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Medicare premiums on the rise... [New York, NY] – Health care costs are climbing. The latest news is Medicare Part B premiums are likely to rise, according to the federal government, to $89.20 per month in 2006. That’s up $11 from this year and up $22.60 from 2004. This premium increase for 2006 does not include the Medicare Part D prescription drug benefit premium which is expected to be about another $37 per month ($444 per year). “People with Medicare are seeing more and more of their Social Security checks go to Medicare premiums,” said Robert M. Hayes, president of the Medicare Rights Center, a national consumer service group. “Year after year of record premium increases is driving out-of-pocket health care costs through the roof. “No person should have to forgo medical care or prescription drugs because of cost,” said Mr. Hayes. The Medicare Rights Center has five tips to help older adults and people with disabilities save money on their health care. 1. Go Online. The internet is the fastest growing source of health care information, including prescription drug price comparison web sites. Medicare Interactive, (www.medicareinteractive.org/aarp) your one-stop, interactive web site provides older adults and people with disabilities, their caregivers and professionals user-friendly consumer information about health care benefits, rights and options at no charge. 2. Prevention. Did you get your “Welcome to Medicare Physical,” tested for diabetes and screened for cardiovascular disease? All these services are fully covered by Medicare Part B. For more information about other Medicare-covered preventive services, go to Medicare Interactive’s section on preventive benefits. 3. Medicare Savings Programs. If your income is below a certain level and you have limited assets, there are programs that will help you pay for your Part B premiums. To see if you are eligible go to Medicare Interactive’s section on low-income programs. 4. Know Your Rights. Like all insurance programs, Medicare has many rules and regulations. You have rights no matter which type of Medicare plan you choose. If you are in the Original Medicare Plan, a Medicare private plan (HMO, PPO, PFFS) or have a Medigap policy, you have legal rights to get the care to which you are entitled. For more information about how to get the health care you are entitled go to Medicare Interactive’s section on your rights. 5. Go to Doctors Who Accept Medicare Assignment. Doctors who accept assignment cannot ask you to pay up front for services or pay more than the Medicare approved amount. Medicare pays them directly for their services. To find a participating doctor, go to: www.medicare.gov.
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