Oct 1 (Reuters) - CVS Health ( CVS ) and Cigna ( CI ) on

Tuesday released details on their government-backed health

insurance plans for next year for people aged 65 and above,

saying some members would pay $0 premium monthly for

prescription drugs.

The announcements come ahead of the beginning of enrollment

for Medicare Advantage plans on October 15, which will continue

through December 7.

Medicare Advantage plans are offered by private insurers who

are paid a set rate by the government to manage the healthcare

of older Americans looking for extra benefits not covered in

regular Medicare coverage.

Cigna ( CI ) said it will offer some prescription drug plans with

low premiums that will help save costs.

CVS' health insurance unit Aetna estimates 83% of

Medicare-eligible beneficiaries in the United States will have

access to a $0 monthly premium plan.

Both Cigna ( CI ) and CVS will also offer special needs plans,

where individuals are enrolled under Medicare and receive

assistance from Medicaid that covers medical expenses for people

with low income.

The companies will also offer dental, hearing and vision

coverage.

Medicare Advantage plan enrollment is projected to grow to

35.7 million people in 2025, the Centers for Medicare and

Medicaid Services said on Friday.