Kyla Sanders: Review your Medicare needs, potential 2025 coverage

We have reached more than the half way point in Medicare part D Open Enrollment. What does that mean for you? Well if you have not reviewed your part D needs you should…and soon. Open enrollment closes on Dec. 7.

During open enrollment persons with Medicare part D or an Advantage plan are encouraged to review their needs and policies. Every year policy coverage and costs change, a review will inform you of the exact impact of those changes for you. Reviews are pretty straight forward. You will need a list of your medications and your current part D coverage. Medicare provides an online system for comparing your coverage options for the coming year. Another great option is to schedule a free review with your local SHIP (state health insurance program) representative. SHIP reps receive annual training and certification through the North Dakota SHIP office. They provide knowledgeable and unbiased information regarding your Medicare coverage.

Changes for 2025 Medicare are numerous. As part of the Inflation Reduction Act some meds will be provided at a lower cost to the consumer. Another change is an option to make monthly payments for medications to your insurance company versus paying up front at the pharmacy. In the event that your out of pocket expense is increased at the beginning of the year you can apply to be part of a payment plan to your insurer. If approved the insurer will then pay the pharmacy up front. The amount paid by the consumer is the exact same with either option. The monthly payment and the destination of the check are the only differences with the payment plan. The "donut hole" or coverage gap has been disposed of in 2025. The standard deductible will replace the ever confusing donut hole. All of these changes will directly impact you if you are covered by a Medicare plan.

It is expected that North Dakota will be comprised of 45% traditional Medicare and 55% Advantage plans in 2025. Advantage plans and part D plans are specific to each county. The number of options changes form county to county in North Dakota. Some rural counties have as few as 5 plans to pick from. Every year insurance companies contract for the coming year. Reviewing your coverage is the only way to know if the new contract will be a benefit to you.

If you are in western Morton county give Kyla at Aging in Community a call at 348-9907 to set up a time to review your Medicare needs and potential coverage for 2025. You can also contact the SHIP department directly at 328-2310. Both options provide free individual, unbiased reviews of your Medicare needs.

Upcoming NDSU Extension events

Call 701-667-3342 for help gaining access to virtual events or visit www.ag.ndsu.edu/mortoncountyextension for more information.

Nov. 20 and Dec. 4 from 12-1 p.m. - Parent and Family Education webinar on Power of Play. CEU credits available for counselors, social workers, and occupational therapists