What is the Medicare ‘Donut Hole,’ or Part D Coverage Gap?

What is the Medicare ‘Donut Hole,’ or Part D Coverage Gap?

The Medicare Part D ‘donut hole’ coverage gap goes away in 2025. Until then, here’s how it works. Nerdy takeaways You enter the donut hole when you and your plan spend a total of $5,030 in 2024. In the donut hole, you pay up to 25% out of pocket for all covered...
Seven Ways You Can Avoid Higher Medicare Premiums

Seven Ways You Can Avoid Higher Medicare Premiums

Changes in income, marital status, work hours and other life events can exempt enrollees from surcharges Most people who enroll in Medicare Part B, which covers doctor visits, diagnostic tests and other outpatient services, pay a standard monthly premium, $174.70 in...
Millions on Medicare to Save Money From $2,000 Rx Cap

Millions on Medicare to Save Money From $2,000 Rx Cap

New analysis finds limiting out-of-pocket drug spending will help older Americans afford medications Had the upcoming cap on out-of-pocket spending on Medicare Part D-covered prescription drugs been in effect in 2021, 1.5 million enrollees would have saved money on...
How to Be an Effective Advocate for Aging Parents

How to Be an Effective Advocate for Aging Parents

6 skills that will help you care for the ones you love As family caregivers, we play many roles: scheduler, money manager, house cleaner, health aide, nurse, navigator, nurturer and more. Perhaps the most important role is advocate, as we ensure the best possible care...
10 Things to Know About Medigap Plans

10 Things to Know About Medigap Plans

Your guide to buying Medicare ​supplemental health insurance If you decide to enroll in original Medicare, one way you can help pay the extra costs the program doesn’t cover is to buy a supplemental — or Medigap — insurance policy. Here’s what you need to know if...
CMS Projects 2024 Part D Prescription Drug Premiums

CMS Projects 2024 Part D Prescription Drug Premiums

Average premiums could go down, but some could see large increases The average monthly premium for Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage is expected to fall slightly in 2024, to $55.50, a 99-cent drop from the 2023 average of $56.49, the Centers for Medicare...