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Medicare prescription drug coverage is brand new, but that doesn't mean it has to be intimidating or confusing. In fact, for beneficiaries who want to enroll for the new benefit, which begins January 1, 2006, plenty of assistance will be available.

The Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act of 2003 produced major changes to the nation’s health insurance program for people ages 65 and older, as well as persons with certain disabilities. One of the most important changes is a new prescription drug benefit starting January 1, 2006 for people receiving Medicare. It’s a benefit that could save the nation’s more than 10 million Medicare beneficiaries up to 75 percent of their yearly prescription drug costs.

An outreach program is now underway to help all beneficiaries understand the new Medicare Prescription Drug Program and receive reliable information on how to maximize the value from the new Medicare drug benefit. This public education program is being coordinated by “Medicare Today,” a partnership of organizations representing seniors, patients, health care groups, and employers, among others.

There are millions of Medicare beneficiaries without adequate drug coverage who can benefit financially from this discount program. While the program begins on January 1, enrollment starts November 15.

By visiting the Medicare website at www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227), trained professionals can help guide you through the process of learning about the program and selecting the options that best suit your needs.