Each year, there are changes to the Part D Prescription Drug Coverage of Medicare. We won't have visibility to the actual Part D Plans until October 1, but there are some structural changes that occur each year with Part D. Key updates for 2022 are below.
Annual Deductible The government sets a maximum deductible amount for the Part D Plans. In 2021, the maximum deductible was $445. In 2021, this is increasing $35 to $480. On most of the Part D Plans, the deductible only applies to higher tiered drugs (e.g. Tiers 3, 4, 5). Also, some Part D Plans have a $0 deductible, or other amounts lower than the maximum deductible. Initial Coverage Level The Initial Coverage Level will increase $300 from $4,130 in 2021 to $4,430 in 2022. This amount is based on the Retail Cost of the Medication for the year (Calendar Year). Most people (about 85%) do not exceed the Initial Coverage Level and thus continue to pay their Copay/Coinsurance amount for the entire year. However, for the people that have very expensive medications that exceed the Initial Coverage Level, they will reach the Part D Coverage Gap, aka Donut Hole where they have to pay 25% the cost of their medications. The increase of $300 to the Initial Coverage level will have a minimal impact on Drug Costs in 2022. Basically, for those 15% of people with expensive medications, there will be a slight delay to reaching the Part D Donut Hole which could save someone ~$20-$40 for the year. True Out of Pocket Limit (Tro-oP) The True Out of Pocket limit will increase $500 from $6,550 in 2021 to $7,050 in 2022. The Tro-Op is used to determine when someone exits the Part D Coverage Gap, aka Donut Hole, and moves into Catastrophic Coverage where they only have to pay 5% the cost of their medications. The increase of $500 in the Tro-oP only effects about 5% of people (those that would reach Catastrophic Coverage), and it creates a slight delay for when they will reach Catastrophic coverage. The net impact to this individual is likely about $100 cost increase for the year. Click the video below for a more detailed explanation of these changes, including a detailed example for someone who reaches the Part D Donut Hole.
4 Comments
7/27/2021 03:55:51 pm
Senior Advisors, Justin Lubenow, does a great job explaining the donut hole. I have dealt with the Lubenow company for many years and found them to be very efficient and kind!
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Justin Lubenow
10/14/2021 09:09:20 am
Thanks Maurice. We appreciate the kind note!
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8/5/2021 01:06:19 pm
This is by far the best explanation I have seen. Thank you!
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Justin Lubenow
8/5/2021 01:16:29 pm
Thx Lisa. We appreciate the feedback!
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