Democratic Rep. Nita Lowey met with seniors in Port Chester Tuesday to talk about a House bill that she co-sponsored, which puts a freeze on proposed Medicare premium increases.

The Medicare Premium Fairness Act was passed by the House last week, blocking the increase that would have required seniors to pay an additional $94 a year in 2010 and $192 in 2011. The bill also provides a one-time $250 cost-of-living Social Security payment.

"The seniors can't afford the increase, and this is why the House was so responsive," Lowey says.

Speaking at the Port Chester Senior Center, Lowey expressed hope the Senate will soon pass the bill as well.