DEPEW, N.Y. — Joe Diliberto, 82, is enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan and like many beneficiaries, recently went to review his coverage at Independent Health for 2025.

Coverage, that after his co-pay, defrays the cost of his medical expenses.

"With doctor visits, with prescriptions, with procedures that are performed on me. I have a lot of testing that's done on me. Blood tests, X-rays, CAT scans," Diliberto said.

What You Need To Know

  • Open enrollment for Medicare Advantage Plans begins Oct. 15

  • Enrollment ends Dec. 7

  • There are a number of changes for next year thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act

"The big message is just, there's changes. How you pay for your prescriptions in 2024 may be different from how you pay for them next year," said Cathy Aquino, vice president of Medicare for Independent Health.

Recent federal changes, namely the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022, have phased in key changes to Medicare Advantage programs and a new cap on Part D prescription drug cost-sharing.

"Really kind of changing the landscape how people need to understand how their prescription drugs are going to be covered," said Aquino.

Once a member spends $2,000 out of pocket, their Medicare plans will be required to pick up any additional costs, as well as offer a payment plan for high-cost medications.

"This is a great help for our Medicare beneficiaries. The cap was at $8,000 and now it's being moved down to $2,000, so that's a really great win for our Medicare members," said Aquino.

Not only are companies now reviewing their plans, and increasing their premiums, but they've also sent out information to their members, encouraging them to make an appointment.

"Because everybody's got different needs, so you want to make sure that they're actually reviewing what you're needs are going to be for next year," said Aquino.

Which will help beneficiaries like Diliberto decide how to navigate through the enrollment period for next year.

"I'm very, very relieved. You look and see if the plan is getting bad and you need a different plan or if it's just as good or even better," said Diliberto.

He also encourages Medicare beneficiaries to meet with their plan provider. 

"They simplify things and they tell you if they think that this is appropriate for you," said Diliberto.

The open enrollment period ends Dec 7. After Dec. 7, a Medicare beneficiary is generally locked in to that plan for the entire year, yet there is another plan adjustment period in February through the end of March.

For more information about Independent Health’s 2025 Medicare Advantage plans, please visit IndependentHealth.com/Medicare.