medicare savings tips

10 Medicare Savings Tips: How to Cut Costs and Maximize Benefits

Looking for ways to lower your Medicare expenses without sacrificing care? These ten Medicare savings tips will help you reduce costs, uncover extra benefits, and make informed choices about your coverage.

1. Lower Your Monthly Medicare Premiums

One of the easiest ways to start saving on Medicare expenses is to review your monthly premium. Depending on your coverage, there may be opportunities to minimize or even eliminate some costs.

Most people pay $0 for Medicare Part A, while the standard Medicare Part B premium is $185.00 in 2025. However, many Medicare Advantage (HMO or PPO) plans offer $0 monthly premiums, which could reduce your expenses significantly.

Action step: Call (623) 223-8884 today for a no-cost, no-obligation quote to see how much you could save.

2. Explore Medicare Advantage Plans for Extra Savings

If you haven’t enrolled in a Medicare Advantage plan, now is the time to compare options. These plans are typically less expensive than Medicare Supplement plans and may provide additional coverage.

Most Medicare Advantage plans include:

Switching your plan could lead to significant savings on both premiums and out-of-pocket costs.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

  • Free, unbiased service
  • Compare all major plans and carriers
  • Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience
Speak with a local licensed insurance agent
David Luna Co-founder and
Licensed Insurance Agent
(623) 223-8884 (TTY: 711) M-F 9am - 5pm
There's no obligation to enroll

3. Reduce Copays and Coinsurance

Not all plans have the same cost-sharing structure. Comparing options for copays and coinsurance can help you find a more affordable plan.

  • Copays: Fixed amounts for doctor visits, prescriptions, and services
  • Coinsurance: A percentage of the Medicare-approved cost after deductibles

Tip: Let our local licensed Medicare insurance agents compare Medicare plans for you and find one that meets your health needs and budget. Call (623) 223-8884 for a no-cost consultation.

4. Review Your Prescription Drug Costs

Prescription medications are a significant expense for many Medicare beneficiaries. Different plans may cover your medications at different rates.

There are five tiers of drug coverage, from low-cost generics to high-cost specialty drugs. Easily search for plans covering the prescription drugs you rely on and discover the lowest cost. To save money:

  • Compare Medicare Advantage or Part D prescription drug plans that cover your prescriptions
  • Verify which pharmacies offer the lowest negotiated rates
Agent tip:

“Many Medicare Advantage plans include perks like discounted gym memberships, Over-the-Counter (OTC) benefits, and lower drug costs.“

5. Check If You Qualify for Medicare Savings Programs

Do you qualify for extra financial help? Medicare Savings Programs (MSPs) and other state assistance programs help reduce:

  • Part B premiums
  • Deductibles
  • Coinsurance and copays
  • Prescription drug costs

If you’re eligible, you might also qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP), allowing you to switch to a better plan midyear.

Unsure if you qualify? Call (623) 223-8884 for a no-cost eligibility review with a local licensed insurance agent.

6. Find Medicare Plans with Added Benefits

Many Medicare Advantage and Supplement plans offer additional perks like:

If you’re paying out-of-pocket for these services, switching to a plan with built-in benefits could save you hundreds annually.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

  • Free, unbiased service
  • Compare all major plans and carriers
  • Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience
Speak with a local licensed insurance agent
David Luna Co-founder and
Licensed Insurance Agent
(623) 223-8884 (TTY: 711) M-F 9am - 5pm
There's no obligation to enroll

7. Choose Coverage for Chronic Conditions

If you have a chronic illness such as diabetes, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), or heart disease, some Medicare Advantage plans are specifically designed for chronic care management.

These plans often provide:

  • Tailored medication coverage
  • Disease management programs
  • Lower out-of-pocket costs for ongoing treatment

8. Save on Routine Medical Services

Where you go for care can impact your out-of-pocket costs with Medicare:

  • Urgent care vs. ER: Under Part B, urgent care and ER visits are covered after you meet your deductible. However, ER visits usually include extra copays plus 20% coinsurance—making them more expensive.  For example, one analysis found that an ER visit for an upper respiratory infection averaged about $486 vs. $111 at urgent care.
  • Outpatient surgery centers vs. hospitals: Ambulatory Surgery Centers (ASCs) often cost 53% less than hospital outpatient departments for the same procedure. For instance, according to the Ambulatory Surgery Center Association, Medicare coinsurance for cataract surgery may be $328 at an ASC vs. $539 at a hospital.

Tip: Check your plan’s provider network and Medicare’s Procedure Price Lookup tool to compare facility costs and save.

9. Work with Value-Based Providers

Value-based providers focus on quality care and improved outcomes, not the number of services performed. These providers often reduce overall healthcare costs.

Remember: Value-based care works best as a long-term partnership, so choose providers aligned with your health needs and goals.

10. Take Advantage of Preventive Services

Medicare Part B covers a wide range of preventive services—including annual wellness visits, cancer screenings, vaccinations, and more—at no cost when your provider accepts Medicare assignment. These benefits are designed to detect health issues early, which can help you avoid more expensive care later in life.

Action step: Schedule your annual wellness visit and any recommended screenings to protect your health and wallet.

Need Help Deciding the Right Medicare Plan?

  • Free, unbiased comparisons across all major carriers
  • Local licensed agents with 25+ years of experience
  • Call today: (623) 223-8884 or click “Compare Plans” to start saving

Bottom Line: These ten Medicare savings tips can help you lower your premiums, cut out-of-pocket expenses, and take advantage of benefits you may not even know exist. The right plan makes all the difference. Start exploring your options today.

Need Help Deciding The Right Medicare Coverage For You?

  • Free, unbiased service
  • Compare all major plans and carriers
  • Local, licensed insurance agents with 25+ years of experience
Speak with a local licensed insurance agent
David Luna Co-founder and
Licensed Insurance Agent
(623) 223-8884 (TTY: 711) M-F 9am - 5pm
There's no obligation to enroll
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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

When should I review my Medicare plan to maximize savings?
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The best time to review your Medicare plan is during the Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) from October 15 to December 7. However, you may qualify for a Special Enrollment Period if you move, lose other coverage, or meet certain conditions, which allows you to adjust and save outside AEP.

Are there hidden costs in Medicare that people often overlook?
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Yes. Some common overlooked costs include out-of-network provider fees, late enrollment penalties, and drug tier changes that increase prescription costs midyear. Reviewing your plan documents and pharmacy network regularly can help avoid these surprises.

Can I combine Medicare with other coverage to save more?
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In some cases, for example, if you have retiree health benefits, Veterans Affairs coverage, or employer-sponsored insurance, coordinating these with Medicare can help minimize out-of-pocket expenses. Speaking with a licensed insurance agent can help you determine the best setup for your health and budget.

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Read more by David Luna

I am a Spanish-speaking Arizona Life and Health Insurance Licensed Agent and have been helping people with Medicare since 2005. I am a Marine Corps Veteran & former police officer. I enjoy watching football and basketball but hold family time in the highest regard.

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