Consequently, many older people will continue their private Medigap insurance - and won't see their premiums decline this year.

For apartments, the premium declined slightly during the same period, from 14.6 percent to 13.7 percent, he said.

But as the practice becomes more mainstream and competitive, she said, that premium should decline.

Similarly, if a brand is priced at a premium, that premium will decline as it gains share.

While some premiums have declined as competitors fight for business on a level playing field, wide price variations persist for exactly the same coverage.

As a result, the call option may expire without being exercised and the premium on the July 55 call has declined to $2.25.

At the same time, premiums declined 1 percent, on average, and dropped 10 percent in the Pittsburgh area, where competition was especially hot.

Republicans said it was absurd to let premiums decline at a time when Medicare costs were growing more than 10 percent a year.

He said he expected most premiums to remain stable or even to decline.

Under current law, the premium would decline next year, to $42.50, and would rise to $60.80 in 2002.