Numerous events across the state are planned to inform people about the new Medicare Prescription Drug Plans, or Medicare Part D, which begins Nov. 15.

The Seniors’ Health Insurance Information Program (SHIIP) has been selected as the lead agency to assist with enrollment. SHIIP, a division of the N.C. Department of Insurance, is coordinating events in many counties leading up to the Nov. 15 open-enrollment date.

North Carolina’s SHIIP is known as one of the leading seniors’ insurance information organizations in the nation, thanks in part to its successful volunteer force of 916 people in all 100 counties of the state.

These volunteers have received extensive training on the Medicare Prescription Drug Plans (PDPs) and are prepared to counsel Medicare beneficiaries and their families about the ins and outs of the new drug plans. Sixteen companies are offering 38 different Medicare PDPs to North Carolina consumers.

The largest educational event will be held in Greensboro on Nov. 15, where the SHIIP staff and Insurance Commissioner Jim Long will host a Medicare PDP Expo.