The majority of Wyoming Medicare beneficiaries can save money in 2008 by switching their prescription drug plan.

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services estimates about 81 percent of people with Medicare in the state could have a lower premium.

However, the changes must be made before the open enrollment period is over at midnight Dec. 31, said Terry Bay, founder of Senior Patient Advocates in Casper.

"Even if you have enrolled already and you are not sure if you are in the right place, you can change it up until Monday," said Bay, who helps seniors navigate the Medicare system.

There are about 72,000 Medicare beneficiaries in Wyoming.

Since Nov. 15, when open enrollment began, she has been busy helping senior citizens choose new Medicare Part D prescription drug plans for 2008.

Her clients are seeing savings of $100 to thousands of dollars, she said. During one recent appointment, she saved a woman about $4,000 by switching her plan.

There are 52 drug plans to choose from this year. Bay recommends spending some considerable time reviewing the different drug plans on Medicare's Web site.

She said the Web site allows a beneficiary to input all current drugs and then view premiums, deductibles and costs of drugs under the plan. It also allows beneficiaries to compare different plans side by side.

If Medicare clients aren't computer-savvy, Bay recommends employing relatives to help them navigate the site.

"If you have grandkids or sons or daughters in town for the holiday and they get bored, have them sit down at the computer with you," Bay said. "What worked in 2007 may not work in 2008."

Many people did not have to make changes during the 2006 enrollment period for their 2007 plans, Bay said, but this year providers have made a lot more changes to their plans.

She said 28 plans have enhanced benefits or services. Many of the plans have changed the types of drugs they now cover.

To enroll in a Medicare Part D plan or make changes to existing plans, visit medicare.gov or call 1-800-MEDICARE. Beneficiaries can also call this number for assistance.

Senior Patient Advocates will be assisting people in choosing plans from now until Monday evening. Call them at (307) 472-1770 for more information.

Contact health reporter Allison Rupp at (307) 266-0534 or allison.rupp@trib.com.

Tips for choosing a Medicare prescription drug plan:

- Have a current list of drugs - Inputting an accurate drug list into Medicare's Web site will give a beneficiary the clearest picture of what the different plans will cost him.

Dosages and whether it is generic or not can really change the way the data is evaluated and a client might choose the wrong plan, said Terry Bay of Senior Patient Advocates.

- Look at entire cost of plan - If the plan you are considering has a low premium but doesn't cover all your drugs, it may not be worth getting. Bay encourages people check whether or not each drug covered and how much each will cost under the plan as well as the premiums and any possible deductibles.

Sometimes a beneficiary might pay double the premium but the cost of the drugs are much lower.

- Be cautious of advertised pharmacy recommendations - Bay said pharmacies will post several recommended plans for its clients. She said these are usually the best ones for the pharmacy to work with and not necessarily the patient.

- Learn if you qualify for more help - Bay said 30 percent of people with Medicare across the United States are eligible for some type of low-income help to pay for their drugs in addition to their Medicare benefits.

- Don't be afraid to ask for help - With 52 drug plans to choose from in 2008, the process of selecting a plan can be overwhelming, Bay said.