Medicare BLOG

What You’ll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2025

What You’ll Pay in Out-of-Pocket Medicare Costs in 2025

“How much can I expect to pay out of pocket for Medicare coverage?” It’s something you might be wondering if you’re age 65+ or about to turn 65. Medicare expenses are a big concern for many older adults, especially those on a fixed or limited income. The first step to...

The Medicare Part D Donut Hole Disappears in 2025

The Medicare Part D Donut Hole Disappears in 2025

Key takeaways: The Medicare Part D coverage gap known as the “donut hole” will end in 2024. As of January 1, 2025, Medicare Part D plans will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit. If you reach that threshold, your plan will pay for all of your covered medications in full...

What You Need to Know About Changes to Medicare Part D in 2025

What You Need to Know About Changes to Medicare Part D in 2025

Two important changes are coming for Medicare Part D beneficiaries in 2025 as a result of the Inflation Reduction Act: Annual out-of-pocket (OOP) cap of $2,000 for prescription drugs. Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP), which will allow beneficiaries who opt in...

Medicare benefits in 2025: 4 big changes every enrollee should know

Medicare benefits in 2025: 4 big changes every enrollee should know

Big changes are coming to Medicare in 2025, and they could make a major difference in your prescription drug costs. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, Medicare beneficiaries will see the most significant updates to the program’s drug coverage since it was first...

CMS Finalizes Payment Rule, Including Update to the Custody Definition

CMS Finalizes Payment Rule, Including Update to the Custody Definition

Medicare payment rules prohibit coverage for a service if a beneficiary is not financially responsible for the care or if another government entity is obligated to provide or pay for the item or service. For years, the Medicare rules interpreting and implementing this...

Health Care Access Improving in Rural Areas, Challenges Persist

Health Care Access Improving in Rural Areas, Challenges Persist

A new report from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS) Office of the Assistant Secretary for Planning and Evaluation (ASPE) examines trends in health care access and outcomes in rural America. While insurance rates in these areas are improving,...

Millions See Cost Savings Under the Inflation Reduction Act

Millions See Cost Savings Under the Inflation Reduction Act

The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) made significant improvements to Medicare prescription drug access and affordability, including by restructuring the Part D benefit to limit enrollee expenses. Those changes began in January 2024, when the IRA eliminated cost sharing...