Confused about Medicare Part D, the prescription drug plan for seniors?

Westbay Community Action’s State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) counselor Chris Murphy, in cooperation with the Warwick Public Library, will offer an informational session regarding Medicare Part D this Thursday from 10 to 11 a.m. at the Warwick Public Library at 600 Sandy Lane.

For years you did your part by paying into Medicare. Now it’s your turn to get the most out of the benefits you’ve earned. If you have limited income and resources, there’s a Medicare program where you pay no more than $2.50 for each generic drug and $6 for each brand name drug.

If you qualify, this program helps pay your prescription co-payments plus your other drug costs like monthly premiums and annual deductibles. Many people qualify and don’t even know it.

Between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31 there is open enrollment for the Medicare Part D program. During this time people may also switch from their existing Part D plans to prescription drug plans that are more beneficial to them. Medicare Part D is a stand-alone drug plan that adds prescription coverage to existing Medicare coverage. The West Bay State Health Insurance Program (SHIP) has trained volunteers to assist people with Medicare in navigating the healthcare maze. Volunteers will review with people what plan is most beneficial for the individual by utilizing the Medicare formulary found on www.medicare.gov.

Wednesdays, from Nov. 25 to Dec. 30, 9 a.m. to noon, SHIP counselors will be on-site to offer assistance to seniors in choosing a prescription drug plan during the open enrollment period. No appointment is necessary.