Each year, Medicare’s open enrollment happens October 15th-December 7th. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CSM), more than 67 million Americans are enrolled in Medicare, between traditional Medicare and Medicare advantage. This year may be harder for many seniors choosing a plan. A few of the biggest changes to take effect in 2025 are highlighted below.
For the first time, out-of-pocket covered prescription drug costs will be capped annually at $2,000 on Part D plans. The $2,000 cap does not include premiums. More than 80% of traditional Medicare participants buy a Part D plan. According to AARP, the cap will have a ripple effect on Part D and Medicare Advantage plans’ other prices and coverage, making it especially important to review options offered this year. The AARP estimates about 3.2 million Americans with a Part D drug plan will reach the cap in 2025. This can be a positive change for them.
There will not be a coverage gap for Part D plans. In 2025, Part D plans can have a deductible up to $590. Then co-payments for your medications kick in until your total out-of-pocket reaches $2,000.
People with expensive drug costs tend to pay a lot at the first of the year. The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan will allow participants the option to pay their prescription costs monthly rather than all at once. This does not reduce the total cost, but it can be beneficial to plan for budgeting in smaller increments.
There may be a large inconsistency in premiums, copayments and covered drugs during open enrollment. The AARP advises an individual to look at the annual notice of changes that your plan must send in September outlining changes to your plan for 2025. An individual can compare coverage and costs for all the plans in their area using the Medicare Plan Finder and choose a 2025 plan during open enrollment now through Dec. 7th. You can get help for free from your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). For more information visit https://www.aarp.org/health/medicare-insurance/info-2024/medicare-changes-coming-in-2025/.
Spaghetti Pie
This spaghetti pie recipe pulls together all of the best aspects of this Italian classic – pasta – cheese, meat sauce, and more cheese!
Topping Ingredient
1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
Spaghetti Crust
6 oz spaghetti
2 tablespoons butter
2 eggs
½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Cheese Layer
1-2 cups cottage cheese
2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or 2 teaspoons dried parsley
½ teaspoon dried basil or 1 tablespoon fresh
Meat Sauce
1 lb. lean ground beef
½ small onion diced
1 cup pasta sauce
1 cup tomato paste
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
2. Cook spaghetti and drain. Toss with butter. Stir in eggs and parmesan cheese.
3. Place spaghetti in a greased deep dish pie plate. Press to form a crust.
4. Combine cottage cheese, parsley, and basil. Spread mixture over spaghetti crust. Set aside.
5. Brown beef and onion until no pink remains. Drain any fat. Add tomato paste and pasta sauce. Simmer 10 minutes or until thickened. Spread over cheese layer.
6. Bake 20-25 minutes. Top with mozzarella and bake an additional 5 minutes or until cheese is melted. Cool 10 minutes before serving.
Submitted by: Myra Fisher, Carthage FCE Club.
