Older citizens often have tough choices to make with regard to retirement, housing and health care costs.

To help make at least one of those decisions a little easier, the Limestone County Council on Aging will work with Medicare recipients who need advice on Medicare Part D coverage.

Jennifer Reece, assistant director for the COA, said older citizens can often get confused on what plan will work best for them and why they may not be eligible for the same coverage as an acquaintance.

“A lot of times we hear, ‘My friend says such and such company is better and why can’t I have the same company,’” Reece said. “If you’re married and working, the same company benefits both of you, but one company may benefit them more than another company.”

When older citizens hit a certain amount of coverage, commonly referred to as the “donut hole,” they are required to pay 50 percent of the full cost of their medicine. That’s when Medicare supplement plans become useful, Reece said.

The state has a Medicare Savings Program that may save those who qualify money through paying Medicare premiums and in some cases, deductibles and coinsurance. Services received are dependent on the individual’s income.

To qualify, residents must be eligible for Medicare Part A, live in Alabama, be a U.S. citizen and have income at or below a certain limit. In 2010 the highest income limits were $1,239 for individuals and $1,660 for married couples. The monthly income limits go up each year.

“There’s a lack of money (for older citizens) to buy their prescriptions,” Reece said. “Premiums and drug costs are going up, but their income is not.”

The Limestone County COA offers year-round counseling for individuals with Medicare Part D concerns. Reece said they need to simply bring in a list of prescriptions and she can compare companies.

“We’ll plug in their prescriptions and find out which would cost the least as far as premiums and deductible,” she said.

Those with questions or who need counseling can call Reece at 256-233-6412.