The government just started moving the premiums up in the last 10 years or so when it became obvious that the plan would run out of money. Previously it was in the 2%/2% range.
The plan was designed to start at age 65, but you can start it as early as age 60 by giving up .5% for each month that you start receiving benefits before age 65. So if you start at age 60 for example, you would give up 36%.
Conversely, you can start later than age 65 and gain a .5% premium for each month later.
If you take it at age 60, basically you have to live to age 80 to balance out. Any older and you're losing money.
News 
Market Data 
Discover 
