Medicare 2025 Discussion

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KOPBET

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My part D plan with Blue Cross is going from $24.80 to $59.80, so I'm looking at the medicare website: there is a Wellcare Value Script plan for $0 monthly premium. Yep: $0
I'm searching to find out why it's zero dollars, haven't found anything bad yet, just that Wellcare is basically a good company.
I've tried the online plan comparison and I don't see any big differences.
Any thoughts? Hard to pass up $0 premium. I don't take any prescriptions at this time.

Edit: just found this on https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=438783;
"What allowed WellCare to do this was the total elimination by WellCare of commissions for brokers in 2025 (for both new policies and existing policies) and the implementation of the newly-created $5-$8 billion Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program by CMS (Google it and then click on “News”).

Since you don't have any scripts at this time it may be a good fit. For those with higher tier drug scripts, not so much perhaps. Mine would be nearly $2000 per year with a $590 deductible.
 

SKATA

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My part D plan with Blue Cross is going from $24.80 to $59.80, so I'm looking at the medicare website: there is a Wellcare Value Script plan for $0 monthly premium. Yep: $0
I'm searching to find out why it's zero dollars, haven't found anything bad yet, just that Wellcare is basically a good company.
I've tried the online plan comparison and I don't see any big differences.
Any thoughts? Hard to pass up $0 premium. I don't take any prescriptions at this time.

Edit: just found this on https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=438783;
"What allowed WellCare to do this was the total elimination by WellCare of commissions for brokers in 2025 (for both new policies and existing policies) and the implementation of the newly-created $5-$8 billion Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program by CMS (Google it and then click on “News”).
I have the same numbers as you. (FYI I started this tread). Wellcare is trying to monopolize the whole market and push everyone out.
BCBA Basic might be my next choice based on only a couple generic drugs.
 
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JD8

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My part D plan with Blue Cross is going from $24.80 to $59.80, so I'm looking at the medicare website: there is a Wellcare Value Script plan for $0 monthly premium. Yep: $0
I'm searching to find out why it's zero dollars, haven't found anything bad yet, just that Wellcare is basically a good company.
I've tried the online plan comparison and I don't see any big differences.
Any thoughts? Hard to pass up $0 premium. I don't take any prescriptions at this time.

Edit: just found this on https://www.bogleheads.org/forum/viewtopic.php?t=438783;
"What allowed WellCare to do this was the total elimination by WellCare of commissions for brokers in 2025 (for both new policies and existing policies) and the implementation of the newly-created $5-$8 billion Premium Stabilization Demonstration Program by CMS (Google it and then click on “News”).

So if you have no formulary then it's likely a good choice. If you had a formulary then you could see if you would fall into a "donut hole" but those are closing in 2025.
 

Snattlerake

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ALSO

There is a penalty for not choosing a Part D plan in time.

The penalty for not choosing a Medicare Part D plan is called the Part D late enrollment penalty (LEP). The penalty is calculated by multiplying 1% of the national base beneficiary premium by the number of months you were eligible for Part D but didn't enroll. The penalty is rounded to the nearest 10 cents and added to your monthly Part D premium.


In 2024, the national base beneficiary premium is $34.70, so the penalty is $4.90 per month. The penalty amount may increase each year as the national base beneficiary premium changes.


You may be able to avoid the penalty in some circumstances, including:

  • If you receive Extra Help, the penalty will be permanently removed
  • If you are under 65 and have Medicare, the penalty will end when you turn 65
  • If you qualify for a state pharmaceutical assistance program (SPAP), it may pay your penalty

The penalty is intended to encourage Medicare beneficiaries to have adequate drug coverage. You may need to pay the penalty for as long as you have Medicare.
 

Snattlerake

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Centerwell is the former Humana Pharmacy.

They have a finance program when you call this number for specialty Rx.

Finance Department team for that concern at 1-888-893-6905.

See this thread for another method of payment for drugs




it is best to apply at the beginning of the year.

This is a grant

 

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