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Q&A: Why Shopping for the Right Medicare Plan Matters

December 2, 2024 By Liz Weston

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.

Filed Under: Medicare, Q&A Tagged With: Medicare, Medicare Advantage, Medicare open enrollment, Medicare Part D, Medicare prescription drug plan, Part D, prescription costs, prescription drugs, prescriptions

Monday’s need-to-know money news

December 13, 2021 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: How to avoid going overboard and over budget on kids’ holiday gifts. Also in the news: A new episode of the Smart Money podcast on countering uncertainty and building wealth early, Medicare and prescription drug costs, and what you need to know about Medigap Plan D.

Avoid Going Overboard and Over Budget on Kids’ Holiday Gifts
To avoid overspending this year, find a gifting strategy that works for your kids and your budget.

Smart Money Podcast: Countering Uncertainty, and Building Wealth Early
Sean and Liz discuss how to counter uncertainty, and respond to a young listener’s question about building wealth.

Does Medicare Cover Prescription Drugs?
Original Medicare beneficiaries can buy prescription coverage called Part D. Medicare Advantage plans usually include coverage.

What Is Medigap Plan D? What You Need to Know
Medigap Plan D helps Medicare enrollees with some costs not covered by Medicare Part A and Part B.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: building wealth, holiday overspending, Medicare, Medigap Plan D, prescriptions, Smart Money podcast

Monday’s need-to-know money news

August 3, 2020 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Why student loan borrowers shouldn’t wait on Congress for more relief. Also in the news: A new episode of the SmartMoney podcast on safe travel and handling old debts, how to make sure a contract tracer isn’t a scammer, and what to do if your health insurance drops your monthly prescription.

Smart Money Podcast: How to Travel Safely, and How to Handle Old Debts
Traveling take caution.

Student Loan Borrowers: Don’t Wait on Congress for More Relief
Don’t hold your breath.

How to make sure a contract tracer isn’t a scammer
https://www.marketwatch.com/story/you-get-a-call-that-youve-been-exposed-to-coronavirus-how-to-make-sure-a-contract-tracer-isnt-a-scammer-2020-08-03
Here’s what to look for, and what a legitimate contract tracer will never ask you

What to Do if Your Health Insurance Drops Your Monthly Prescription
Looking at your options.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: Congress, contact tracing, Coronavirus, health insurance, prescriptions, SmartMoney podcast, studen loan relief, student loan borrowers

Tuesday’s need-to-know money news

January 21, 2014 By Liz Weston

Today’s top story: Finding the best balance transfer credit card. Also in the news: Keeping your financial resolutions, what not to buy at the drugstore, and the latest on the Target credit data breach. iStock_000016702801XSmall

The Best Balance Transfer Credit Cards in America
Ranking the contenders.

8 Hacks to Help You Keep Your Resolutions
After three weeks into 2014, where do your financial resolutions stand?

5 things not to buy at drugstores (including drugs)
The bigger the store, the better the price.

Did you get an email from Target? What you need to know
Target’s credit theft nightmare continues.

6 Critical Changes to Note When Filing Your 2013 Taxes
Important changes to the tax code you need to know about.

Filed Under: Liz's Blog Tagged With: balance transfers, Credit Cards, lifehacks, prescriptions, resolutions, Savings, Target, tax code

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