Everyone with Medicare is eligible for prescription drug coverage starting January 1, 2006. People must choose and join a Medicare drug plan in order to get Medicare coverage for their prescriptions. If you have not joined a plan, you can join during the next open enrollment period.

The Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County, which is part of United Way, offers these suggestions on finding the best drug coverage for you:

First, make sure you have your Medicare card and a list of your prescriptions. Then choose one of these options:

• Go to Medicare’s Web site: www.medicare.gov. Click on "Compare Medicare Prescription Drug Plans," then click on "Find a Medicare Prescription Drug Plan." The Web site will walk you through various options and give you the best plans for you. You can even enroll online.

• Call Medicare at 1-800-633-4227 for  help in choosing a plan. The Medicare telephone line is answered 24 hours per day, seven days a week, but call during off-hours to avoid a long wait.

• Call drug coverage plan sponsors directly and ask them to send you a packet of information. A list of sponsors and their toll-free telephone numbers is in the back of your "Medicare & You 2007" booklet. You can enroll with the sponsor by telephone or by mail.

• If you live in Tarrant County, you can call the Area Agency on Aging of Tarrant County Benefits Counseling line at 817-258-8125 for help in finding a plan. The large volume of calls being received means a benefits counselor may not be able to speak to you immediately, but your call will be returned if you leave a message. Calls are returned from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. 

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