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Q1Group 2020 PDP Analysis: 2007 to 2020 stand-alone Medicare Part D premiums - The Highs and Lows

Category: Annual Medicare plan changes
Published: Sep, 22 2019 03:09:18
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Back in July 2019, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) projected that, based on the Medicare Part D plan (PDP and MAPD) provider bids, the average 2020 basic monthly Part D premium should be around $30 per month - a decrease of $2.50 from the 2019 projected average premium of $32.50.

And based on a preliminary analysis of only the 2020 stand-alone Part D plans, we found that the national average 2020 Medicare Part D premium (not considering plan enrollment) decreased from $47.21 in 2019 to $40.90 in 2020, supporting the CMS projection of the monthly Medicare Part D plan premiums decreasing over the past plan-year.

However, we also found that the national average monthly 2020 Medicare Part D premium, weighted by the number of people currently enrolled in each plan, will increase to $41.40 - a 6% increase over the 2019 weighted monthly premium of $39.13.

Important:  This means that many current members of 2019 Part D plans can expect to see significant increases in their 2020 Part D plan premiums - unless they consider moving to a lower-premium 2020 Part D plan.

You can read more about the average and average weighted national Medicare Part D premium in our article: "Q1Group 2020 PDP Analysis: 58% of Medicare Part D beneficiaries can expect higher monthly stand-alone 2020 Medicare Part D prescription drug plan premiums"

Please note, the average monthly premium in each state or Medicare region will vary from the national average and can be seen in PDP-Facts.com by clicking on your state.

Here are a few highlights of the lowest and highest monthly Medicare Part D premiums across the country.

  • The lowest-premium 2020 stand-alone Medicare Part D plans
California has the stand-alone 2020 Medicare Part D plan with the lowest monthly premium.  The Clear Spring Health Premier Rx (PDP) will offer a monthly premium of $12.80 for California residents.  Clear Spring will offer the same Part D plan in other states with premiums ranging up to $17.60 (in Oklahoma).  

In two other states (Arizona and Wisconsin), the WellCare Wellness Rx (PDP) will have the lowest monthly premium of $13.10.  WellCare will offer the same plan in other states with premiums ranging up to $15.70.

In all other states across the country, the new Humana Walmart Value Rx Plan (PDP) will have the lowest monthly premium of $13.20.

  • The lowest-premium 2020 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan - with a $0 deductible
The 2020 Medicare Part D plan with the lowest monthly premium - and a $0 initial deductible - is the Wisconsin Anthem MediBlue Rx Plus (PDP) plan, with a premium of $42.30 per month.

However, the 2020 SilverScript Plus (PDP) plan is the lowest-premium $0 deductible plan in many other states (premiums ranging from $56.70 in Arkansas to $101.40 in  New Jersey).

  • The 2020 stand-alone Medicare Part D plan with the highest-premium
The 2020 Medicare Part D plan with the highest monthly premium is the BlueCross Rx Plus (PDP) in South Carolina at $191.40, as compared to last-year's high premium, the 2019 Pennsylvania Blue Cross MedicareRx Plus (PDP) at $156 per month.

The all-time highest Medicare Part D premium was the 2018 Texas Blue Cross MedicareRx Plus (PDP) with a premium of $197.10 per month.

The chart below shows how the low and high Medicare Part D premiums have varied over the past years.

Medicare Part D premium range - highs and lows
For more information, please see our PDP-Facts.com/2020 for Medicare Part D premium highs and lows in your state.

Reminder!

The annual Open Enrollment Period (or Annual Election Period) for Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Part D drug plans begins on October 15 and continues through December 7.

Don't forget that your Medicare plan costs and coverage can change each year - so be sure to ensure that you have chosen the most economic healthcare coverage.

If you or another Medicare beneficiary needs assistance understanding how your 2019 Medicare plan is changing or to learn more about your 2020 Medicare plan coverage options, please call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227) and speak with a Medicare representative.


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