Medicare drug premiums to rise for 2nd year

WASHINGTON (AP) -- Medicare says premiums for prescription drug plans will rise in 2015 for the second year in a row.<br /> <br /> Officials said Thursday that Medicare's average monthly drug premium will rise next year to $32.<br /> <br /> The modest increase of $1 a month comes amid worries over the future impact of costly new medications. Sovaldi, for example, cures hepatitis C but costs $1,000 a pill.<br /> <br /> Most Medicare beneficiaries have prescription drug coverage.<br /> <br /> But consumers should pay attention because the average premium says little about what any one person pays.<br /> <br /> Premiums change every year, so consumer advocates say beneficiaries should check their plan during open enrollment, from Oct. 15 to Dec. 7, and seek better deals if they're not satisfied.<br /> <br /> This year, the average premium also went up by $1, after three stable years.

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