CMS: Beneficiaries To Pay Slightly More for Rx Drugs
CMS officials have announced that beneficiaries of the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit program will pay an average monthly premium of $30 in 2011, up from $29 in 2010. Officials said premiums will rise by only $1 because cost increases were offset by more frequent use of generic medications. The estimate does not represent 2011's base premium of $32.34 but instead assumes that some Part D beneficiaries will switch to less costly plans next year.
- "Seniors Face Modest Medicare Hike, Better Benefits" (Alonzo-Zaldivar, AP/Boston Globe, 8/19).
- "CMS Announces Modest Hike in Medicare Part D Premiums" (Lillis, "Healthwatch," The Hill, 8/18).
- "CMS: Drug Premiums Just a Buck More Next Year and Benefits Will Improve Too" (Reichard, CQ HealthBeat, 8/18).