AARP Statement on 2013 Medicare Part B Premium Increase

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 16, 2012

CONTACT
Media Relations
media@aarp.org
202-434-2560

WASHINGTON, D.C.—AARP Legislative Policy Director David Certner released a statement following today’s announcement by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) on 2013 Medicare Part B premiums. The standard Medicare Part B monthly premium will be $104.90 in 2013, a $5 increase over the $99.90 that most beneficiaries pay today.  The statement from David Certner follows:

“While AARP is pleased that the vast majority of people in Medicare will see a lower than projected increase in their Part B premiums, health care costs continue to outpace general inflation, which was 1.7 percent this year. As a result, the Medicare Part B premium, which increased 5 percent, will eat up nearly 25 percent of the monthly Social Security Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA).

“AARP has opposed deficit reduction proposals that would reduce Social Security benefits by adopting the Chained Consumer Price Index (CCPI). The COLA is already based on an index that under-reports rapidly increasing health care costs and today’s announcement of a $5 premium increase is further proof that these costs are being disproportionately felt by seniors.

“With millions of America’s seniors struggling with higher expenses – particularly higher health care costs – we need to do more to lower costs across the health care system and avoid further cost-shifting to seniors.”

About AARP
AARP is a nonprofit, nonpartisan organization, with a membership of more than 37 million, that helps people 50+ have independence, choice and control in ways that are beneficial to them and society as a whole. AARP does not endorse candidates for public office or make contributions to either political campaigns or candidates. We produce AARP The Magazine, the definitive voice for Americans 50+ and the world's largest-circulation magazine; AARP Bulletin, the go-to news source for the 50+ audience; AARP VIVA, a bilingual lifestyle multimedia platform addressing the interests and needs of Hispanic Americans; and national television and radio programming including My Generation and Inside E Street. The AARP Foundation is an affiliated charity that provides security, protection, and empowerment to older persons in need with support from thousands of volunteers, donors, and sponsors. AARP has staffed offices in all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. Learn more at www.aarp.org.