Think Medicare is free? Think again. Understanding what you’ll pay—and what you won’t—can help you plan smarter, avoid surprises, and protect your retirement savings.

The Problem

Many people assume Medicare will cover everything once they turn 65.
But then the bills show up:

“Why am I paying for Medicare at all?”
“Why are there still deductibles and copays?”
“What do I owe if I have surgery or a hospital stay?”

The truth? Medicare helps—but it doesn’t cover everything.

The Guide

At Mere, we help people across Jacksonville and Northeast Florida prepare for Medicare with clarity. No fluff. No surprises.
We’ll walk you through what’s covered, what’s not, and what’s changing in 2025.

The Plan: What You’ll Pay (and What You Won’t) in 2025

What’s Free (for Most People)

• Medicare Part A (Hospital Insurance):
  Free if you or your spouse paid Medicare taxes for 10+ years.

• Preventive Screenings:
  Annual wellness visits, mammograms, colonoscopies, and more are typically no cost.

What You’ll Pay in 2025

Part B (Medical Insurance):

• Monthly Premium: $185/month (projected for 2025)

• Deductible: $257/year

• Coinsurance: After your deductible, you pay 20% of Medicare-approved services (like doctor visits, outpatient care, etc.)

Higher-income earners may pay more due to IRMAA.

Part D (Prescription Drug Plans):

• Monthly Premium: Varies by plan (often $0–$100+)

• Deductibles & Copays: Depend on your prescriptions and plan tier

• Coverage Gap (Donut Hole): Shrinking each year, but still a factor

Medicare Advantage (Part C):

• Premiums: Some as low as $0/month

• You Pay: Copays for doctor visits, tests, hospital stays, etc.

• Out-of-Pocket Maximum: Capped at ~$8,300 in-network (2025)

Medicare Supplement (Medigap):

• Premiums: $100–$250/month (varies by plan and age)

• Pays Most or All: of your Part A and Part B out-of-pocket costs

• You Need to Add: A separate Part D drug plan

Original Medicare Has No Out-of-Pocket Maximum

If you don’t have a Supplement or Advantage Plan, there is no cap on what you could owe for medical care.

Real Story: Why Timing Matters

Elaine from Orange Park assumed Medicare would cover her hospital stay. After two ER visits and follow-up appointments, she faced thousands in bills.

She wanted a Supplement plan after the fact—but because of her recent hospital stays, she couldn’t qualify medically. Most Medigap plans require health underwriting if you apply outside of your guaranteed window.

We helped Elaine switch to an Advantage plan with a more predictable max-out-of-pocket, but she still wishes she had made the switch sooner.

The Success You Want

With the right plan and timing, you can:

• Keep more of your retirement savings

• Avoid surprise bills

• Choose a plan that matches your health and your budget

• Feel peace of mind, not panic, when you go to the doctor

📞 Your Next Step

Don’t wait until bills catch you off guard. Whether you’re new to Medicare or reviewing your plan for next year, we’re here to walk you through it.

➡️ Visit www.merebenefits.com/medicare or call our office for a no-cost review.

We’ll break it all down for you—what’s covered, what’s not, and which plan fits you best.

#simplyforyourbenefit
Clarity, confidence, and care—serving Jacksonville, Clay, Nassau, and St. Johns counties