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Senior citizens considering a change to their Medicare Part D prescription drug plan can get answers to some of their questions at the Senior Center in Kenai.

Those who are already enrolled in Medicare Part D may only make changes to their plans during the open enrollment period, which opened Saturday and runs through the end of the year.

"I'm taking appointments for that right now," said Kathy Romain, Kenai Senior Center administrative assistant.

Although she said she is already booked solid this week, people can call the senior center at 283-4156 to schedule appointments for the remainder of the month or into December.

"Almost all plans have increased their costs, so people are looking to find a different plan," Romain said.

During open enrollment, people can decide whether to keep their current coverage or change to another plan that might be offering lower premiums or more coverage.

If changes are not made between now and Dec. 31, people will need to wait until this time next year to make a switch.

Even if people are not sure whether they want to change, this is a good time to get a benefits checkup, Romain said.

"I also give 'New to Medicare' appointments," she said.

Unless already receiving Medicare benefits because of a disability, people become eligible for Medicare at age 65.

This year, seniors received a sizeable increase in Social Security benefits, and fortunately for them, Medicare premiums stayed the same.

Prescription drug premium rates, however, are going up, Romain said.

Additionally, Medicaid recipients moving into Medicare at this time need to sign up for a prescription drug plan or they will be assigned to a plan automatically.

Romain said she can help with those questions as well.

Appointments at the Kenai Senior Center are available between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Phil Hermanek can be reached at phillip.hermanek@peninsulaclarion.com.