Help is on the way for Black Belt residents who are eligible for Medicare and need help choosing among medical and prescription drug plans for the 2012 open enrollment period.

Events are planned for consecutive days in Perry and Dallas counties and are sponsored by the State Health Insurance Assistance Program and the Alabama Tombigbee Regional Commission Area Agency on Aging.

The first enrollment will take place in the Hank Sanders Building on the campus of Wallace Community College-Selma from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday, Nov. 21 and the second will take place Tuesday, Nov. 22 at the Uniontown Senior Center from 9 a.m. to noon and at the Perry County Health Department in Marion from 1 to 4 p.m.

A representative of the program, Clayton Davis, said the program will also advise others who might not be aware of services available to them.

“Unfortunately, every year, even if somebody is satisfied currently with their plan, the plan may change in a way that would not be appropriate for them next year,” he said. “The other thing is, there are still people who are not aware of extra help that they should be entitled to because of their income.”

Anyone over 55 that does not have Medicare or Medicaid or is on disability at any age but you does not have Medicare yet, can apply for free help obtaining prescription drugs through the ATRC Senior Rx Program.

People who are more than 60 can also receive help with legal issues.

Anyone attending these events, Davis said, should bring the proper paperwork and medications.

“People should bring their prescription containers, Social Security cards, Medicare and any other health or prescription cards if they have any, date of birth, and income information,” he said.

Anyone who cannot attend, can receive free help by telephone by calling ATRC’s SHIP contractor, Davis & Neal, at 1-888-671-5246.

During the annual open enrollment period, which is Oct. 15 through Dec. 7, all Medicare beneficiaries can enroll in whatever Medicare medical and prescription drug plan they choose for 2012.

Medicare eligible persons are urged to consider carefully their choices for 2012 because the cost and coverage offered by the numerous plans available in Alabama will all change for the new year.

Those eligible for Medicare whose household incomes are below $1,381 monthly for a one-person household or $1,858 monthly for a two-person household may be eligible for extra help that could greatly reduce the cost of their medical and prescription drug coverage.

The income limits for larger household are increased $477.50 monthly for each additional person in the household who is financially dependent on the Medicare beneficiary.

Those who are eligible can attend one of the events to enroll or telephone 1-888-671-5246 to determine whether you qualify for any of these extra benefits.

In addition, those having problems with medical or drug plan in which they enrolled, should attend one of the events or request help by telephone, Davis said.

Legal assistance will also be available at the event or by telephone to people more than 60-years-old who need help with non-criminal legal matters, such as a simple will or power of attorney.

Call 1-888-671-5246 and ask for help from the legal assistance program.