Since passage of the Affordable Care Act, premiums have gone down and enrollment has gone up in the Medicare Advantage program. According to an announcement today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services:
- Medicare Advantage premiums will be seven percent lower in 2012, with the average premium falling from $33.97 in 2011 to $31.54 in 2012.
- Enrollment in Medicare Advantage is up 10 percent, rising from 11.7 million in 2011 to 12.8 million in 2012.
- 99.7 percent of Medicare beneficiaries have access to a Medicare Advantage plan.
- On average, seniors can choose from 26 different Medicare Advantage plans.
- Since the Affordable Care Act became law in 2010, Medicare Advantage premiums have fallen 16 percent, and enrollment has climbed 17 percent.
Today’s announcement is great news for seniors who rely on Medicare and is further evidence that the Affordable Care Act continues to help seniors access affordable, quality health care.