As we wrote a few weeks ago, there are loads of changes coming to Medicare Part D next year. Changes to your plan’s deductible and monthly premium can impact your wallet, for better or for worse! We’ve analyzed the plans from 2013 and 2014 and identified those with notable changes to their deductibles and premiums.
Keep in mind that there may be other important changes to a plan, such as those to its formulary or cost sharing structure. For example, the deductible for Blue MedicareRx Value plan double in 2014, and it is also losing about 700 drugs from its formulary. On the other hand, this plan and others might see increases in deductibles or premiums correspond with lower co-pays or better donut hole coverage, which could save you a lot of money.
The tables below show you examples of plans with large changes, and aren’t meant to be comprehensive. To view more plan options, and read reviews and ratings by members, head over to MedicareDrugPlans.com.
Notable Decreases in Plan Deductibles
| Plan Name | States | 2013 Deductible | 2014 Deductible | Dollar Change | % Change |
|
Express Scripts Medicare – Choice (PDP)
|
Many States | $200 | 0 | -$200 | -100% |
| Health Alliance Medicare Prescription Plan – Enhcd (PDP) | Illinois | $325 | 0 | -$325 | -100% |
| United American – Enhanced (PDP) | Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, | $40 | $20 | -$20 | -50% |
Notable Increases in Deductible
| Plan Name | States | 2013 Deductible | 2014 Deductible | Dollar Change | % Change |
| Blue MedicareRx Value (PDP) | Arizona | $150 | $310 | $160 | 107 % |
| Prescription Blue Option A (PDP) | Michigan | $125 | $195 | $70 | 56% |
| Blue Rx Plus (PDP) | Pennsylvania, West Virginia | $250 | $310 | $60 | 24% |
Notable Decreases in Monthly Premiums
| Plan Name | States | 2013 Premium | 2014 Premium | Dollar Change | % Change |
| WellCare Classic (PDP) | Mississippi | $36.60 | $17.30 | -$19.30 | -53% |
| Aetna Medicare Rx Essentials (PDP) | Oregon, Washington | $72.90 | $35.20 | -$37.70 | -52% |
| Express Scripts Medicare – Choice (PDP) | Iowa, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota | $102.70 | $70.60 | -$32.10 | -31% |
Notable Increases in Monthly Premiums
| Plan Name | States | 2013 Premium | 2014 Premium | Dollar Change | % Change |
| Aetna CVS/pharmacy Prescription Drug Plan (PDP) | Florida | $32.50 | $75.00 | $42.50 | 131% |
| AARP MedicareRx Saver Plus (PDP) | Oregon, Washington | $15 | $29.50 | $14.50 | 97% |
| First Health Part D Value Plus (PDP) | Colorado | $32.30 | $58.40 | $26.10 | 81% |
Once again, you need to shop around and do your research to get the best plan. Check out some reviews and ratings at MedicareDrugPlans.com – and rate your current plan to help others – then head over to the government’s site www.medicare.gov to compare plan formularies, and choose a plan that covers the medications you take.
