There have been so many recent changes and choices for those on Medicare in the last year that I wanted to make sure our local seniors were aware of an upcoming Dec. 31 deadline to sign up for Medicare Part D.

Seniors age 65 and older have until Dec. 31 to sign up for Medicare Part D, including its prevention and wellness services like disease screenings and physical exams.

By signing up during the current Medicare’s enrollment cycle for 2007, participants have access to more than one dozen preventive services covered by Medicare.

Some of these services have been provided since 1980 and a host of others have been added as recently as 2005. National studies continue to show Mississippi leads the country in battling chronic conditions including cardiovascular disease, obesity and diabetes.

Prevention and wellness are important weapons in fighting these chronic conditions.

Individuals enrolling in Medicare Part D can utilize services such as a one-time “Welcome to Medicare” physical exam.

Also included are cardiovascular screenings; screenings; screenings for breast, cervical and vaginal cancers; pap tests; pelvic exams; flu, pneumococcal and hepatitis B shots; bone mass measurements; diabetes screenings, supplies, and self management training; and glaucoma tests.

By utilizing their prevention and wellness benefits, Part D enrollees can improve the quality of their life and potentially reduce their future healthcare costs.

Medicare is a federal health insurance program for 42 million elderly and disabled Americans, providing coverage for acute and post-acute care. Almost a half-million Mississippians, fifteen percent of the state’s population, benefit from Medicare.

Of those, only about half are enrolled in Medicare Part D.

Seniors had until Dec. 8 to add or change Medicare programs for those benefits to be active on Jan. 1.

Those who enroll between Dec. 9 and Dec. 31 will enjoy their new benefits starting in February.

To enroll in Medicare Part D or to add or make changes in benefits, seniors are asked to call 1-800-948-3090 or you can visit the Medicare Web site at www.medicare.gov.

Have a healthy holiday season!

Becky Fulton is director of the business office at Natchez Regional Medical Center.