As I write this month's column, I'm in the midst of reading a fabulous new publication - the Federation's new 2006 Medicare Drug Plan Preview. Federation members should have received a copy in late October as an isnert to Minnesota Senior News. If you haven't read it, do so. If you haven't seen it, you're missing something really useful. A million thanks to Betty Beier, Karen Patrick, Angela Ritter, Janine Stiles and all the dedicated Federation staff who put this resource together.

Most everyone knows by now that there's a new federal program out there. It officially starts Jan. 1. Everyone on Medicare is eligible for this program, which may provide some help with the cost of prescription drugs.

But it's not that easy!

There are dozens of programs available with dozens of alternatives. Some have a deductible; some have none. Some have a "donut hole" of coverage between $2,251 and $5,100 of expenditures; some cover drugs in this gap. Some are stand-alone drug coverage plans; some are integrated into a total health insurance program.

Ask questions about your current health insurance, especially if you're being covered by a former employer. Can and should you continue your current coverage? How much will you be spending on prescriptions over the next year? Should you enroll now or wait?

How confusing!

There is no one right answer that fits all of us. Instead, there are individual right answers that fit the individual. To find that answer, this little book is a gold mine. It not only reviews the Medicare program itself and the new prescription drug portion, it also gives details about all the different types of plans, their benefits and costs. There's even a decision-making flow chart to help identify steps you need to take in deciding what to do.

Talk to your friends and neighbors. Let them know about this great resource for everyone on Medicare. Tell them that the Senior Federation is the No. 1 resource in Minnesota for information about Medicare and lots of other programs for seniors.

That's one way to take the confusion out of prescription drugs.