BLOOMINGTON - Now is the time for people eligible for Medicare prescription drug coverage for the first time - and for people who signed up during the past three years - to investigate their coverage options for 2009, advocates for older adults said.

Sign-up for the fourth year of Medicare Part D coverage begins Saturday and ends Dec. 31. But advocates urge Medicare beneficiaries age 65 and older - and those younger but with a disability - to enroll in a plan by Dec. 8 to ensure that coverage begins Jan. 1.

Help is available now through the Senior Health Insurance Program (SHIP) at YWCA Senior Services, the East Central Illinois Area Agency on Aging and PATH (Providing Access To Help).

Even people who have Medicare prescription drug coverage should check their options because their existing plan may not be the best plan for next year, said SHIP coordinator Tarry Plattner.

"There have been a lot of changes in three years," she said.

"Don't be complacent," warned Mike O'Donnell, the area agency's executive director.

The number of plans available in Illinois has dropped from 53 to 44, Plattner said. About half of the plans are raising their premiums by $7 a month or more, she said. The average monthly premium will be $45.

But premiums should not be the sole consideration. Making sure all your medicines are covered, as well as co-payments and deductibles, also should be examined to determine total out-of-pocket costs, O'Donnell advised.

A retiree on a former employer's medical and prescription drug coverage may not need to examine Medicare Part D coverage, O'Donnell said. Retirees on Medicare Advantage plans may not need to look unless they are having trouble with their current coverage, he said.

Medicare beneficiaries are urged to go to www.medicare.gov, a Web site that allows users to review and compare drug plans by entering in medicines that they take. Beneficiaries who aren't comfortable using the Web site may get help from a family member or friend, or may call SHIP, the area agency or PATH for assistance, advocates said.

After comparing plans, don't enroll in one on the Web site, Plattner advised. Instead, call the company name of your choice, which is listed on the compare plan benefits screen.

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Medicare Part D assistance

Medicare beneficiaries may get help in reviewing Medicare prescription drug plans by calling YWCA-SHIP at (309) 454-1451, the area agency on aging at (309) 829-6018 or (800) 888-4456, or PATH at (309) 834-0589. PATH also provides assistance regarding Illinois Cares Rx, the state program for people who need coverage beyond Medicare.

SHIP also will offer counseling by appointment only. For an appointment at Miller Park Senior Center, Bloomington, call (309) 434-2255. For an appointment at Normal Senior Activity Center, call (309) 888-9099.