2021 Medicare Premiums and Deductibles Update

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2021 Medicare Premiums:

  • Standard Part B monthly premium: $148.50
    (click here to see income-adjusted Part B premiums)

  • Average Part D monthly premium: $33.06
    (click here to see income-adjusted Part D premiums)

2021 Medicare Deductibles

  • Part A hospital deductible: $1,484 (days 1-60)

  • Part B annual medical deductible: $203/year

  • Part D annual deductible: No more than $445

For no-cost updates specific to your Medicare Advantage Plan, Medicare Supplement or Medicare Part D plan, feel free to call Jake any day of the week at (509) 670-2566.

2021 Medicare Annual Enrollment Period

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The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period begins October 15 and ends December 7. This is your chance to review your coverage, look at any new options and decide on a Medicare plan for 2021.

Each year, Part D prescription drug plans and Medicare Health Plans can change their premiums, copays, provider networks, and lists of prescriptions they cover.

If you would like help making sure you’re in the right Medicare Health Plan, Medicare Part D plan or Medicare Supplement for 2021, call (509) 670-2566 or email: Jake@MacarthurInsurance.com

These services are always at no cost to you. I look forward to serving in the safest manner possible this fall!

4 Ways to Lower Your Prescription Costs

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We’ve reached the point in the year when, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you cannot change your Medicare prescription drug plan.

With that said, sometimes you add prescriptions during the year, or you may find that your Part D plan doesn’t cover one of your current prescriptions. Here are four ways to keep more money in your pocket at the pharmacy.

  1. Try a Similar Prescription
    If your doctor prescribes a medication that your insurance is not covering, you can call your agent to see if there’s a similar drug covered by your Part D plan available for a lower copay. Every Medicare Part D plan is required to cover at least two drugs in every therapeutic class, so if your medication is not covered, you may find a similar prescription that your plan does cover.

  2. GoodRx
    Several companies advertise coupon and discount programs, but I’ve found that GoodRx consistently offers coupons at various pharmacies in the area that will help lower your prescription expenses. If you don’t have a Part D plan at all, I absolutely would try entering some of your medications into the GoodRx search to see if you can find a better price than what you’re paying. If you do have a drug plan, give it a shot anyway. You may find that the prices with a GoodRx coupon are lower than the copay you’d pay with your insurance. I mean, even Dr. Oz is a fan. If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, BlinkRx is another reputable site offering prescription coupons.

  3. Switch to a Generic Alternative
    Several new generic prescriptions are now available, and can dramatically lower your copays. If you’re currently taking a brand drug and are curious to know if a generic is available yet, call (509) 670-2566 and I’d be happy to look for you.

  4. Apply for Extra Help
    If you meet certain income requirements, you may qualify for Extra Help on your prescription coverage. For more information on income limits and where to apply, visit: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/save-on-drug-costs/save-on-drug-costs.html

If you’re curious to know if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, or if you’d like help finding out if there’s a way to pay less for one of your medications, call Jake (509) 670-2566 for no-cost help today!

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We’ve reached the point in the year when, unless you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, you cannot change your Medicare prescription drug plan.

With that said, sometimes you add prescriptions during the year, or you may find that your Part D plan doesn’t cover one of your current prescriptions. Here are four ways to keep more money in your pocket at the pharmacy.

  1. Try a Similar Prescription If your doctor prescribes a medication that your insurance is not covering, you can call your agent to see if there’s a similar drug covered by your Part D plan available for a lower copay. Every Medicare Part D plan is required to cover at least two drugs in every therapeutic class, so if your medication is not covered, you may find a similar prescription that your plan does cover.

  2. GoodRx:
    Several companies advertise coupon and discount programs, but I’ve found that GoodRx consistently offers coupons at various pharmacies in the area that will help lower your prescription expenses. If you don’t have a Part D plan at all, I absolutely would try entering some of your medications into the GoodRx search to see if you can find a better price than what you’re paying. If you do have a drug plan, give it a shot anyway. You may find that the prices with a GoodRx coupon are lower than the copay you’d pay with your insurance. I mean, even Dr. Oz is a fan. If you don’t find what you’re looking for there, BlinkRx is another reputable site offering prescription coupons.

  3.  

  4. Switch to a Generic Alternative: Several new generic prescriptions are now available, and can dramatically lower your copays. If you’re currently taking a brand drug and are curious to know if a generic is available yet, call (509) 670-2566 and I’d be happy to look for you. 

     

  5. Apply for Extra Help. If you meet certain income requirements, you may qualify for Extra Help on your prescription coverage. For more information on income limits and where to apply, visit: https://www.medicare.gov/your-medicare-costs/help-paying-costs/save-on-drug-costs/save-on-drug-costs.html

 

If you’re curious to know if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, or if you’d like help finding out if there’s a way to pay less for one of your medications, call (509) 670-2566 no-cost help today!

Are You Getting the Full Value Out of Your Medicare Plan?

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A new study from the West Health Institute/NORC at the University of Chicago found that because of high healthcare costs, "44% Americans didn’t go see a physician last year when they were sick or injured”. I would guess that for many of the people surveyed, those high healthcare costs were perceived costs, as a result of not understanding their insurance.

As a reminder, if you ever have questions about medical costs with your health insurance, please call me to set up a time so I can help you understand how your plan works for you. If you don’t understand your coverage, you’re not getting the full value from your plan.

Call (509) 670-2566 or feel free to share with a friend who could benefit from no-cost help understanding Medicare coverage!

Health Insurance Deadlines for 2017

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Coverage effective January 1, 2017 | Enroll by December 23, 2016

Coverage effective February 1, 2017 | Enroll by January 23, 2017

For help finding health insurance for you or your family, call (509) 670-2566 or visit J. MacArthur Insurance Services at 25 N. Wenatchee Avenue, Suite 208, Wenatchee, WA 98801

To request help through the Washington Healthplanfinder, search "J. MacArthur" and zip "98801".