What is the Medicare Part D coverage gap for 2023?

Asked by: Heather Schuppe  |  Last update: August 22, 2023
Score: 4.7/5 (55 votes)

The coverage gap begins after you and your drug plan have spent a certain amount for covered drugs. Once you and your plan have spent $4,660 on covered drugs in 2023, you're in the coverage gap. This amount may change each year.

What is the Part D donut hole for 2023?

You enter the donut hole when your total drug costs—including what you and your plan have paid for your drugs—reaches a certain limit. In 2023, that limit is $4,660. While in the coverage gap, you are responsible for a percentage of the cost of your drugs.

What are the Part D coverage phases for 2023?

The Four Coverage Stages of Medicare's Part D Program
  • Stage 1. Annual Deductible.
  • Stage 2. Initial Coverage.
  • Stage 3. Coverage Gap.
  • Stage 4. Catastrophic Coverage.

What is the out-of-pocket limit for Part D in 2023?

Medicare Part D plans don't have hard out-of-pocket maximums. However, in all Part D plans, you enter what's called the catastrophic coverage phase after you hit $7,400 in out-of-pocket costs for covered drugs.

What will Medicare Part D premiums be in 2023?

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) today announced that the average basic monthly premium for standard Medicare Part D coverage is projected to be approximately $31.50 in 2023. This expected amount is a decrease of 1.8% from $32.08 in 2022.

Part D of Medicare - 2023 Changes and Donut Hole Example

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Will Medicare Part D go up in 2023?

The Medicare Part D true (or total) out-of-pocket (TrOOP) threshold will bump up to $7,400 in 2023, a $350 increase from the previous year.

Will there be an increase in Medicare premiums in 2023?

The standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B enrollees will be $164.90 for 2023, a decrease of $5.20 from $170.10 in 2022. The annual deductible for all Medicare Part B beneficiaries is $226 in 2023, a decrease of $7 from the annual deductible of $233 in 2022.

What is the base beneficiary premium for Part D for 2023?

The base beneficiary premium for 2023 is $32.74. This amount may change each year, so the penalty amount can also change each year. Medicare uses the current coverage year's base beneficiary premium to calculate the penalty amount.

What is the cost sharing for 2023 Part D?

The beneficiary will continue to pay 25% for both generic drugs and brand-name drugs, plus a small portion of the pharmacy dispensing fee (approx. $1-$3). The plan pays 75% of the cost of generic drugs and 5% for brand-name drugs. The drug manufacturer provides a 70% discount on brand-name drugs.

What are the new Medicare plans for 2023?

Here are some key 2023 updates, according to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services.
  • Part B costs have gone down.
  • Part A costs have gone up.
  • Insulin costs are capped.
  • Medicare start dates have shifted.
  • Shingles vaccines are covered.
  • Medicare Advantage plan ratings are lower.

How do you get out of the donut hole in 2023?

For 2023, once you've spent $7,400 out of pocket, you're out of the Coverage Gap and moved into stage 4—Catastrophic Coverage. What counts toward the Coverage Gap: Your yearly deductible, coinsurance and copayments. The discount you get on brand-name drugs in the Coverage Gap.

Can I avoid the donut hole?

If you have limited income and resources, you may want to see if you qualify to receive Medicare's Extra Help/Part D Low-Income Subsidy. People with Extra Help see significant savings on their drug plans and medications at the pharmacy, and do not fall into the donut hole. See if you qualify and apply today.

Is the Medicare Part D donut hole going away?

When did the donut hole close? The donut hole finally closed for good in 2020, having been phased out in 2019 for brand-name drugs and then in 2020 for generic drugs. The Affordable Care Act enacted in March 2010 gradually reduced the share of costs people had to pay in the donut hole starting in 2011.

How much will Social Security take out for Medicare in 2023?

For most people, $164.90 will be deducted each month from your Social Security to pay for Medicare Part B (medical insurance). This amount will be higher for those who have higher incomes.

How do you qualify to get $144 back from Medicare?

To qualify for the giveback, you must:
  1. Be enrolled in Medicare Parts A and B.
  2. Pay your own premiums (if a state or local program is covering your premiums, you're not eligible).
  3. Live in a service area of a plan that offers a Part B giveback.

Will Medicare Part D pay for shingles vaccine in 2023?

Starting in 2023, the shingles vaccine will be 100% covered for those who have prescription drug coverage as part of a Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Advantage plan with prescription drug benefits.

What is the maximum out-of-pocket prescription drugs for 2023?

For the 2023 plan year: The out-of-pocket limit for a Marketplace plan can't be more than $9,100 for an individual and $18,200 for a family. For the 2022 plan year: The out-of-pocket limit for a Marketplace plan can't be more than $8,700 for an individual and $17,400 for a family.

What is the average premium for Medicare Part D?

The chart below provides general Medicare drug costs for 2023. Varies by plan. Average national premium is $32.74. People with high incomes have a higher Part D premium.

What is the Part D coverage gap discount program?

The Medicare Coverage Gap Discount Program (Discount Program) makes manufacturer discounts available to eligible Medicare beneficiaries receiving applicable, covered Part D drugs, while in the coverage gap.

How do you beat the donut hole in Medicare?

Here are some ideas:
  1. Buy Generic Prescriptions. ...
  2. Order your Medications by Mail and in Advance. ...
  3. Ask for Drug Manufacturer's Discounts. ...
  4. Consider Extra Help or State Assistance Programs. ...
  5. Shop Around for a New Prescription Drug Plan.

What phase is the donut hole in Medicare Part D?

The “donut hole” isn't really going away, because Medicare Part D still has four payment stages. The “donut hole” is the third stage, and you move through the Part D payment stages based on how much you, your plan, and others on your behalf have paid for your drugs during the year.

Can I use GoodRx if I'm in the donut hole?

GoodRx can't be used in combination with Medicare, but it can be used in place of Medicare. 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 long do you stay in the donut hole with Medicare?

When does the Medicare Donut Hole End? The donut hole ends when you reach the catastrophic coverage limit for the year. In 2023, the donut hole will end when you and your plan reach $7,400 out-of-pocket in one calendar year.

Does GoodRx work with Medicare Part D?

Keep in mind that you cannot use GoodRx and insurance at the same time. However, you can use GoodRx instead of insurance or government-funded programs, such as Medicare or Medicaid, to pay for your prescription medications. GoodRx is not insurance.

How much do you spend before donut hole?

After you reach a total of $4,660, you enter the Coverage Gap stage, also known as the Donut Hole.