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Medicare Advantage Plan Cutbacks for 2025:

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW

by Deryl Hoodenpyle
I mportant information for those with Medicare Part A Because CMS has taken measures to reduce its costs and

make Advantage plans less profitable for insurers, many
and B and looking to select health insurance in 2025.
Medicare Open Enrollment began October 15, and now Advantage plans are likely to offer fewer supplemental
benefits in 2025 than in 2024.
that the plans for 2025 have been revealed, we can see how
the plans and their pricing have changed. In addition, premiums aren’t the only costs for beneficiaries.
Lower premiums can be offset by higher deductibles and
Preliminary data from the Centers for Medicare and copayments.
Medicaid (CMS) give us an early indication of how
significant the changes will be. It reveals 6.6% fewer Advantage plans also can reduce other benefits, such as
Medicare Advantage plans with prescription drug coverage the number of prescription drugs covered or the cost of the
will be available in 2025 than 2024. drugs to the beneficiaries.
This is, of course, throughout the country, so locally the A potential change that a beneficiary isn’t likely to learn
effects of the changes are somewhat different. That is why about until 2025 progresses, is that an Advantage plan can
you may want to speak to a local agent who is informed deny coverage of more procedures and services that are
about the plans available in your area. recommended by doctors, forcing patients to appeal the
decisions or forego the treatments.
Looking at costs, the CMS said the average monthly
premium on Advantage plans will fall to $17.00 in 2025 It's more important than ever for Medicare beneficiaries
from $18.23 in 2024. to study the details of their coverage options during the
upcoming Open Enrollment. Be sure you know what’s
But premiums are only part of the package. Beneficiaries changing from 2024 to 2025.
need to look at total costs and benefits before choosing a
plan. In the past, beneficiaries haven’t done a good job shopping
around and comparing Advantage plans. During Open
Advantage plans are popular partly because they offer Enrollment in 2021, 65% of Advantage plan members didn’t
supplemental benefits, such as dental and vision care, gym compare plans, and 43% didn't even check the changes
memberships, and more. They also bundle prescription made to their current plans, according to Kaiser Family
drug coverage into the benefits package. Foundation.

Beneficiaries often say they have difficulty understanding
and comparing plans. That’s why it’s a good idea to work
with one or more local insurance agents who focus on the
Medicare policies and plans available in your area. Seek
agents who research many different insurers instead of
agents tied to one or two insurers.
It is also important to understand the details of the
plans that you are signing up for. If there is a language
barrier, look for an agency that offers assistance with your
language.
Article provided by: Deryl Hoodenpyle – Licensed Insurance Agent, Texas
Claudia Villareal- Licensed Insurance Agent, Texas
Special thanks to Bob Carlson and Retirement Watch
806.281.7674 for contributing content to this article.
2513 86th ST Ste. A, Lubbock, TX 79423

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