Q: My parents called the other evening and asked if I could come over soon and review information they received in the mail regarding their prescription drug coverage. I helped them sign up for a Medicare Part D plan last year when they both became eligible for Medicare. Are they confused or is this really something they need to do again?

A: Your parents were actually right on target about calling and asking for your help, Nov. 15 through Dec. 31 is the annual open enrollment for Medicare D. Together with your assistance they may have enrolled in the best plan to meet their individuals needs, but that does not necessarily mean that plan continues to be their best option. Every fall Medicare beneficiaries should review plans available to make a decision about prescription drug coverage for the coming calendar year.

When you meet with your parents carefully read all correspondence they have recently received. This is the time of year providers will be notifying their customers of any changes taking place with the plans they will be offering in 2010.

First of all pay special attention to the premium fees and coverage limitations. Next closely evaluate the formulary associated with the Medicare Part D plan; this is the list of drugs covered by the specific plan. Formularies vary from plan to plan and actually may change from year to year. It is impossible to predict what prescriptions someone may be taking a year from now. The best way to approach this is to choose a plan that covers all drugs your parents are currently taking.

Couples should review all this information as individuals. The plan that best meets your father's needs may not be the best plan for your mother. Do not choose a plan based on the company providing the coverage. In previous years people have signed up for a Part D plan solely due to name recognition only later to discover the coverage was not adequate.

Anyone who has access to the Internet can log on to www.medicare.gov and find the screening tool for locating two or three plans that would provide the highest level of coverage based on their medications. Medicare beneficiaries can also make an appointment with a SHINE counselor to receive assistance in making a determination about a plan for the coming year.

SHINE counselors located at area senior centers are all certified by CMS and thoroughly knowledgeable of this process. To locate a counselor near you, call the AgeInfo Department at Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley 1-800-892-0890. Similar programs are available in neighboring states although the name may differ.

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Rosanne Distefano is the executive director of Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley. Do you have a question? E-mail her at ro@esmv.org or write to Elder Services of the Merrimack Valley, Inc., 360 Merrimack St., Lawrence, MA 01843.