“Virtually every drug plan is changing somewhat for next year, and some are changing quite a lot,” she said. “Even if you like your plan, it’s really important to check it out.”

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“We decided as an organization to no longer participate in the CMS program for reimbursement for heart transplants,” Signaigo said. “Which means we’re no longer seeking Medicare patients for heart transplants.”

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Until now, the federal government has paid 75 percent of the Medicare premium, and beneficiaries have been responsible for 25 percent, regardless of income. Congress changed the rules to require those with more resources to pick up a greater share of the tab. Not everyone is pleased with the change. “Medicare’s success derives from its universality,” says a position paper posted on the website for the Medicare Rights Center. “People with higher incomes already pay more in taxes for public programs, including Medicare.”

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“At CareMore, we define value as quality of care, quality of services and quality of life for our members,” said Alan Hoops, chairman and CEO for CareMore. “To earn the Senior Choice Gold Award, especially in the Los Angeles/Orange Country market with many large and well-known competitors, is truly an honor because it demonstrates our deep commitment to providing superior value and enhancing the quality of life for our members.”
HealthMetrix Research president Alan Mittermaier said in a statement: “These forward-looking independent comparisons provide Medicare beneficiaries with true out-of-pocket costs associated with joining a Medicare Advantage plan. Each award recipient has demonstrated a commitment to excellence in the design of their 2007 Medicare plan benefits, co-payments, deductibles and premiums including the Part D prescription drug benefits. HealthMetrix Research applauds these organizations and we are delighted that informed seniors can rely on the Senior Choice Gold Award recognition when selecting a Medicare Advantage plan.”

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“Republicans would have you believe that the drug and insurance companies have sacrificed profits in the name of competition, but nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif. “In fact, the dirty little secret is that costs are lower because of low enrollment and a slowdown in drug spending.”

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“That is a way you can compare,” Tucker said. “It will give you what the deductibles are, the premiums, the total annual cost so that people can make an informed decision. They give you the phone numbers to the plans directly so you can call them to ask questions too.”
“You’re not married to your plan for life, so if the plan you selected this year, you’re not satisfied, you will have the opportunity next November to reevaluate and select a different plan.”

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“I guess choosing is getting easier,” said James Antonoff, an 80-year-old resident of Alpharetta, Ga., who was distrustful of government plan selection tools. “These plans are just so complicated.”
“Let Medicare do the math,” Norwalk said. “There is no reason for anyone to go through 56 plans.”
However, some beneficiaries were shocked by the price increases and changes in their current policies. Experts said frustration was most common among those who take a significant number of drugs and wind up in the plans’ coverage gap, or “doughnut hole.”
If people aren’t satisfied, he said, “The good news is that this is an open market and there are plenty of choices.”

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“Republicans would have you believe that the drug and insurance companies have sacrificed profits in the name of competition, but nothing could be farther from the truth,” said Rep. Pete Stark, D-Calif. “In fact, the dirty little secret is that costs are lower because of low enrollment and a slowdown in drug spending.”

Read more on this topic.