CONCERNED SENIOR

Betty Stevens joined a Medicare HMO in the '90s, and saved money, at first. "Little by little you got less and less coverage." (Meggan Booker photo) BETTY STEVENS 76, Norwood Type of insurance coverage: Medicare HMO Health coverage premium: $50 a month to cover Betty and husband, Walter, 78. Personal health needs: Spending for 12 prescriptions averages $400 a month, plus more than $100 a month in doctor visits.

As the years go by, Betty Stevens has become less and less satisfied with her health coverage. She was among the thousands of seniors who flocked to Medicare HMOs when they were launched in the mid-1990s, offering drug coverage and vision, dental and other benefits at low costs.

"When I started it was almost too good to be true. I saved more than $1,000 the first year," she says. "As I got older and needed more medical care they changed their policies. Little by little you got less and less coverage."

This year, after years of political gridlock, Congress passed a sweeping Medicare reform bill. It includes drug discount cards and free physical exams starting at age 65. A full drug coverage plan is scheduled to take effect in 2006.

Supporters say the plan offers real help on drug costs for low- and modest-income seniors. Critics say the plan protects drug makers by restricting imports from Canada and blocking Medicare from negotiating discounts.

Stevens says the new Medicare drug benefit "stinks."

"It's not going to help anybody," she says. Stevens doubts the potential drug savings will make any meaningful difference for people on fixed incomes.

"There's a lot of seniors trying to survive on just their Social Security checks. It's getting to be almost impossible," she says. "Yet these were working people all their lives, and they're not wanting to ask for charity."

More stories from Greater Cincinnati families: Chronically ill or 'ridiculously healthy." Workers, self-employed or retired. Young or old. A spectrum of lifestyles and incomes. But these Greater Cincinnati families share a worry about the cost of health care, now and in the future. SMALL BUSINESS OWNER Risk of going bare vs. impossible costs Harry Tyson started a company after the dot.com bust, but health benefits have been impossible. YOUNG PROFESSIONAL Satisfied for now, unsure about later Though happy with his coverage, Rich Hancock worries as his parents spend more for health care. CHRONIC ILLNESS Insurance changed and bills soared When Lisa James' husband took a new job, it turned into a coverage nightmare. UNION WORKER A strong benefit that may not last Keith Glassmeyer says health-care benefits are the biggest concern among fellow workers. CONCERNED SENIOR No confidence in Medicare reform Betty Stevens joined an HMO in the '90s, and saved money at first. She's now less satisfied. RETIRED EXECUTIVE 'On the good end,' but still worried Bill Luerssen is "ridiculously healthy" and lucky to have solid benefits. Not all retirees are so lucky. • More stories from Greater Cincinnati residents • Add your own story or comment