Medicare 2025 Guide: Tips for Buying Medicare Advantage Plans

The shopping season for Medicare coverage is about to begin. With this comes the annual onslaught of TV ads and choices to consider.

People eligible for the federal government’s Medicare program will have from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7 to enroll in 2025 Medicare Advantage plans, which are private versions of the program. They can also add a prescription drug plan to their traditional Medicare coverage.

Many people on Medicare Advantage plans will likely have to find new coverage as major insurers cut costs and withdraw from the markets. Industry experts also predict some price increases for Medicare prescription drug plans.

Buyers typically have dozens of options during this sign-up period. Here are some things to consider.

Don’t delay purchasing Medicare coverage

Start thinking about next year’s coverage before the annual enrollment period begins. Insurers often preview their offerings or inform customers of any major changes. This makes it important to read anything that arrives in the mail from your insurance company.

Insurance agents say many people wait until after Thanksgiving to decide on coverage plans for the new year. That could be a mistake this year: The holiday falls on November 28, leaving just over a week to decide before the registration period closes.

Look beyond the prize

Many Medicare Advantage plans promote a $0 premium. This may seem attractive, but price is just one variable to consider.

Buyers should check whether their doctors are part of the plan’s coverage network and how prescriptions would be covered. They should also know the maximum plan amount they would have to pay if a serious health problem arises.

The plans offer many supplemental benefits, including help paying food or utility bills. Don’t let this distract from understanding basic coverage, said Danielle Roberts, co-founder of Fort Worth, Texas-based insurance agency Boomer Benefits.

“Remember, we buy health insurance for the big things, not the superfluous things,” she said.

How to get help purchasing plans

The federal government operates a plan finder that allows people to compare options. The State Health Insurance Assistance Program may be another resource. Insurance brokers or agents also guide clients through research.

Sometimes a plan’s coverage doesn’t work as expected. If that happens, there will be another sign-up window in the first three months of each year where some buyers will be able to make a change.

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The Associated Press Health and Science Department receives support from the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s Science and Educational Media Group. AP is solely responsible for all content.