For the first time, everyone with Medicare, regardless of income, health status, or prescription drug usage, will have access to prescription drug coverage. This new coverage begins on January 1, 2006. While information is available now and educational sessions are taking place in communities across the country, you can't enroll until November 15th. By now, you should have received your Medicare & You 2006 handbook which explains in detail what prescription drug coverage means to you and which plans are available in your area.

Because this new coverage is so important, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) wants to make sure that all people with Medicare, and those who care for them, understand this new coverage.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has created more than 140 community-based education networks and is working with nearly 10,000 local partners including the State Health Insurance Programs (SHIP) and Area Offices on Aging all across the country. These networks and partners provide a variety of services, from distributing materials to educational meetings to personalized counseling for people with Medicare. To help these groups and to help you, CMS has developed a variety of resources such as consumer brochures, on-line tools, and educational materials.

All of the CMS materials and on-line tools are available now. Medicare is available 24/7 – at 1-800-MEDICARE. Their customer service representatives will provide information and answers to your questions. Also, visit www.medicare.gov , or contact 1-800-MEDICARE or www.eldercare.gov to find out about local counseling and assistance available in your area.