Part D sign-up deadline Monday

Agency suggests seniors explore all options for help

As the Monday deadline approaches, the Flathead County Agency on Aging has experienced a last-minute rush of seniors who need help signing up for the Medicare Part D prescription drug program.

Wes Hula of the agency said he expected demand to exceed the time available Monday for counselors. He encourages seniors to consider other options, such as asking a son, daughter or friend with Internet access for help. He said libraries also have computers with access to the Web site www.medicare.gov. Others can call counselors toll-free at 1-800-MEDICARE.

Seniors have until midnight Monday to enroll online or by mail. Although some in Congress have proposed extending the deadline, no such proposals have been passed.

Medicare officials say that enrolling requires three steps: (1) get your prescriptions together, (2) get your Medicare card, (3) call the hotline or visit the Web site.

Telephone counselors and the computer program sort through the 41 programs available in Montana to determine which one is best-suited to meet the given senior's needs. The senior then makes a choice.

Hula said seniors will have another opportunity to enroll during open season from Nov. 15 to May 15, 2007. However, the premium goes up according to the penalty provision in the law. Seniors who are enrolled but want to change programs may do during open season.

Like other insurance programs, the premiums are lowest when a senior first qualifies for coverage.

Flathead County has 8,460 Medicare beneficiaries with prescription drug coverage.