The open season for enrollment in the Medicare Part D prescription drug program started on Nov. 15. Newly eligible Medicare beneficiaries, and current beneficiaries who are considering changes to their Medicare Part D plan need to know that the open season will run from Nov. 15 to Dec. 31.

Medicare beneficiaries who are currently enrolled in a Part D prescription drug plan should do a cost comparison of the plans available to them each year. This is because the coverage and cost of the plans can change from year to year. Go to www.medicare.gov to use an online program for the cost comparison. Or you can call Medicare at 1-800-MEDICARE and they will run the comparison for you. In Minnesota you also can get assistance with this by calling the Senior LinkAge Line at 1-800-333-2433. Then if you determine that you want to switch to a different plan, you should contact the new plan directly to make the change.

The Medicare Part D prescription drug program is available to all Medicare beneficiaries to help with the costs of medications. Joining a Medicare prescription drug plan is voluntary, and participants pay an additional monthly premium for the coverage. While all Medicare beneficiaries can participate in the prescription drug program, some people with limited income and resources also are eligible for extra help to pay for monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. In 2008, the extra help is worth an average of $3,600; in 2009, it’s worth an average of $3,900.

To figure out whether you are eligible for the extra help, Social Security needs to know your income and the value of any savings, investments and real estate (other than the home you live in). To qualify you must be receiving Medicare and also have:

Income limited to $15,600 for an individual or $21,000 for a married couple living together. Even if your annual income is higher, you still may be able to get some help with monthly premiums, annual deductibles and prescription co-payments. Some examples where your income may be higher include if you or your spouse: Support other family members who live with you; have earnings from work; or live in Alaska or Hawaii.

Resources limited to $11,990 for an individual or $23,970 for a married couple living together. Resources include such things as bank accounts, stocks and bonds. We do not count your house or car as resources.

You can complete an easy-to-use online application for yourself or someone you care about at www.socialsecurity.gov. Click on Medicare on the top right side of the page. Then click on “Apply for help with prescription drug costs.” To apply for the extra help by phone or have an application mailed to you, call Social Security at 1-800-772-1213 (TTY 1-800-325-0778) and ask for the Application for Help with Medicare Prescription Drug Plan Costs (SSA-1020). Or go to your nearest Social Security office. And if you would like more information about the Medicare Part D Prescription Drug Program itself, visit www.medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227; TTY 1-877-486-2048).

Dave Sylte is the district manager at the Social Security Administration office in Austin.