What’s New in Medicare for 2025? Costs, Coverage, and Key Changes

Understanding Medicare changes is essential for Hawaii residents to plan their healthcare in the upcoming year. Here’s a breakdown of what’s new in Medicare for 2025 to help you stay informed and prepared.

Medicare Part A Updates

• Premiums:
  • Free if you’ve worked 10+ years.
  • $285/month (7.5–10 years worked).
  • $518/month (less than 7.5 years worked).
• Hospital Deductible: $1,676 per benefit period.
• Coinsurance:
  • $0 for the first 60 days of inpatient care.
  • $419/day for days 61–90.
  • $838/day for lifetime reserve days after 90 days.

Medicare Part B Updates

• Standard Premium: $185/month for most individuals.
• Deductible: $257/year.
• Coinsurance: 20% for most services.

Medicare Part D Updates

• Out-of-Pocket Cap: $2,000/year.
• Premiums: National average of $37/month for basic coverage.
• Deductible: $590/year.

With the new out-of-pocket cap in 2025, you won’t owe more than $2,000 annually for covered prescription drugs. Additionally, the Medicare Prescription Payment Plan (MPPP) allows you to spread these costs throughout the year, helping you better manage your monthly expenses.

Enrollment Periods to Note

• Medicare Advantage Open Enrollment (January 1 – March 31):
  • Switch plans or move to Original Medicare.
  • Changes take effect the following month.
• Special Enrollment Periods (SEP):
  • Available if you qualify due to specific circumstances, such as Medicaid eligibility or moving out of your plan’s service area.

Hawaii-Specific Medicare Assistance

Hawaii residents have access to personalized Medicare counseling and support through the Hawaii State Health Insurance Assistance Program (Hawaii SHIP).

Hawaii SHIP offers free, unbiased guidance for Medicare-related questions, including changes for 2025, enrollment periods, and cost management strategies. Contact Hawaii SHIP for assistance:

• Website: hawaiiship.org
• Helpline: 808-586-7299
• Toll-Free: 1-888-875-9229

For more detailed guidance, download the full Medicare Minute for January 2025: January-2025-Medicare-Minute-Blog-Whats-New-English.pdf.

Stay informed and take advantage of these updates to make the best decisions for your health and financial well-being in 2025, with Hawaii SHIP by your side!