prescription drugs

Dear Liz: In the past, you’ve discussed the pros and cons of Medicare Advantage plans versus original Medicare. There is one more point I think you need to tell readers, and that is the high cost of Part D prescription drug coverage for people who choose original Medicare. For example, if you need just a few expensive drugs that are Tier 3 or higher, coupled with the monthly premium, you can easily pay $3,000 a year or more. I am not saying original Medicare is bad. On the contrary, it gives you great freedom of health choice. However, Part D is expensive.

Answer: Let’s start with the news that in 2025, Medicare Part D will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket maximum. The cap applies to Part D plans purchased by people on original Medicare as well as to Medicare Advantage plans that have prescription drug coverage. Once you hit the limit, you won’t have to pay more for covered drugs for the rest of the year.

Note the phrase “covered drugs.” Prescription drug coverage is provided by private insurers, and their lists of covered prescriptions can change every year. An insurance plan that covers a drug this year may not cover it next year, so every year during Medicare’s open enrollment — which ends Dec. 7 — you should be shopping to make sure your plan provides the coverage you need. If you don’t comparison-shop during the annual open enrollment period, you can wind up paying substantially more than you expected.

As background, Medicare Advantage plans are provided by private insurers as an alternative to original Medicare. Whereas original Medicare allows you to choose any doctor who accepts Medicare — and the vast majority do — Medicare Advantage has provider networks and may not cover care outside those networks, or may charge more. Also, Medicare Advantage networks and benefits can change from year to year.

Fortunately, Medicare offers a comparison tool to help you sort through your options. Entering the drugs you take and your preferred pharmacy can help you select the best plan for your circumstances. Now’s the time to compare and switch plans if necessary.