Studies say private Medicare plans have added costs, for little gain

Private health insurance plans have increased the cost and complexity of the program without any evidence of improving care, researchers say in studies. The studies, questioning the value of some private plans for Medicare beneficiaries and taxpayers, were issued as President-elect Barack Obama and Congressional Democrats take aim at the plans and consider cutting the payments they receive. Enrollment in private Medicare plans has nearly doubled in five years, to 10.1 million.