Health plan rate changes

As the New York Teacher went to press, the city announced changes in premiums for Medicare-eligible retirees who receive prescription drug coverage from their health plans. In recent discussions with the city, the Municipal Labor Committee was able to reduce the originally proposed increases by GHI to keep the amounts more manageable.

The changes are effective as of Jan. 1 and will be reflected in January pension checks. Here are the new monthly premiums per Medicare person for New York City only (out of area may differ):

Aetna Golden Medicare, with prescription drugs, increased from $256.10 to $283.70.

Empire Mediblue, with prescription drugs, increased from $109.75 to $123.54.

Empire Medicare-related coverage, with prescription drugs, decreased from $220.89 to $213.88.

GHI/EBCBS Senior Care increased from $119.56 to $129.31.

GHI HMO Medicare Senior Supplement, with prescription drugs, remained at $331.95.

HIP VIP Premier, with prescription drugs, increased from $116.28 to $126.71.

United SecureHorizons/Oxford, with prescription drugs, increased from $117.81 to $129.00.

There is no monthly premium for the following health plans: Elderplan, AvMed Medicare Plan (only in Florida), and BlueCross BlueShield Health Options (only in Florida).