What Just Happened to my
Part D or Advantage Plan?!?!
FAQ & Self Help Tools Below
Why am I making this Page?
To help us both prepare for an Open Enrollment unlike any other...
Due to many and historic changes, it is anticipated that call volumes will be at record levels for everyone in the business: Government and Non Profit Agencies, Agents and Brokers, Insurance Companies and Agencies and even Dr. Offices and Pharmacies will all be affected.
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Whether you have a Stand Alone Part D plan or a Medicare Advantage Plan, you will likely see some Big Changes for 2025.
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As your current broker, I will always be there for you! However please be understanding as this year will be extremely busy for not only me, but for the entire industry.
If you have a Stand Alone Part D plan with me, you may find "Helping Yourself" may be the quickest and easiest way to compare and enroll in a new Part D Prescription plan for 2025. See Self Help Tools below. While I may no longer be able to write new policies due to regulations and no longer being paid by many plans, I'm always happy to hear from you and discuss any questions you may have.
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If you are enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan with me, you will likely not only see many changes in your Part D coverage, but also a reduction in the "Goodies" as I like to call the dental, vision, transportation etc. The good news is that most of the policies and companies I have recommended over the years are among the most stable, and many of you should be in a very good position to just renew for next year. However if your policy is being cancelled, or you just want to discuss the changes or new options, please call me to catch up and discuss our best option for 2025. As always, I enjoy hearing from you! ​​​
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A Blessing in Disguise? - If your Medicare Advantage Plan is being discontinued, we can either pick a new Advantage plan to replace it, OR use the occasion to switch back to Original Medicare and buy a Supplement with NO Medical Questions! PS - I am a real Big fan of Traditional Medicare with a Supplement...
Changes to Part D Coverage.
(Broad Brush Explanation & Official Links)
The Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) has greatly reduced the Out of Pocket Maximum for you & Increased the costs to the insurance companies. It has reduced the maximum you can pay from $8,000 to only $2,000 and also removed the dreaded "Donut hole".
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In short, your coverage got a lot better, but the insurance companies will pay a lot more in 2025 than previous years. This applies to both Stand Alone Part D Plans and Advantage Plans with Drug Coverage.
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The Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program was later offered to Stand Alone Part D insurance companies to limit their rate increases to no more than $35.
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If your rate went up more than $35, then the plan you are currently on likely got cancelled and the insurance company moved you to a different and more expensive plan.
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The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan is a new optional program designed to allow members to pay out of pocket prescription drug costs with monthly payments over the course of the plan year. Your insurance company for 2025 will provide you with information on how to enroll and how the plan works. They may even reach out to you if they believe you may benefit by it.
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If you are currently only taking cheap and/or generic drugs, this may not be for you.
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Medicare and You 2025 handbook
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FAQ - For Stand Alone Part D Plans.
I have a Supplement and a Stand Alone Drug Plan - What should I do?
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Look for and read your ANOC or Annual Notice of Change letter mailed to you by your current Part D Plan sometime in September. This is the full description of your current plan and the upcoming changes in 2025 to your premium and or coverage.
(If you threw it out by mistake, please call the member services number on the back of your card and request they resend it to you.)
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​OR - Log in/create an account on Medicare.gov and see your benefits comparison in your personal Medicare account. You can also easily compare all the new 2025 plans with your information already in the system. Nice!
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If you are happy with the changes and wish to keep the plan they are offering you then you can simply DO NOTHING and let it renew into the 2025 coverage and rates.
If you are with BCBSAZ or Mutual of Omaha and/or are being cancelled you will need to select and enroll in a new Part D Plan for 2025. ​​
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Why aren't you and many other brokers not selling Part D anymore?
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In addition to many new regulations that have increased the time and cost to sell these plans, many insurance companies no longer pay brokers a commission to help people enroll.
While selling insurance may be really fun, like everyone else, we need to be paid for our time and efforts to stay in business.
Self Help Tools for Part D Plans
Pro Tip - KEEP IT SIMPLE! You only have 2 costs - One is the Premium to the insurance company, and the other is the Cost you pay for your Prescriptions.
So long as you can get the drugs you need at the pharmacies (or mail order) you want, then simply look at the least expensive plans by Combined Premium and Drug Costs, pick one and enroll.
It really is that simple! ​​
Medicare
Go to Medicare.gov to Shop and Enroll online.
(It's easier than you may think!)
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Call 1-800-Medicare for help by phone.
SHIP - AZ State Health Insurance Program
(This free service is provided by the Area Agency on Aging)
Use their online Email Request for Help form on AZSHIP.org
(For those who liked emailing me their drug list in the past, this is for you!)
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Call 1-800-432-4040 to leave a message and get a timely returned call.
(No Long Hold Times...)
Medicare Disclaimer
“We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently we represent 5 organizations which offer 35 products in your area. Please contact Medicare.gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health insurance Program (SHIP) to get information on all of your options.”