"[Recent research] found that competing ... Medicare Advantage plans did not save money. In fact, since their introduction, the private (mostly for-profit) insurance programs have cost taxpayers an extra $282.6 billion.... Medicare currently pays these privately run plans a set premium per enrollee (about $10,123). This amount is $2,526 more than the premium paid for enrollees covered under the standard Medicare plan. About 27 percent of Medicare beneficiaries are currently covered under Medicare Advantage plans."  MORE >>