Is there any insurance that covers the donut hole for Medicare Part B?

Asked by: Dagmar Legros  |  Last update: May 18, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (28 votes)

No. There is no insurance that can help you cover costs in the donut hole. It's important to note that some Medigap or Medicare supplement plans cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare Part A and Part B only.

Can you use GoodRx if you are in the donut hole?

The cost of drugs purchased under GoodRx will not count against your coverage limit - thus keeping you out of the donut hole longer. It's important to note that the amount you pay when using GoodRx does not automatically count towards your deductible or getting you out of the donut hole either.

Is there a medicare part B donut hole?

Medicare drug plans previously had a coverage gap (also called the "donut hole"). The donut hole was a temporary limit on what the drug plan would cover for drugs. Now all Medicare plans include a $2,000 cap on what you pay out-of-pocket for prescription drugs covered by your plan.

Is there any way to avoid the donut hole in Medicare?

How do you close the coverage gap and get out of the donut hole?
  1. Lower the costs of your prescription medications by choosing a Part D plan with a formulary that includes your medications.
  2. Shop around to see if you can find a pharmacy that offers your medications at a lower cost.

Are there any Medicare plans that don't have a donut hole?

There is not a Medicare plan that covers the donut hole. You may wonder if a Medigap could help you avoid donut hole costs. Medigap policies are private Medicare supplement insurance plans that are sold to cover additional costs and some services not traditionally covered by Original Medicare.

What is the “Donut Hole”? | Medicare Part D | HRBC Local Medicare Insurance Agents

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Will donut hole go away in 2025?

It's important to know that starting in 2025, the Part D donut hole is eliminated. Instead, once your out-of-pocket prescription drug costs reach $2,000, you enter the catastrophic coverage phase—and pay nothing for covered medications for the rest of the year.

Does UnitedHealthcare have a donut hole?

The coverage stage cycle starts over at the beginning of each plan year, usually January 1st. The Coverage Gap stage, or “donut hole,” is going away in 2025. You will now have 3 drug payment stages as part of your Part D benefit: Deductible, Initial Coverage, and Catastrophic Coverage.

How much do you have to spend to get out of Medicare donut hole?

Starting in 2025, Medicare no longer has a 'donut hole,' or coverage gap. In prior years, you paid up to 25% out of pocket for covered medications in the donut hole phase. Starting in 2025, once you reach the annual out-of-pocket cap ($2,000 in 2025), you're done paying out of pocket for the year.

What will the Medicare donut hole be for 2024?

The Medicare Part D donut hole or coverage gap phase of coverage no longer exists as of December 31, 2024. It was the coverage phase after the initial coverage period when you owed a higher or different percentage of the cost of your drugs.

What happens when you get out of the donut hole?

However, once a person crosses the donut hole, they reach “catastrophic coverage.” Once they reach this stage, they only need to pay about 5% of the cost of the prescription drugs. However, for many people in the U.S., getting to the stage of catastrophic coverage is problematic or impossible.

Did Medicare get rid of the donut hole?

The Medicare Part D coverage gap, often called the donut hole, will be eliminated at the end of 2024. Starting in 2025, Part D plans will have a $2,000 out-of-pocket limit, which is expected to reduce prescription medication costs for millions of people.

Is there free Medicare Part B?

Part B is a voluntary program that requires the payment of a monthly premium for all parts of coverage. Eligibility rules for Part B depend on whether a person is eligible for premium-free Part A or whether the individual has to pay a premium for Part A coverage.

Does Humana have a donut hole?

Coverage gap stage | Donut hole – $5,000

The coverage gap begins after you and your plan have spent $3,750 for covered drugs and ends when you have spent $5,000 for the covered drugs. In this phase—a gap in prescription drug coverage—you'll generally pay more for your drugs.

Is there any insurance that covers the donut hole for Medicare Part?

No. There is no insurance that can help you cover costs in the donut hole. It's important to note that some Medigap or Medicare supplement plans cover deductibles, coinsurance, and copayments for Medicare Part A and Part B only.

Why can't you use GoodRx with Medicare?

However, GoodRx cannot be combined with your insurance or any federal or state-funded program such as Medicare or Medicaid. GoodRx is not insurance. If you choose to use a GoodRx coupon or your GoodRx Gold membership, it's important to ask the pharmacist not to run your prescription through your insurance or Medicare.

Can you stack GoodRx and insurance?

You can and should use a GoodRx discount instead of your health insurance or Medicare if the price is lower. Keep in mind that you cannot use GoodRx and insurance at the same time.

What happens to the donut hole in 2025?

The Medicare Part D coverage gap explained. Good news for 2025: In 2025, the Medicare Part D coverage gap, also known as the “donut hole,” will be eliminated under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). Part D plan members will also enjoy the security of an annual maximum out-of-pocket cost for prescription drugs.

How much will Medicare Part B cost in 2025 for seniors?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has announced that the standard monthly Part B premium will be $185.00 in 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024.

What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?

Medicare Part D cap of $2,000

Beginning January 1, 2025, people with Part D plans through traditional Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage won't pay more than $2,000 over the calendar year in out-of-pocket costs for their prescription medications.

Does Medicare donut hole start over each year?

Each stage of Part D is like a steppingstone throughout the year. The Medicare Part D donut hole is the third stage. The four stages start over on Jan. 1 of each year.

Is Eliquis covered by Medicare?

Yes. 100% of Medicare prescription drug plans cover this drug.

How much is a Tier 5 drug on Medicare?

Tier 5: Specialty drugs

For most plans, you'll pay 25% to 33% of the retail cost for drugs in this tier.

Why are people leaving Medicare Advantage plans?

Key takeaways: People leave Medicare Advantage plans because out-of-pocket costs vary between plans, network restrictions can cause frustration, prior authorization requests can delay care, and it can be difficult to use the additional benefits they provide.

Did Obamacare close the donut hole?

Then, in 2012, the ACA implemented discounts for the Coverage Gap. In 2019, discounts meant that beneficiaries paid 25% of the cost for any brand-name medication, officially closing the donut hole, and 37% for generics. Then, in 2020, the donut hole for generic drugs is also closed.