The monthly premium for the basic Medicare drug benefit in 2009 is projected to average $28 -- $3 more than in 2008, according to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid -- but consultants put the hikes for the most popular plans considerably higher.

WASHINGTON, Sept. 26 2008

Kerry Weems, CMS acting administrator, put a business-as-usual spin on it, saying " plans do change their offerings from year to year. Some beneficiaries may see significant premium increases or changes, such as reduced coverage in the gap, if they stay in the same prescription drug plan in 2009."

A CMS press release put the emphasis on the positive, noting that seniors in every state except Alaska will have the option of a plan that costs less than $20 a month. In Alaska the least expensive plan will cost $23 a month.

But, although the $3 national average increase represents a 12% hike, premiums for the 10 most popular plans will increase by 31% according to Avalere Health, a Washington, D.C., consulting company.

The Wall Street Journal said the Avalere analysis found that the average premium increase for all plans would be 24%, reflecting a $7 increase from the 2008 average premium cost of $30.

UnitedHealth Group's AARP preferred plan, used by 2.7 million Medicare beneficiaries this year, will charge $37 a month next year, an increase of 15.5% from 2008.

Humana's basic plan will charge $40.83 in 2009, up from $9.51 in 2006, when the Humana plan was the cheapest available.

The insurance companies will begin marketing their plans -- and advertising their new rates -- on Oct.1 and actual enrollment begins in mid-November.

Seniors have until Dec. 31 to sign up for a plan.