Medicare drug plan enrollment underway

Open enrollment for Medicare's prescription drug program is underway. Medicare beneficiaries can begin making enrollment changes in their health and prescription drug coverage- known as Medicare Part D - for 2008, if there is a better choice available.

Enrollment is open through Dec. 31.

This is also an opportunity for seniors who have declined coverage in the past to enroll for the first time.

Additionally, for Medicare Advantage (MA) plans only, beneficiaries can make one change in enrollment - enrolling in a new plan, changing plans or canceling a plan - between Jan. 1 and March 31. There will not be another opportunity until November 2008.

Beneficiaries are encouraged to review their prescriptions and other health needs by calling 1-800-Medicare or checking the website, medicare.gov.

Medicare Part D was enacted as part of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 and went into effect Jan. 1, 2006.

This voluntary program is available to every Medicare beneficiary.