When it comes to choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan, some seniors may feel like it is just “luck of the draw.”

The Lawrence County AARP Chapter is ready to change that perception.

AARP will provide volunteers

to assist senior citizens in reviewing the various prescription drug plans that are available.

“It is very confusing to look at the 37-plus plans available and decide which one would do the best job for you,” said Marilyn Grant Howard, president of the local AARP chapter.

“By utilizing the computer, AARP volunteers have been able to search out the best program based upon the medication and enroll the persons.”

AARP volunteers will be at the Sybene

Senior Citizens Center from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Wednesday.

Call (740) 894-7569 for an appointment. An OSHIP representative will also be in attendance until 11:30 a.m. to answer special questions seniors may have.

The volunteers will be at the Ironton Senior Center, located on the second floor of the Park Avenue Apartments in Ironton, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 19.

Many seniors who have been assisted said they could not understand the coverage and therefore was glad to have the volunteers research and

explain it to them, Howard said.

Based upon medication seniors are currently taking, the volunteers will research and identify the best three plans for an individual to choose from.

If needed, they will also provide assistance in enrolling seniors in the plan.

Seniors should bring all prescription bottles, their Medicare Card, Social Security Card and if they applied for the “extra help”

available, they should bring their letter of approval from Social Security.

It is very important that seniors bring all of the requested information with them, Howard said.

Seniors who are in need of the coverage must sign up by May 2006 in order to avoid a penalty.