Final numbers aren’t in yet, but based on past years, it’s likely as many as 15% of Medicare beneficiaries began 2025 with a new coverage plan, the result of changes selected during last fall’s open enrollment period. This is in addition to the record 24 million consumers who signed up for Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplace plans, and the untold number of employees affected by changes to the coverage offered through their workplaces. Together, these plan changes affect millions of patients, and coincide with price increases that took effect on January 1 on more than 250 branded medications.  

For the nation’s pharmacists who will help patients navigate their new plans, this could mean a significant uptick in questions about coverage, costs, and alternatives. Fueling this expected increase in patient queries are other factors, including core changes to Medicare Part D that will affect all beneficiaries, namely a $2,000 cap on out-of-pocket costs and new payment plan options. Read More >