Sunday, November 15^th, was the “opening day” of rifle season for deer hunting in Michigan, but the 15^th is also another “opening day,” for American seniors ready to sign up for their Medicare prescription drug coverage.

U.S. Rep. Mike Rogers, MI-08, said the prescription drug program has proven to be highly popular with seniors, including 1.3 million Michigan seniors who are among the more than 34 million seniors nationwide receiving prescription drug coverage under the popular plan.

“The successful Medicare prescription drug benefit known as Part D enjoys widespread popularity among Michigan seniors and their counterparts across the country,” Rogers said. “Surveys continue to show that 84 percent of Medicare beneficiaries like the prescription drug coverage which is saving seniors an average of $1,200 a year, and low-income seniors an average of $3,900 a year.”

The open season to sign up as a new participant or to switch to a new plan is from November 15 until December 31.

Rogers said that seniors needing assistance with the prescription drug coverage sign-up process may compare 2009 plans at http://www.medicare.gov or at 1-800-MEDICARE. Assistance is also available from staff in Rogers’ Lansing office at 1-877-333-MIKE or 517-702-8000.

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