People who are eligible for Medicare can receive free help in choosing among Medicare medical and prescription drug plans for 2010 at enrollment events in Demopolis and Linden.

One event will be held on Thursday, Nov. 19, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the West Alabama Nutrition Center at 500 E. Washington St. in Demopolis. Another will be held on Friday, Nov. 20, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Marengo Nursing Home at 608 N. Main St. in Linden.

The State Health Insurance Assistance Program, sponsored by the Alabama-Tombigbee Regional Commission’s Area Agency on Aging provides information and assistance concerning health insurance issues to Medicare beneficiaries of all ages. Also, if you are 55 or older and do not have Medicare or Medicaid, or if you are on disability at any age and do not take part in either of those programs, you can apply for free help in obtaining free prescription drugs through the ATRC Senior Fix Program. Those over age 60 can also receive help with legal issues.

Those taking part in the assistance events should bring their prescription containers, Social Security cards, Medicare and any other health or prescription cards, date of birth and income information. Those unable to attend may call Davis & Neal toll-free at 1-888-671-5246.

– from staff reports