Seniors will see a modest increase in prescription drug premiums in 2011, but benefits will also improve.  According to Medicare, the average monthly premium charged by Medicare will rise to an estimated $30 in 2011, an increase of $1 over 2011. However, seniors are urged to check their particular plan to determine their exact premium increase. 

Additionally, seniors with high drug costs can look forward to a noticeable improvement in 2011.  The new federal health care laws will begin to close the coverage gap known as the doughnut hole.  Medicare recipients in the gap will get a 50 percent discount on brand name drugs, and 7 percent off of generic drugs.  The discounts will gradually increase until the gap finally closes in 2020.