Is there any way to avoid the donut hole in Medicare?
Asked by: Andreane Kovacek | Last update: January 15, 2026Score: 4.3/5 (5 votes)
- Lower the costs of your prescription medications by choosing a Part D plan with a formulary that includes your medications.
- Shop around to see if you can find a pharmacy that offers your medications at a lower cost.
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.
Will the Medicare donut hole ever go away?
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 do you get around the Medicare donut hole?
If your medication is in a higher cost tier or not covered on your plan's formulary (approved drug list), you may want to ask for an exception to get the plan to cover it completely or at a lower cost. Best price: Another strategy is to ask your pharmacist for the “best” price for the prescription.
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.
Medicare Part D Explained | (And How To Avoid The Donut Hole)
Can I use GoodRx if I'm in the donut hole?
Key takeaways:
You may want to consider using GoodRx instead of Medicare when Medicare doesn't cover your medication, when you won't reach your annual deductible, or when you're in the coverage gap phase (“donut hole”) of your Medicare plan.
How to prevent donut holes in Medicare?
- Lower the costs of your prescription medications by choosing a Part D plan with a formulary that includes your medications.
- Shop around to see if you can find a pharmacy that offers your medications at a lower cost.
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 is the Medicare donut hole for 2025?
As of Jan 1, 2025, the Medicare Part D coverage gap (commonly known as the "donut hole") is gone. This major change, a result of the Inflation Reduction Act, simplifies prescription drug coverage by removing the coverage gap phase and establishing a $2,000 annual cap on out-of-pocket spending for covered drugs.
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.
Who got rid of the donut hole?
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) signed by President Biden in 2022 will eliminate the Prescription Drugs Coverage Gap (known as the donut hole) for Seniors in 2025.
What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Part D in 2024?
Whether you're taking only brand-name drugs or a mix of brand-name and generic drugs, most people who reach the catastrophic coverage phase in 2024 will pay between $3,300 and $3,800 in out-of-pocket costs. In 2024, Mr. Alvarez takes $200,000 in Medicare Part D covered brand-name drugs.
Will Medicare ever get rid of the donut hole?
Yes, the plan design for Medicare Part D prescription medication benefits will eliminate the donut hole beginning January 1, 2025. This change is a result of provisions in the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 to reduce prescription medication costs for Part D enrollees and the Medicare program.
What are the top 5 Medicare supplement plans?
💬 From our Nerds: What are the top five Medicare supplement plans? "Based on NerdWallet's Medigap rubric, I picked five best Medicare Supplement Insurance companies for 2025: AARP/UnitedHealthcare, Mutual of Omaha, State Farm, Anthem and Blue Cross Blue Shield.
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.
How much is the donut hole for 2024?
Coverage Gap Period (Donut Hole): You pay your drug costs until the total out-of-pocket reaches $8,000, including amounts paid earlier during the deductible and coinsurance/copayment period. The most you will pay while in the coverage gap is $6,364.
How long does the doughnut hole last?
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.
Does GoodRx count towards the donut hole?
Avoid falling into the Medicare donut hole too soon
You can use your Medicare plan for your more expensive brand drugs, and use GoodRx to purchase your less expensive generic medications. The cost of drugs purchased under GoodRx will not count against your coverage limit - thus keeping you out of the donut hole longer.
What happens when you reach the donut hole?
They often have to pay thousands of dollars for prescription drugs until they cross this coverage gap. 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.
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.
Is there any way to avoid the donut hole?
Purchase your generic drugs and pay the cash price at a pharmacy that does not have your insurance information. Purchase your brand name drugs at another pharmacy and pay the insurance copay. This strategy will reduce your out-of-pocket costs in Stage 2, and often keep you from falling in the Stage 3 donut hole.
Is the donut hole going away in 2025?
Third, know that in 2025, the coverage gap (also called the “donut hole”) is going away and you will not have to pay anything for your covered drugs once you have paid $2,000 in out-of-pocket costs.
Which is better, Medicare Part D or GoodRx?
Consider using a GoodRx coupon instead of Medicare in the following situations: Your medication isn't covered by your Medicare plan. The medication costs less with a GoodRx coupon than with your Medicare copay. You don't expect to reach your annual deductible.