Quoted Text

Senior plans shift costs
By CATHLEEN F. CROWLEY Staff Writer
Published: 12:00 a.m., Saturday, November 13, 2010

ALBANY -- Medicare premiums are dropping 1 percent nationally, but out-of-pocket expenses on most plans offered in the Capital Region are going up dramatically in 2011.

Medicare is the federal health and prescription insurance program for Americans over 65, and nearly 3 million New Yorkers are on Medicare. Open enrollment begins Monday and runs through Dec. 31. This is the annual period where senior citizens can choose a new Medicare plan.

Deductibles on many Medicare Advantage plans offered in the Capital Region are rising from $2,500 in 2010 to $4,000 in 2011, said Margaret "Peggy" Moran, coordinator of the Albany County Health Insurance Information Counseling and Assistance Program.......................>>>>..................>>>>..................http://www.timesunion.com/local/article/Senior-plans-shift-costs-810980.php