Prepare for Medicare Changes in 2025 

The Medicare Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) is open now through December 7, 2024. The Sourcewise Health Insurance Counseling & Advocacy Program (HICAP) offers services by appointment over the phone and by video conference. In person appointments are also now available at Sourcewise offices and at select community centers and libraries.  

Each year, drug and managed health plans may change premiums, benefits, and out-of-pocket costs (such as deductibles and copayments/coinsurance) for the upcoming year as described in your September “Annual Notice of Change”.   

The AEP allows existing Medicare recipients to review their previous Medicare selections and adjust as needed: 

• Change, enroll in, or drop a Medicare Part D prescription drug plan (PDP). 

• Enroll in or change a Medicare Advantage (MA) Part C HMO or PPO plan for its extra benefits and managed network.  

• Leave the managed Medicare system of MA Part C and instead use Original Medicare, a PDP, and Medigap for greater physician, provider, or facility flexibility. 

HICAP counselors can help you review changes, identify options, and plan your Medicare coverage to meet your needs for 2025. HICAP will host AEP presentations called, “Medicare’s 2024 Annual Enrollment Period and Updates for 2025” via Zoom and at various community organizations throughout the county.  

To prepare for an appointment, create a Medicare.gov account. You can then view your Medicare history, including a list of recently filled prescriptions.  

Save money on Medicare Part D drug costs through the Low-Income Subsidy program (also called “Extra Help”). To qualify for partial Extra Help, monthly income must be less than $1,883 for singles and $2,555 for couples. Or apply for MediCal, which includes Extra Help for Medicare recipients and has effectively similar income limits. 

Sourcewise HICAP counseling is free, unbiased, and available to  Santa Clara County residents. To attend a presentation, visit the Sourcewise website at mysourcewise.com/calendar. To schedule a one-on-one HICAP counseling session, visit our Medicare Counseling Appointments webpage or call (408) 350-3200, option 1 to speak with a Community Resource Specialist. 

This article was supported by the Administration for Community Living (ACL), U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $422,078 with 100 percent funding by ACL/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by ACL/HHS, or the U.S. Government.