MERCER, LAWRENCE COUNTIES Medical insurance premiums for senior citizens to increase

Just how much subscribers pay depends on where they live and their coverage.
By HAROLD GWIN
VINDICATOR SHARON BUREAU
SHARON, Pa. -- Senior citizens in Mercer and Lawrence counties who subscribe to the Security Blue Medicare HMO will see their monthly premiums rise between 16 percent and 89 percent next year.
Just how big an increase they face depends on which Security Blue package they have and in which county they live.
All are Medicare Plus Choice programs offered as supplemental insurance by Highmark Blue Cross/Blue Shield.
Everyone is using more and more services, but the federal government reimbursements paid to the insurance company to cover those services aren't keeping pace with the rising costs, said Pete Sitter, Highmark spokesman.
Efforts to get those reimbursements increased have met with moderate success over the years, he said.
The Security Blue program is offered in 17 Pennsylvania counties now and Highmark will continue providing the insurance in those areas, Sitter said.
Mercer County has about 5,000 senior citizens enrolled; Lawrence County has about 4,600 subscribers.
What's behind difference
Mercer Countians pay higher rates than do people living in Lawrence County because Mercer is rated a rural provider area by the federal Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services.
Lawrence is tied to the Pittsburgh area and is rated an urban provider area, which has resulted in lower premiums over the years.
Sitter said the proposed rate increases must be approved by the Centers of Medicare and Medicaid Services before they can go into effect with the first of the year.
Letters informing subscribers of the change are being mailed this month, and group meetings will be arranged throughout the coverage area to answer subscriber questions, he said.