Medicare beneficiaries are facing significantly higher costs in 2025, according to a new analysis from eHealth. Part D prescription drug plan premiums have jumped 24% from last year, rising from an average of $29 to $36 monthly—the highest in eHealth’s eight years of tracking these costs.
While Medicare Advantage plan premiums appear to have decreased (from $9 to $5 monthly), this misleading figure actually reflects more seniors choosing zero-premium plans due to cost concerns. The real financial impact is revealed in deductibles, which have more than doubled from $132 to $315—a staggering 139% increase.
These dramatic cost increases made the 2024 Annual Enrollment Period (October 15-December 7) particularly disruptive for seniors reviewing their coverage options. The analysis examined over 250,000 Medicare applications.
Looking ahead, further changes may come with the 2026 enrollment period, as regulatory changes and court decisions could impact premiums and cost-sharing. eHealth notes that it typically takes a year or more for costs to fully reflect rule changes.
For cost-sensitive seniors, these trends are understandably concerning as they navigate their healthcare coverage options in this changing Medicare landscape.
For more information about Medicare, please visit www.medicare.gov
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