Medicare Drug Plan Enrollment

It's decision time again for those aged 65 and older — and any friends or family members who help them with financial decisions. Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, seniors can enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan — a benefit program launched in 2006 to help older adults and disabled people lower their prescription drug costs. Benefits will begin Jan. 1. Seniors who signed up for a plan during the initial enrollment period that began in November 2005 can also change plans beginning Wednesday.

People who are satisfied with their plan don't have to do anything to keep it; renewal for 2007 is automatic. But most stand-alone plans raised monthly premiums by an average of $4.50, changed other costs and generally expanded the list of drugs they will cover in 2007. So, the plan you signed up for in 2006 may not be the best plan for you in 2007, so you should compare your current plan with new ones available this year.

You don't have to enroll in a Medicare prescription drug plan if you have a drug benefit through a retirement plan, employer, veterans plan or other plan that is at least as good as standard Medicare coverage. That's called "creditable" coverage. If that plan or coverage level ends after Dec. 31, you may enroll in a Medicare plan without a financial penalty. Seniors who turn 65 after Dec. 31 have the normal Medicare open enrollment period with no penalty.

Because of the confusion, jammed medicare phone lines and computer glitches experienced in last year's enrollment, Medicare officials are encouraging seniors to enroll or make plan changes by Dec. 8, even though enrollment ends Dec. 31. There are a few other exceptions to enrollment deadlines and other restrictions. Also, while the benefit is offered nationwide, the number and kinds of plans vary by state. For more information, MEDICARE'S Web site, www.medicare.gov , and its 24-hour toll-free number, (800) MED-ICARE (633-4227).