The open enrollment period for Medicare D will be Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 .

Medicare recipients who signed up for the initial drug coverage plan last year may make changes in their prescription drug plans during this period, according to the Moore County Department of Aging.

SHIIP, the senior health insurance information assistance program, says fall is the time of year when health insurance policies are reviewed and changes are made with most insurance companies and employer health plans. The same applies to Medicare D, the prescription drug option for Medicare recipients.

Medicare beneficiaries who enrolled in Part D last year can elect to stay with their same prescription drug plan, but those who are not satisfied with their current coverage or who failed to enroll during the initial enrollment period may enroll or make changes during the six-week open-enrollment period this year. Those who are enrolled already and do not wish to make a change are not required to take any action this year.

Changes will be in effect in North Carolina in 2007. The Department of Aging reports that 13 new plans are offered and five new companies will be providing coverage.

Once again the SHIIP Division of the N.C. Department of Insurance will be available to help people with questions about Medicare Part D. SHIIP personnel can help eligible persons to wade through the options available in North Carolina and can also enroll them in the chosen prescription drug plan.

In addition, people with limited income and resources may qualify for extra help to pay for their prescription drugs through the Medicare prescription drug assistance program or through the governor's new NCRx Program. Interested people may determine if they qualify for this help by calling NCRx at 1-888-488-6279 or by calling a Social Security Administration office.

Anyone with questions about Medicare Part D or other senior insurance products can call SHIIP toll-free at (800) 443-9354.