December 19, 2006

Time is running out! December 31, 2006, is the deadline to change your Medicare Prescription Drug Plan. If you have Medicare only, (not Medicare AND Medicaid) this is your last opportunity to change plans until November 2007. Act now!

As you make a decision about your health and prescription drug coverage, remember to do the following:

Review your current health and prescription plans.

If you're satisfied with your current plan's cost and coverage for next year and the customer service you receive, you don't need to do anything.

If you want to change, check into other options. There may be plans that better meet your needs.

To help you compare Medicare drug plans go to for plan comparisons.

Sign up as soon as possible if you're going to make a change. It will help avoid any inconvenience at the pharmacy in January.

The "Medicare & You" handbook should have been mailed to you. It has drug plan information in it, including which plans are available in your area. If you did not receive the handbook, call 1-800-MEDICARE (Voice); 1-877-486-2048 (TTY) for assistance.

This information alert was prepared by the National Council on Independent Living (NCIL) and brought to you by ILRU on behalf of the Rehabilitation Research & Training Center on Health & Wellness () at Oregon Health & Sciences University in Portland.