Tuesday,  September 25, 2012 • Vol. 13--No. 070 • 32 of 39 •  Other Editions

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Report: Double-digit premium hikes seen in 7 of 10 top Medicare prescription drug plans

• WASHINGTON (AP) -- Seniors enrolled in seven of the 10 most popular Medicare prescription drug plans will be hit with double-digit premium hikes next year if they don't shop for a better deal, says a private firm that analyzes the highly competitive market.
• The report Monday by Avalere Health is a reality check on the Obama's administration's upbeat pronouncements. Back in August, officials had announced that the average premium for basic prescription drug coverage will stay the same in 2013, at $30 a month.
• The administration's number is accurate as an overall indicator for the entire market, but not very helpful to consumers individually since it doesn't reflect price swings in the real world.
• "The average senior is going to benefit by carefully scrutinizing their situation, because every year the market changes," Avalere President Dan Mendelson said. Avalere crunched the numbers based on bid documents that the plans submitted to Medicare.
• The report found premium increases for all top 10 prescription drug plans, known as PDPs. However, the most popular plan -- AARP MedicareRx Preferred -- is only going up 57 cents per month nationally, to $40.42 from the current $39.85.
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Thousands to turn out to see Suu Kyi in Indiana city that's home to large Burmese community

• FORT WAYNE, Ind. (AP) -- Myanmar democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi's devoted followers are expected to turn out by the thousands Tuesday to hear her speak in an Indiana city where one of the largest Burmese communities in the United States has taken root.
• The visit by the 67-year-old Nobel laureate, who spent 15 years under house arrest for opposing military rule, marks the zenith of a two-decade influx of Burmese refugees that has brought a new global awareness to Fort Wayne, Ind., a city of 256,000 about two hours north of Indianapolis.
• Organizers say security will be tight for Suu Kyi's speech at Memorial Coliseum. At least 7,000 people from as far away as Toronto and Minneapolis have indicated

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