAT STAFF is there or IF they are OPEN [pharmcy closes whenever when NO staff], I will be able to pick it up.

So I CALLED CVS, had to leave a voicemail. Didnot hear callback but saw where they had called. NO voicdmail left. 🙄

So I CALL AGAIN, wow - a human answered. 😱

Had to REPEAT what I had left on VOICEMAIL. 😤

Youngster said YES I could pick up refill on FRIDAY (tomorrow). I thanked her. 👍

Something told me to CALL just now to CONFIRM refill would be READY TOMORROW. As you know, weather been bad and MORE COMING. 😭

Lol, human answered 😱 and said NO. Insurance will NOT let them "override".

Alrightie, didnot have my OLD LADY TANTRUM (trying to be the grown up here) and said okay.

QUESTION: How far in ADVANCE is Wellcare letting you refill?

Are you having it mailed or pickup?

*** SilverScript NEVER "cut it this close" and I am SO ANGRY. ***

Thinking of CALLING Wellcare once I CALM DOWN to ask IF I am stuck with this ONE DAY BEFORE I RUN OUT refill for Blood Pressure Med. Or is this an error on the part of whatever SOFTWARE they using.

Chlolestral was FILLED A WEEK before I ran out.

Thanks 👵

[shamit]

@SpringIsHereVA  WOW! I haven't had any problem so far.  They filled my thyroid 5 days before the autofill was scheduled.  My thought is that CVS had been the problem.  They don't want to fill autofill prescriptions until 1 day before you run out.  The problem with that is if the autofill hits on a weekend, they sometimes don't fill it until Tuesday.  

I pick mine up at the local CVS.  I don't like mail because it gets very hot here in the summer and I don't trust if the heat can cause problems with the medication.  I also get a 3 month supply at a time.  I had my doctor write the prescription that way.  Then I only have to hassle with it 4 times a year. 

I would try calling again.  Sometimes the workers just don't know what they are doing or simply don't even try to get the prescription filled.  It doesn't make sense they would fill your cholesterol a week ahead and not your blood pressure medication more than a day ahead.  Makes me think someone at CVS is lazy or inept.  CVS is not known for being good.  Most of them around here get ratings in the 2's.  

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/13/25] @shamit , mine have ALWAYS been for 90 days. Thanks for feedback. 👵

[SpringIsHereVA]

[Thursday 2/13/25 5:45pm ET]

If you care, @AARPConsumerCare , this post is NOT SHOWING ON SITE'S MAIN PAGE. But the numerous Rock & Roll Posts are. Good Job AARP!!! 👍

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/10/25] Did you get your FREE gift from Wellcare @shamit ?

Lol, mine arrived today and got all excited thinking maybe a GIFT CARD = nope, something to hang on the front of your refrigerator (Their website link,app and phone number). 🤣😂

They are so smart. Got me to open mail with the text on outside - Free gift without obligation. Hmmm, I DO NOT call this a GIFT Wellcare = misleading. Anyway, it will join my OTHER JUNK MAIL in the trash. 👍

📸 2 pictures attached

[shamit]

@SpringIsHereVA  Yes.  I received that same thing.  But I didn't pay attention to the outside of the envelope.  I didn't realize that it was supposed to be a gift.  Ha-ha.  Not much of a gift. I am just happy to be paying a $0 premium and so far $0 for my prescriptions.  My best Plan D so far, since starting Medicare.

I open most mail without reading the envelope.  I keep what is important and the junk that is burnable goes into a bag for burning in our wood stove.  No worries that any personal information will get into the wrong hands.  All that is left is ash.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/7/25] Hi @shamit , so far ZERO money out of my pocket for Wellcare Part D premium. Had to fill ONE of two prescriptions. It was my Chlolestral one and that was ZERO. Lol, now to see IF Blood Pressure one is also ZERO when I run out. GOOD NEWS - Medicare blood test this year = NO pre-diabetes. I guess my daily/nightly walking and low carb Mediterrean diet my doctor suggested paid off.

IF you donot mind my asking, how is it going with your Wellcare Part D?

[shamit]

@SpringIsHereVA   Things are going good for me too.  I had a UTI in January and the prescription cost me $0.  Just yesterday they filled my Blood Pressure, Cholesterol, and Thyroid prescriptions.  TOTAL:  $0.  Glad I was able to get these now before next week when the winter weather will hit.  We are supposed to get a wintery mix or maybe all ice.  Yuck!

Hopefully you have the same $0 result on your Blood Pressure one.  Congratulations on the blood test showing no pre-diabetes.  Keep up the good work.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[2/8/25] @shamit , lol - last month's MAJOR storm here in Virginia was my 1st time of NOT being able to get up my hill.

GRATEFUL for a couple's kindness. Husband has a 4-wheel truck. Total strangers. Here I was at age 67 this year walking with my Walmart groceries. 😭

Thanks and back at you!!!

Girl, the Dollar Tree is calling MY NAME for junk food. 🙄

But SCARED of needles and hate pills, so yours truly is being good. 👍

Stay safe and warm.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[12/2/24] Hi @shamit , hope you are staying warm.

Lol, I am freezing my a.s off here in Virginia. But no snow for me as yet.

Apparently my 2nd piece of SNAIL MAIL from Wellcare is in my mailbox per my Post Office email. But, NOT believing it, so will wait for my dumpster walk on the weekend to check mailbox (on the way to dumpster). Fool me once with making an extra mailbox trip = NO 1st SNAIL MAIL Wellcare. I am thinking this maybe my ID.  🙄

QUESTION AS I WANT TO GO ONLINE = NO SNAIL MAIL.

(1) Have you received any Wellcare emails?

(2) I am assuming there is an ONLINE ACCOUNT for each member.

Thanks my friend!!!

Nicole  👵

[shamit]

I have received no WellCare emails.  I didn't create an account until I received 2 snail mails from them.  My husband has had them for the last year but takes no medications.  He hasn't received any emails either.  He did receive his snail mail telling him about the changes from 2024 to 2025.  For him it is great,  A drop in premium from $6.30 to $0.  A friend in Texas has WellCare and her premium is dropping from $0.50 to $0.  Her 2 or 3 prescriptions were $0 last year and $0 for this year.  Mine look to be $0 also.  Of course mine are generic.  

Have you created your online account?  I think you have to have your membership number to do it.  My husband has his own online account.  So, I would say Yes to there being an online account for each member.  That is if they have created one.

You are having so much more trouble with this than either I or my husband have had.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[12/2/24] Hi @shamit , no online setup as yet.

I am still wondering how Wellcare can do the ZEROS.

Oh well, as long as this does NOT change.

Yes, our Retirement Social Security is going up but so are the bills.  🙄

Thanks,

Nicole  👵

[SpringIsHereVA]

[11/30/24] Hi @shamit , hope your turkey day went well!!!

I just got my 1st SNAIL mail from Wellcare out of my mailbox.

I thought ID card would be included.

Do you have yours?  🤔

Also in their letter mentions IF Medicare APPROVES. Since they are NOW on my ONLINE Medicare Account for my 2025 Part D plan = I am assuming I am AAPROVED.

*** They do say to show PHARMACY letter so it is going into my purse NOW so it is NOT left at home.  🙄

Lol, were you impressed as I was with all the sheets in several DIFFERENT foreign language. Yes, that's Florida for you.  👍  Needless to say they are my 1st trash items since I just took out my trash to dumpster.  🤣😂

Thanks my friend for all your AWESOME help!!!

Nicole  🙃

[shamit]

@SpringIsHereVA  I received my card earlier in November.  Hope you received yours soon.  It appears as if things take a little longer if you go through a third party.

Have you received a snail mail from SilverScripts saying you have disenrolled from their plan?  I received that after I received WellCare's card.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[11/30/24] Hi @shamit , I received an ONLINE letter of cancellation in my document folder.

Lol, NO snail mail from Aetna SilveScript except my WEEKLY "junk" mail. No wonder they are so expensive. Can you imagine what they spend on junk mail. Now to hope Wellcare does NOT do this.

[SpringIsHereVA]

[11/26/24] ANYONE ELSE BESIDES MYSELF & @shamit WILL HAVE WELLCARE PART D (MEDICARE PRESCRIPTION) FOR 2025? OR HAVE IT FOR THIS YEAR 2024?

Per my Post Office email this morning  📸  attachment  📸,  my 1st SNAIL MAIL from them will be delivered TODAY.

[1] What have you liked/disliked about it for 2024?

[2] I have Aetna SilveScript Part D for 2024, but my CHEAP plan is deleted for 2025.  😭  Going to miss the ZERO cost at CVS for my Blood Pressure & Chlolestral refills.

IF you are SWITCHING to Wellcare for 2025, why?

[3] I am NOT happy they are headquartered out of FLORIDA. Way too much insurance drama there. I am in VIRGINIA. Would havr thought therr would be one here. Oh well!!!

[SpringIsHereVA]

[11/25/24] Thanks to you @shamit , I KNEW where to find this!!!

Just checked my ONLINE Medicare Account and it has been CHANGED to Wellcare for my 2025 Part D.

Lol, NOW to hope they stay in business and my prescriptions are not an ARM & LEG.

[1] Signed up through LOA 11/14/24.

[2] Took 10 days to be processed.

📸  Attachment  📸

[shamit]

Glad everything is now in order for you.  I wouldn't worry about them going out of business.  We had a WellCare prescription plan back in 2020.  

[SpringIsHereVA]

[11/24/24] @shamit , them being headquartered in FLORIDA is NOT good. See you in 2025 when WE PICK UP our 1st Wellcare Meds. Lol, we can compare notes. I will miss my ZERO COST for my old plan (deleted).

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[*** SHAMIT wrote: Glad everything is now in order for you.  I wouldn't worry about them going out of business.  We had a WellCare prescription plan back in 2020. ***

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