We are heading from autumn into winter, and Medicare Part D open enrollment is just around the corner.

Every year between Nov. 15 and Dec. 31, all people with a Medicare Part D plan should take a look to make sure that it is the best plan for them.

You should ask yourself these questions: Will it cover all my drugs? Is it the least expensive for me? Is my drug plan going to be around in 2010? If you have a Medicare Advantage Plan that covers drugs, you are facing some of the same questions.

In addition, several Medicare Advantage Plans -- Coventry, WellCare, Aetna, Virginia Premier and Health Net systems, as well as a few others -- will end in January.

If your plan is going out of operation, you should have received your notice. Which plan will be best for you in 2010? If your plan covered drugs also and you do not pick at least a new drug plan for 2010, you may find yourself without drug coverage.

These questions are very difficult for most Medicare clients to decide unless they are computer savvy and know where to look for help.

Fortunately, there is free assistance for Medicare clients at the New River Valley Agency on Aging.

If you have received a Medicare Part D form from the agency, please fill it out and return it to the NRV Agency on Aging VICAP Program at 141 E. Main St., Suite 500, Pulaski, VA 24301. You will be called later for an appointment.

If you did not receive a form from the agency but would like to receive assistance with your 2010 Medicare Part D drug plan, call the agency at (540) 980-7720 to receive a form.

The agency requests that you submit this form prior to scheduling an appointment.

If you fail to check out your Medicare Part D drug plan during open enrollment, you may find yourself stuck in a plan that may have been fine for you in 2009 but does not work well for you in 2010.

Deen Flinchum of Blacksburg is a SHIP/VICAP volunteer with the New River Valley Agency on Aging.