Medicare 2025: Costs, Parts, and Enrollment Periods Explained
Medicare, the government-funded health insurance program for Americans aged 65 and older, offers various parts to cover healthcare services. Medicare Advantage (Part C) plans may charge additional costs such as monthly premiums, deductibles, and copayments, with an average monthly premium of around $17.00 in 2025.
Medicare consists of multiple parts: Part A covers hospital insurance, Part B covers medical insurance, Part C offers Medicare Advantage plans, Part D provides prescription drug coverage, and Medigap offers supplemental insurance. Medicare covers services including doctor visits, hospitalization, and medications.
Most people become eligible for Medicare 3 months before their 65th birthday, with exceptions for certain disabilities, ALS, or ESRD. Medicare Part A costs in 2025 include a premium of up to $518 per month, a deductible of $1,676 per benefit period, and coinsurance ranging from $0 to full cost of services. Medicare Part B costs include a premium starting at $185 per month, a deductible of $257 per year, and coinsurance of 20% of the Medicare-approved amount for covered services. Medicare Part D prescription drug plans have a national base beneficiary premium of $36.78 in 2025, with varying copayment amounts based on drug tiers.
Medicare enrollment periods include initial enrollment (3 months before to 3 months after turning 65), general enrollment (January 1 to March 31), special enrollment, Medigap enrollment, and Medicare Part D enrollment. Costs vary by plan and include premiums, deductibles, and coinsurance for each part. Understanding these costs and enrollment periods helps individuals make informed decisions about their healthcare coverage.
