According to a new analysis by Avalere Health, monthly premiums for Medicare beneficiaries, in the 10 largest prescription drug plans, increased by an average of 16 percent to $26.39. These ten drug plans account for about three-fourths of all Medicare beneficiaries.
 
Officials from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) stated Medicare beneficiaries can switch to prescription drug plans with lower monthly premiums during the annual open enrollment period from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.

This article originally appeared in the June 2008 issue of AAKP Public Policy Briefing.