State officials and counselors are offering programs around the state this month and next month to explain the options for prescription-drug coverage.

01:00 AM EST on Sunday, November 13, 2005

The Medicare Access Network of Rhode Island will hold an information and enrollment event for the prescription-drug plan Tuesday from 8:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Warwick Mall.

Medicare at the Mall will provide Medicare beneficiaries with personal counseling on the prescription-drug insurance plan and, if they chose to, a chance to enroll in a program. Tuesday is the first day people can enroll in Part D plans, which start Jan. 1.

More than a dozen counselors with the Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs Senior Health Insurance Program will be available to counsel beneficiaries and, if desired, enroll them.

Counselors from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services in Boston will also be on hand, as will students from the University of the Rhode Island College of Pharmacy and members of the Rhode Island Pharmacists Association. Also translators in Spanish, Portuguese and sign language will be available along with help for those with hearing problems.

Thirty-five private cubicles will be set up in the mall's Center Court. Half will be used for counseling and the other half will be available for private free calls to Medicare, in which counselors can answer questions.

The event is one of many chances Medicare beneficiaries have to get more information on Part D and the numerous insurance plans available.

The Rhode Island Department of Elderly Affairs will hold public workshops for the plan on the following days:

Tomorrow: Cornerstone Church, 1990 Elmwood Ave., Warwick, 7 p.m.

Tuesday: Warren Senior Center, 20 Libby Lane, Warren, 1 p.m.; and Shalom Apartments, One Shalom Dr., Warwick, 2 p.m.

Wednesday: St. William Parish Hall, 200 Pettaconsett Rd., Warwick, 2 p.m.

Nov. 21: Cumberland Manor, 1 Mendon Rd., Cumberland, 2 p.m.

Nov. 22: St. Martin dePorres Center, 160 Cranston St., Providence, 10 a.m.

Nov. 28: Ralph J. Holden Community Center, 361 Cowden St., Central Falls, 2 p.m.

Nov. 30: The Center, 25 St. Dominic Rd., Wakefield, 9:30 a.m.

Dec. 14: Rhode Island Lung Association, VASA Hall, 43 Bald Hill Rd., Cranston, 1 p.m.

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services will also hold information sessions:

Thursday: Benjamin Church Manor Community Hall, 1020 Hope St., Bristol, 1 p.m.

Dec. 6: Woonsocket Elks Hall, Social Street, 8:30 a.m.

Dec. 7: Westerly Senior Center, 39 State St., 9 a.m.

Dec. 12: Statewide enrollment event, Crowne Plaza hotel ballroom, Warwick, 8:30 a.m.