PORTLAND, Ore. — The Medicare open enrollment period is officially underway and runs through December 7, 2025, giving seniors time to review, compare, or change their health and drug coverage for the coming year.
Open enrollment allows people 65 and older to sign up for Medicare or switch between Original Medicare and Medicare Advantage plans. It’s also an opportunity for current participants to adjust their coverage to better fit their medical and financial needs.
This year brings a major change in how prescription drugs are covered under Medicare. Thanks to the Inflation Reduction Act, a new annual cap limits out-of-pocket spending on prescription drugs to $2,000 beginning in 2025.
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“The Inflation Reduction Act put in a cap of $2,000 annual, so that’s the most a senior would have to pay,” explained Michael Reeves, director of Medicare sales for Regence BlueCross BlueShield of Oregon. “Previously, it was as high as $8,000.”
This change is expected to ease financial pressure on many seniors who rely on costly medications to manage chronic health conditions. However, Reeves noted that while prescription costs may go down, people could see changes elsewhere.
“Lower drug costs may lead to an increase in other areas like the medical side of benefits,” he said. That’s why experts recommend reviewing all aspects of a plan — not just the drug coverage — before making changes.
To make the process easier, both Regence and the official Medicare website (medicare.gov) offer online tools that allow individuals to compare plans side-by-side, review costs, and check which medications and providers are covered.
Regence has also launched a new service called the Access to Care Line, designed to help Medicare Advantage members schedule appointments and find doctors accepting new patients. In addition, the company is hosting informational events across Vancouver, Portland, and Eugene throughout November and December. These sessions will explain updates to Medicare Advantage plans and provide personalized assistance for those unsure about their options.
Reeves encouraged seniors and caregivers to take advantage of these opportunities. “The more people understand their plan, the better they can manage their health care costs and coverage throughout the year,” he said.
For anyone exploring their choices, resources are available through:
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Medicare.gov – for official plan comparisons and coverage tools.
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Regence.com/Medicare – for local plan details and the Access to Care Line.
As the December 7 deadline approaches, experts urge seniors to review their plans early to avoid last-minute stress and ensure they’re getting the most from their Medicare benefits in 2026.
