Enrollment in Medicare Advantage programs grew 10 percent to a record high this year, according to a report from the Kaiser Family Foundation. Medicare Advantage now has 13.1 million people enrolled, and their monthly charges dropped from $44 in 2010 to $35. However, the health reform law will lower government payments to insurers running Medicare Advantage programs this year.
"The vast majority of Medicare Advantage cuts have not gone into effect yet," Robert Zirkelbach, a spokesman for America's Health Insurance Plans, told Bloomberg. "As these cuts take effect in the coming years, Medicare Advantage beneficiaries will face higher out-of-pocket costs, reduced benefits and fewer healthcare choices." Article