I wanted to mention for those who are interested that the SS COLA was announced this morning to be 2.8% for 2026. Not really needing a discussion, just offering the information. Chris
These drug plans are all over the map. Last year UHC $0 deductible went to $91.30 per month each for me and my wife. Changed to Wellcare, last year $0 per month deductible $590. Overall savings over $1000 each. Next year 2026 Wellcare is at $9.60 per month each. As others have indicated, we all need to check these companies, every year. Listen to this scenario: 60 pills Augmentin at Walgreens $81.41, at BJH Hospital Pharmacy $19.53, exact same drug with insurance. I later found out Walgreens could have used GoodRX and with no insurance price about $20. Companies play games with drugs, that only cost us the consumer. Always be aware even if you have Part D and drug insurance. We need to fix this, as I believe it is out of hand.
Check out costplusdrugs. I’m moving my prescriptions there. Lower cost than even goodrx. The company’s goal is transparency and lowering cost by removing middlemen (pharmacy benefit managers etc.)
I include evaluation of drug prices at Costco and GoodRx when evaluating which Medicare Plan D to choose. Costco or GoodRx prices are sometimes lower than my Plan D prices. It’s a bit of work to do this and it is unfortunate that prices are so varied via different insurance sources adding so much complexity.
My Part D premium is going down from $17 to $6 per month in 2026 (Wellcare). I used to have Silverscript (2024), but it’s well above $100 in my area. I don’t understand how it can be so different.
I don’t know if it’s of any interest to you all, I noticed an email in my inbox this morning. Fritz Gilbert of the Retirement Manifesto web site was doing some webcast about the topic you’re talking about.
These drug plans are all over the map. Last year UHC $0 deductible went to $91.30 per month each for me and my wife. Changed to Wellcare, last year $0 per month deductible $590. Overall savings over $1000 each. Next year 2026 Wellcare is at $9.60 per month each. As others have indicated, we all need to check these companies, every year. Listen to this scenario: 60 pills Augmentin at Walgreens $81.41, at BJH Hospital Pharmacy $19.53, exact same drug with insurance. I later found out Walgreens could have used GoodRX and with no insurance price about $20. Companies play games with drugs, that only cost us the consumer. Always be aware even if you have Part D and drug insurance. We need to fix this, as I believe it is out of hand.
Check out costplusdrugs. I’m moving my prescriptions there. Lower cost than even goodrx. The company’s goal is transparency and lowering cost by removing middlemen (pharmacy benefit managers etc.)
I include evaluation of drug prices at Costco and GoodRx when evaluating which Medicare Plan D to choose. Costco or GoodRx prices are sometimes lower than my Plan D prices. It’s a bit of work to do this and it is unfortunate that prices are so varied via different insurance sources adding so much complexity.
My Part D premium is going down from $17 to $6 per month in 2026 (Wellcare). I used to have Silverscript (2024), but it’s well above $100 in my area. I don’t understand how it can be so different.
I don’t know if it’s of any interest to you all, I noticed an email in my inbox this morning. Fritz Gilbert of the Retirement Manifesto web site was doing some webcast about the topic you’re talking about.