Medicine purchased by elderly and disabled Ohioans through many Medicare prescription drug plans will cost more next year, according to details of rate increases released by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services. (Source: "Medicare drug plans raise prices," Akron Beacon Journal, Sept. 28, 2007.) The prescription drug coverage program, also known as Medicare Part D, is provided through private companies. Medicare Part D covers 1.8 million Ohio residents. Next year Ohioans will be able to choose from 58 drug plans, "with monthly premiums ranging from $16.60 for a plan from First Health to $98 for an option from EnvisionRx Plus."
Enrollment in these new plans will begin November 15 and run through Dec. 31, 2007. Medicare Part D plans must notify enrollees about any major changes in coverage by the end of October. Among the changes detailed in the article are:
- An AARP plan offered through UnitedHealthcare that offers limitless coverage of generics will increase from $48.60 a month to $62.90.
- Anthem is increasing the monthly premium for a plan with limitless coverage of some generics from $39.60 to $71.
- Aetna also is raising the monthly premium for its most comprehensive coverage from $69.70 to $77.60.
- The Sterling Prescription Drug plan is boosting its premium for people who want unlimited coverage of generic drugs from $59 per month to $79.90.
- Some companies including Health Net, SierraRx, UniCare and WellCare no longer will sell plans that have no gap in coverage.
- At least 11 companies are offering a less expensive plan next year. Among those cutting their premiums: Cigna, Coventry AdvantraRx, First Health Part D, HealthSpring Prescription Drug Plan, Medco, Medical Mutual of Ohio, MemberHealth, Paramount Prescription Drug Plan, RxAmerica, SilverScript and UniCare.
In addition, an article in USA Today says that overall, the average premium in the United States for Part D drug plans next year "will rise 8.7% to $40 a month." (Source: "Cost of Medicare drug plans going up," Oct. 1, 2007.)
