Time to check Medicare Part D
PROTECTED CONTENT
If you’re a current subscriber, log in below. If you would like to subscribe, please click the subscribe tab above.
Username and Password Help
Please enter your email and we will send you a password reset link.
By BETH ZUMWALT
There are a lot of new changes to Medicare Part D, the portion of Medicare that helps pay for medications.
Medicare Prescription Drug Plans are stand-alone plans that add prescription drug coverage to your Medicare Parts A and B coverage. Part D plans are offered by Medicare-approved private companies and the cost of each plan depends on the provider and your location.
“There are not as many plans in 2025. Many plans have been discontinued,” said Connie Lerch of West Central Area Agency on Agency, who helps seniors navigate the often complicated program.
“The deductible for new plans is higher in most cases,” Lerch said. “But, this year, they are giving the chance to have the deductible paid throughout the year, instead of one lump sum during the first part of the year.”
This means the deductible can be paid monthly and over the course of 2025,
Also new this year is that expenses are capped at $2,000.
“After $2,000, medications are covered and have no deductible or co-pay,” Lerch said. “They are free.”
Also medicines in the one to four dollar range, will not count toward the deductible, according to Lerch.
And while insulin and other medicines have been capped, not all medicines aimed at helping diabetics fall under that cap.
“Medicines like Jardiance are not covered,” Lerch said. “There are lots of moving parts this year.”
Lerch said every year there are so many changes, it is difficult to keep up and find the program that is best for each individual. She said she attends several informative sessions and workshops each year to become familiar with the new programs..
“It’s confusing to us,” Lerch said.
For more information about Medicare Part D, residents can call the Area Agency on Aging for Lincolnland at (217) 787-9234.
