The Social Security Administration said the government has not yet determined if health insurance premiums for Medicare will increase next year.
When a conclusion about Medicare premiums is made, it will be announced by the Department of Health and Human Services, the SSA said. If an increase does come, however, more than 70 percent of Social Security recipients will be protected against paying higher amounts for Part B protection.
The SSA also announced there would be no cost-of-living adjustment in 2011 for Social Security or Supplemental Security Income benefits.
A COLA was last made in 2008, and the law stipulates that if the Consumer Price Index for Urban Wage Earners and Clerical Workers has not increased, then a further adjustment is not warranted. The third quarter of this year showed no change in CPI.
While this could affect healthcare for some seniors, there are programs available that may help them regarding medical care. Furthermore, reforms from the government could also benefit seniors who are struggling to get the services they need.
That includes improving the affordability of prescription drugs and providing preventative care services.
