REVIEW of your Medicare Plans VERY IMPORTANT for 2025

[GailL1]

As a result of all the changes taking place next year because of the Inflation Reduction Act and other rule changes, it is gonna be MOST important to review your Part D and Part C plans for 2025 so that you are assured they meet your health needs in the best possible ways in 2025.

The new plans will be available around the 1st week in October for open enrollment between Oct 7 and December 7.  

Premium hikes as a result of these changes are expected - get more; pay more.  In fact, some or all of the zero premium Part D plans might just go away.  There will be formulary changes, so check your medication needs against the newest list from the drug plans.  You can also do this on the Medicare.gov site.  Tier classifications might change on the meds you are taking, so check that too as well as any special considerations like “prior approval” (PA) or “quantity limits” (QL) or step therapy (ST).  

Your total out of pocket will change ( $ 2000 for 2025), there will also be a process under which some of you may want to pay in installments for expensive medications - the plans should explain the criteria.

Some Part D plans may disappear all together as well as some Part C - Medicare Advantage plans in some areas.

This review of coverage is very important for all beneficiaries whether you have an included Part D plan within your Medicare Advantage plan (MAPD) or a free standing Part D plan

For Part C plans (Medicare Advantage) as always check the plans network of providers, check their star ratings, anything included that describes their prior approval methodology.

Just do this for yourself - by yourself if you feel confident or with help from a Medicare plan broker or your state’s SHIP (State Health Insurance Program) office.  Neither charge a fee to you as a beneficiary for their services.