The annual open enrollment period is now in full swing (November 15 – December 31), for all Medicare Part D recipients. ALL Medicare beneficiaries who are enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan should review that plan for the upcoming year. Many of the plans are making changes effective January 1, 2007 which could affect the coverage recipients have had during 2006. Anyone who has Medicare and does not have prescription drug coverage that is equal or superior to Medicare coverage should also review the available plans and consider enrolling since there are cumulative monthly penalties for not enrolling.

Enrollees can review their coverage benefits by logging onto www.medicare.gov website or calling Medicare at 1-800-633-4227.

For free assistance locally Seward has two Medicare volunteers: Lynn Hohl at the Independent Living Center, 224-8711 and Dana Paperman at the Seward Senior Center, 224-5604.