LEWISBURG — Medicare open enrollment period begins Nov. 15 and ends Dec. 31 of each year. At this time, you have the opportunity to compare your present prescription drug plan with what is available for the year 2010. All plans make yearly changes, so it is in your best interest to take advantage of a yearly comparison.

Medicare beneficiaries, both seniors and those with disabilities, who have not previously enrolled may do so at this time.

Seniors and people with disabilities who are satisfied with their current Medicare prescription drug coverage may not have to take any action when the Medicare open enrollment period begins Nov. 15. However, it is very important to understand that not all current plans including Advantage plans will be available in 2010. Insurance companies make changes to their formulary or list of medicines their plan will include. There may also be differences in your plan regarding co-pays, deductibles and coverage during the gap.

Watch your mail as your plan will notify you in writing of any changes for 2010. The plan you have now may not be the best plan for you next year.

Assistance will be available to have an appointment for one-on-one counseling sessions with APPRISE (PA State Health Insurance Counselors) during this upcoming open enrollment period. Items to bring along to your appointment include your Medicare card, insurance cards and list of medications or actual containers medications are dispensed in.

Call to make an appointment with an APPRISE counselor at one of the Senior Centers in this area. It is important to make an appointment soon to allow time for you to get your new cards from the plan for use in January of 2010.

Appointments are being made for the following locations and dates:

-- Beaver Springs — Nov. 24 and Dec. 10

-- Lewisburg — Nov. 18 and Dec. 16

-- New Columbia — Dec. 11

-- Penns Creek — Nov. 20 and Dec. 4

-- Selinsgrove — Nov. 17 and Dec. 8. Seniors living in the west end of Union county will have their enrollment appointments at the West End Library located at 45 Ballpark Rd. in Laurelton on Nov. 20.

Consumers living in Union County can call 524-2100 to set up an appointment and those living in Snyder County can call 374-5558 to set up an appointment.

The Union-Snyder Agency on Aging also works with Evangelical Community Health Education to allow additional opportunities for enrollments. Evangelical Community Health Education is located in the Staples Plaza in Lewisburg and will be conducting workshops on Nov. 19 and Dec. 17. Call Evangelical Community Health Education at 522-2693 or 800-377-3826 ext. 2693 for an appointment. Walk-ins are welcome and served on a first-come, first-served basis.