Are you Medicare eligible? Are you confused about advertisements, mailings, billboards and phone calls telling you that you need to make decisions right away about Medicare Part D, the coverage for prescription drugs? Could you use advice from someone who can guide you objectively through the maze of information?

If so, then you will be happy to learn that such a service exists, is offered near you, and will cost you only some of your time to access.

It's a federal program called SHIP, the State Health Insurance Program. If you are age 60 or older (or younger if you are Medicare eligible, perhaps due to disability) you are entitled to face-to-face counseling with trained volunteers who will give you the information you need to choose the Medicare plan that will work best for you, based on the prescription drugs you take.

SHIP counselors are knowledgeable about Medicare, Medicaid, managed care, EPIC and other programs. They won’t make decisions for you; rather, they will guide you to make the right decisions for yourself. Counseling is provided in person, at libraries and community centers, or even through home visits. Phone appointments may also be available.

The end of the year is open enrollment time for private insurers that offer Part D coverage. If you are Medicare eligible, it’s critical not to let open enrollment pass by without exploring your options. Paperwork for any adjustments in your coverage must be submitted by each year by December 31.

Get more information about the SHIP counselors nearest to you by linking to this list of states on the Medicare website.