In 2025 the Premium for Medicare Part B is now $185 per month. That is an increase of $10.30 from 2024. Medicare Supplement premiums go up every year. Medicare Advantage benefits have decreased. Prescription Drug Plan premiums have increased, and deductibles have increased dramatically.
Here are a few ways to save money on Medicare costs.
Medicare Savings Programs
Here’s the link to the details: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/medicare-savings-programs
All of the Medicare Savings Programs will cover the cost of your Part B premium ($185 per month) and will automatically qualify you for the Extra Help program.
Extra Help
This program helps with costs of medication and Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) premiums. If you qualify for Extra Help, you will usually pay $0 for your PDP premium. You will have a $0 deductible. Your generic meds will cost up to $4.90, and your brand name drugs will cost up to $12.15.
To qualify you must meet income and resource guidelines. These are the 2024 guidelines as the 2025 guidelines have not been released.
Here’s the link for the information on Medicare.gov: https://www.medicare.gov/basics/costs/help/drug-costs
What counts in resource limits?
States don’t count:
Medicare Advantage Plans
Medicare Advantage Plans are a plan where you “pay as you use the services” plan. There are typically no premiums for these plans, but there is often a Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) deductible for the PDP that is included in the plan. It may be that a Medicare Advantage Plan will fit your circumstances best.
You can get more information on these programs at Medicare.gov.
This article is for information only and should not be considered a recommendation. Talk with a licensed Health Insurance Professional about your specific circumstances. For more information you can go to The Texas Department of Insurance.
