What happens when the donut hole goes away in 2025?

Asked by: Jordon Cruickshank  |  Last update: March 9, 2025
Score: 4.8/5 (34 votes)

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.

Will the donut hole be eliminated 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.

Will a donut hole go away?

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 happens to Medicare in 2025?

Medicare Part B Premium and Deductible

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $185.00 for 2025, an increase of $10.30 from $174.70 in 2024. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries will be $257 in 2025, an increase of $17 from the annual deductible of $240 in 2024.

What is the out-of-pocket limit for Part D in 2025?

In 2025, the coverage gap will be eliminated, and annual out-of-pocket Part D costs are capped at $2,000. This means if you take high-cost medications covered by Part D, you could see major savings. After meeting the out-of-pocket limit, you pay $0 for covered drugs for the rest of the year.

The Medicare Part D Donut Hole Is Going Away in 2025! What Does That Mean For You?

29 related questions found

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.

What happens to Medicare in 2026?

For the first time, Medicare is able to negotiate directly with manufacturers for the price of certain high-spending brand-name Medicare Part B and Part D drugs that don't have competition. Prices have been negotiated for the first 10 drugs selected and will be effective in 2026.

How much will the Part B cost in 2025?

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.

Why are hospitals refusing Medicare Advantage plans?

Among the most commonly cited reasons are excessive prior authorization denial rates and slow payments from insurers. In 2023, Becker's began reporting on hospitals and health systems nationwide that dropped some or all of their Medicare Advantage contracts.

Is there any insurance that covers the donut hole?

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.

How do you get around the donut hole?

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.

What are the changes for United Healthcare in 2025?

UnitedHealthcare is introducing 140 new plans for 2025, many of which offer new designs and benefits more tailored to specific consumer populations and needs. UnitedHealthcare's footprint of America's most-chosen Dual Special Needs Plans (D-SNPs) will expand to reach 135,000 additional dual-eligible consumers.

Do donut holes freeze well?

How to Store Doughnut Holes. Store doughnut holes in an airtight container or bag, where they'll last for one to two days. If you know you won't finish the doughnut holes within that timeframe, you can freeze them.

Why do people say not to get a Medicare Advantage plan?

Disadvantages of Medicare Advantage plans can include difficulty switching out of the plans later, restrictions on care access, limited provider networks, and limitations on extra benefits.

What is the income limit for extra help in 2025?

Extra Help eligibility

If your monthly income is up to $1,976 in 2025 ($2,664 for couples) and your assets are below specified limits, you may be eligible for Extra Help (see the Extra Help income and asset limit chart for details).

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.

Why are seniors losing Medicare Advantage plans?

Medicare vs Privatized Medicare Advantage

Beneficiaries are tossed aside because they live in an unprofitable market for their insurer or because they are actually using the insurance they signed up for to access services.

Why are doctors dropping Medicare Advantage?

Health systems have cited delayed reimbursements, cumbersome prior authorization requirements and high rates of patient claim denials for their decisions to drop Medicare Advantage plans.

Can I drop my Medicare Advantage plan and go back to original Medicare?

Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment Period: Between January 1 and March 31 of each year, if you already have a Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage) you can: Switch to another Medicare Advantage Plan (with or without drug coverage). Drop your Medicare Advantage Plan and return to Original Medicare.

Does everyone pay $170 for Medicare Part B?

Most people pay no premiums for Part A. For Medicare Part B in 2025, most beneficiaries will pay $185 per month. Certain factors may require you to pay more or less than the standard Medicare Part B premium in 2025.

What is the new Medicare rule for 2025?

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.

What happens if Medicare goes broke?

If and when Medicare Part A's insolvency occurs, the law will require an automatic 11 percent cut in payments, severely limiting access to care.

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

Most people pay the standard Part B monthly premium amount ($185 in 2025).

What year will Medicare end?

A key trust fund underpinning the massive Medicare program has a new insolvency date: 2036, according to a new report from the Medicare trustees.