What will the donut hole be in 2025?

Asked by: Mr. Marlon Dickens  |  Last update: October 16, 2025
Score: 4.6/5 (27 votes)

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.

Will the donut hole go away in 2025 Medicare Part?

Yes, the plan design for Medicare Part D prescription medication benefits will eliminate the donut hole beginning January 1, 2025.

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 much will Medicare Part D cost in 2025?

The average estimated monthly Part D plan premium in 2025 is $46.50. Other factors can affect the cost of Part D including monthly premium, yearly deductible and copayments. High-income earners may pay a surcharge known as the “income-related monthly adjustment amount” (IRMAA).

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Medicare in 2025?

Out-of-pocket costs

Health or prescription drug costs that you must pay on your own because they aren't covered by Medicare or other insurance. will be capped at $2,000 in 2025.

How Medicare Part D Works (2025)

20 related questions found

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.

What is the maximum out-of-pocket for Medicare 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.

How much will Medicare go up in 2025 for seniors?

In 2025, the standard monthly premium for Medicare Part B will be $185, an increase of $10.30 from the 2024 amount. The deductible for Part B services will be $257, a $17 increase from the deductible of $240 in 2024.

What is the Part D deductible for 2025?

Deductible stage: If your Medicare plan has a deductible, you pay all out-of-pocket costs until you reach the full deductible. No Medicare drug plan may have a deductible more than $590 in 2025.

What will happen to Medicare in 2026?

The Contract Year (CY) 2026 MA and Part D proposed rule aims to hold MA and Part D plans more accountable for delivering high-quality coverage so that people with Medicare are connected to the care they need when they need it.

How do you beat 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.

Is Medicare getting rid of the donut hole?

There will no longer be a Medicare Part D donut hole as of 2025. This is a result of the Medicare Part D changes that have been made under the Inflation Reduction Act.

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.

Can I avoid the donut hole?

While it is not possible to completely avoid the Donut Hole in Medicare Part D prescription drug coverage, beneficiaries can take steps to reduce the amount of time they spend in this coverage gap.

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).

Does the donut hole go away 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.

Is there a $2000 cap on Medicare drugs?

On Jan. 1, 2025, a new out-of-pocket cap on drug costs went into effect for Medicare Part D patients. The new cap is set at $2,000 per year for all prescriptions covered by Part D plans.

How will Medicare Part D change in 2025?

The drug law, known as the Inflation Reduction Act, requires CMS to establish a Part D manufacturer discount program beginning on January 1, 2025 as part of the redesign of Medicare Part D benefit. This program will replace the existing Coverage Gap Discount Program, which sunsets as of January 1, 2025.

Is there a cola increase for 2025?

Veterans benefits increase 2.5% in 2025. On Oct. 9, 2024, the Social Security Administration announced a 2.5% boost in the cost-of-living adjustment (COLA), the smallest in the last three years.

Does everyone have to pay $170 a month for Medicare?

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.

How much will Medicare cost in 2025 for seniors?

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.

Is there any insurance that covers the donut hole?

Is there any insurance that covers the Medicare donut hole? While the federal government has shrunk the coverage gap, currently there aren't any Medicare Part D plans without a donut hole, even those included as part of a Medicare Advantage plan.

Why is Eliquis so expensive on Medicare?

The high cost of Eliquis is partly due to the fact that the U.S. government doesn't impose any restrictions on the markup pharmaceutical companies can add to the production cost of a drug. Eliquis is also a brand name drug, which is protected under a patent for 20 years.