From Sharon O'Brien,
Your Guide to Senior Living.
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Enrollment in the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan started November 15, 2005, and in order to receive coverage in 2006 you must complete enrollment by May 15, 2006.

Once you choose Medicare Prescription Drug Plan coverage from a private company that offers coverage that best suits your needs and budget, there are three options for enrolling:

1. Paper application: Contact the company offering the drug plan you select, and ask for an application. Once you complete the application, mail or fax it back to the company.
2. Enroll directly with the company that offers a plan you want. Call the company’s toll-free number, or go online to the company’s website. Once you choose a company that offers the Medicare Prescription Drug Plan you want, visit the company’s Web site for an online application.
3. Enroll using Medicare’s online enrollment center. This tool should be available on or after November 15th.

   Tip: Keep in mind that because participation in Medicare’s enrollment center is voluntary, not all plans will offer this option.