Senior News Line: Medicare for 2025

Have you made your Medicare decisions yet for 2025? The period for open enrollment runs from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and by now you should have received your 2025 handbook “Medicare & You” if you’re already signed up.

Between Oct. 15 and Dec. 7 you can make any changes to your existing plans, such as a different Part D drug plan or a new Medicare Advantage plan.

Some things to keep in mind about Medicare:

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan and make changes, they will take effect on Jan. 1.

• If you have a Medicare Advantage plan, you cannot also have a supplemental plan. Deciding between the original Medicare, an Advantage plan and a supplemental can be one of the toughest decisions about being on Medicare, and your answer will be determined by your own health status and your expectations about the coming year.

• Advantage plans can give you lots of benefits you won’t get from original Medicare, such as vision and dental — but a supplemental plan will help with medical costs and pick up what Medicare doesn’t. An Advantage plan will cover everything original Medicare covers, but each plan is different and you’ll be limited to a network.

• Supplemental plans also vary, but often pick up the 20% of the costs that original Medicare doesn’t, as well as the co-pays or deductibles, and you can choose your own doctor. A plan might cost you several hundred dollars per month, and you’re required to have original Medicare, as well.

Confused? You’re not alone. If you need help deciding between the original Medicare, a Medicare Advantage plan or a supplemental plan with original Medicare, do your homework and consider asking for advice.

You can call Medicare at 800-633-4227, or you can call the State Health Insurance Assistance Program — learn more at www.shiphelp.org — in your area.