OH JEEZ, YOU CAN HEAR THEM WHINING NOW:

Medicare payments for U.S. elderly to rise 17 pct (Susan Heavey, 9/03/04, Reuters)

Older Americans will have to pay about 17 percent more next year for their government-run health insurance, U.S. officials announced on Friday.

Starting in January, the elderly will pay $78.20 per month for non-hospital services, up $11.60 from $66.60 this year, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services said.

Most of the increase will cover the program's new prescription drug coverage and preventive services, including an initial physical exam and other tests, said Mark McClellan, head of the federal health insurance program for the elderly and disabled.

The remaining amount, about 25 percent, will be used to help build up Medicare's trust fund, he said, adding that the higher upfront costs will help save money elsewhere.

"Medicare beneficiaries are saving money. They're paying a little more in premiums, but they're getting more savings in their out-of-pocket costs as a result," McClellan said.

But the premium increase is likely to renew controversy over the cost of the new Medicare law passed last year.

They'll be chasing Mr. McClellan's car and beating it with their walkers...

Posted by Orrin Judd at September 3, 2004 8:17 PM