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 A week after the November elections, a new race has occupied the nation: it's open season for Medicare enrollment. While congress debates whether they should directly negotiate Medicare drug prices with manufacturers, seniors around the country are rushing to enroll to receive plans for medication co-payment. In Maryland and Virginia, cultural organizations offered translations and computer help for non-English speaking seniors. The application process, which continues through Dec. 31, allows aging baby boomers and other Medicare beneficiaries the option to switch or apply for new drug prescription plans in 2007. Representatives of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services trained tech-savvy volunteers from the Maryland Vietnamese Mutual Association (MVMA), Chinese Culture and Community Service Center (CCACC), Boat People SOS and various Asian churches.
            Anne Avery, the Asian American liaison for USDHHS, encourages seniors to bring a list of currently used drugs to their local representatives. While enrolling, seniors can readily enter their information online and screen more than 50 to 60 Medicare plans for their best match. As drug prices rise, some Medicare plans may not cover all drugs or treatments. A switch in Medicare plans can alleviate costs, but a definite price drop is not always guaranteed. The Medicare Web site, http://www.medicare.gov, provides plan information in detail.
            "It may be more beneficial to stay in the same plan, but the only way to find out is to reevaluate your personal drug prescriptions," Avery said. "Everyone needs to compare with what they have now and what they could have next year. If you don't want to do anything, there is a risk that your medication may not be covered next year. It's better to check those benefits as soon as you can."
            She suggests that seniors finish enrolling by the week of Dec. 8 before the holiday rush. Last year, critics denounced the application process as confusing. Seniors already perplexed by the Internet, faced language barriers as they navigated through a barrage of medical terms. The Bush administration said this year will be different.
            "Eighty percent of seniors who are on this plan are satisfied, and if they are satisfied they don't need to do anything," said Health and Human Services Secretary Michael Leavitt.
            Seniors may also face coverage gaps in Medicare benefits. Once drug costs reach a certain number, often in the $2000-range, coverage may stop in accordance to the Medicare plans. The co-payments do not return until the recipients spend a good portion of their own money on the prescription drugs. Critics warn that low-income individuals may struggle with these high costs.
            If that situation occurs, Avery suggests shopping for a new plan or asking for cheaper, generic drug brands. Other issues to keep in mind include pharmacy convenience and doctor authorization for drugs.

Asian Americans are invited to come out to the area Medicare enrollment fairs for instructions in their own language.
            "In our culture, Asians are not used to receiving insurance," Avery said. "Seniors often think we are wasting their money, especially if they don't take medications. But this is the only prescription drug program that can help all seniors, especially those with low incomes. A lot of people are unaware; and we need to tell people that they can apply for help."

For other free Medicare counseling, contact the State Health Insurance Assistance Program at 800-633-4227 or visit www.shiptalk.org. Additional Web help can be found on: http://www.crbestbuydrugs.org/ and http://www.medicarerights.org/help.html.
            Enrollment fairs will be free and open to the public throughout December. Vietnamese-speaking seniors can contact the MVMA at 301-588-6862; Korean-speaking individuals can attend open houses at the Korean Presbyterian Church, 571-214-6764; CACC at 301-213-7081; Boat People SOS at 703-538-2190; and Filipino contacts available at 540-454-7123.