Medicare

All seniors who have Medicare Part D Prescription Drug coverage should review their current plan to see if it remains cost-effective and has all of their drugs for 2011. Medicare posts formularies, premiums and drug costs for all Part D plans for next year on the Medicare Web site, medicare.gov, on or about Oct. 15.

Unless you are a Prescription Advantage member or meet a limited number of special cases criteria, you can only change your Part D plan once a year between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31.

Plan to see a counselor at your local council on aging through Nov. 15 for help in reviewing your present Part D plan and considering alternatives for 2011. Also ask to be screened for Prescription Advantage, for its gap insurance benefit.

In Edgartown, appointments will be available Monday through Thursday. Call 508-627-4368 for an appointment.