AS THE MAY 15, 2006 deadline rapidly approaches, I strongly encourage those eligible for Medicare to review their options and sign up for the Prescription Drug Plan (Part D). The launch of this benefit was the largest government program shift since the initial creation of Medicare in 1967. So far, over 206,487 Medicare recipients in Nevada have enrolled in a drug plan, and for those not yet enrolled, there is still time.

Nevada's seniors do not have the same medical needs, which is why there are a variety of plans to choose from. A "one-size-fits-all" plan would not work for the multitude of Nevada's seniors who have a variety of medical needs. There are stand-alone prescription drug plans (PDPs) that provide the prescription drug coverage and managed care plans that combine supplemental Medicare coverage and the drug benefit into a single plan (MA-PDs). There are 44 PDPs and 18 MA-PDs available for Nevada's seniors.

All available plans must accept any senior who applies for the coverage and no exclusions for pre-existing conditions can be imposed on the prescription drug benefit. However, once the initial open enrollment period expires on May 15, eligible seniors who have not enrolled will need to wait until the end of the year to sign up for a plan. In addition, seniors may face penalties if they choose not to act before the initial enrollment period expires.

The Department of Health and Human Services reports that seniors will save an average of $1,100 per year on their prescription drugs. With less than a month remaining, I encourage those seniors not enrolled in one of the cost-efficient plans to learn more about the program by visiting www.medicare.gov or by calling 1-800- MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).