BUCKHANNON – Medicare is a mess, and this year it’s even more messed up with the closure of the donut hole.
Fortunately, local independent insurance agent Jeff Barnhart is here to simplify the process during Medicare Open Enrollment for 2025 Coverage. This period begins on October 15th and ends on December 7th, 2024.
“It can be overwhelming, but we’re here to make it simple,” Barnhart said.
Barnhart, owner of Barnhart Financial Services, specializes in helping clients pinpoint the plan that best fits their needs. That’s especially essential this year as the Medicare “donut hole” closes.
“Every senior needs to know about this,” Barnhart said. “It’s very important that you take the time to review your plan because so many things have changed. This is your one-time chance to enroll in a plan for 2025, and the Inflation Control Act and it’s Medicare Prescription Drug It’s important that we do it this year because of the impact it will have on our plans.”
The biggest change that will affect many people is the closing of the “donut hole” in Medicare Part D prescription drug plans. Previously, under Part D, a donut hole, or coverage gap, meant there were temporary limitations on what a patient’s drug plan could cover.
However, under the Inflation Control Act, this gap will expire on December 31, 2024.
“Previously, the maximum out-of-pocket amount paid for prescription drugs in a calendar year was $8,000, but now that the donut hole has been removed, the maximum out-of-pocket amount is $2,000 per person.” Byrne Mr. Hart explained. “Now that the donut hole has been removed, once you hit your $2,000 out-of-pocket limit, you automatically go into catastrophic insurance and won’t pay for your medications at all. But there’s no easy math. That’s the key. is. “
Closing this coverage gap could impact which plan is best for adults age 65 and older. That’s why your best bet is to work with an agent like Barnhart who specializes in Medicare.
“The out-of-pocket maximum is $2,000, but that’s not a simple calculation,” he says. “So they should really consider talking to their Medicare agency so they can know how their drug plans will be affected by the Inflation Control Act in 2025. ”
Additionally, other important changes include a new option to sign up for monthly payments for prescription drugs. This allows patients to pay directly to their insurance company at the time of pickup, rather than to the pharmacy. The cap on insulin is also $35 per month.
Barnhart is a client-focused independent agent who simplifies complex issues to help clients choose the plan that best fits their needs.
His insurance companies include Aetna, Peak, Highmark, United Healthcare—AARP, Mutual of Omaha, Cigna, Humana, and Manhattan Life, all affiliated with Medicare.
To reserve your spot with Jeff, call 304-459-2141. He also works at the CVS Pharmacy most weekdays and several Saturdays through Dec. 7 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
“The best thing to do is call me and make an appointment,” he said.
Barnhart Financial Services will also be offering free Medicare workshops in Upshur County for two days at the following dates and times throughout the SureStayPlus Hotel, 2 Northridge Road in Buckhannon.
October 28th 11:00am – 12:30pm October 28th 1:00pm – 2:30pm November 19th 11:00am – 12:30pm November 19th 1:00pm – 2:00pm half an hour
“The registration period is short, seven weeks, and it goes by quickly, so we want everyone to be ready,” Barnhart said.
Call 304-365-2362 or 304-459-2141 to make an appointment or sign up for a free Medicare workshop. Email Jeff at jbarnhartinsure@aol.com or follow Barnhart Financial Services on Facebook to learn more about Medicare health plans and Jeff’s availability during this year’s enrollment period.
