The Aroostook Agency on Aging is providing help to people with Medicare who need to make a decision about the new prescription drug coverage that becomes available Jan. 1, 2006.

The agency is scheduling appointments for people at sites in Dyer Brook, Houlton, Mars Hill, Easton, Fort Fairfield, Presque Isle, Ashland, Caribou, New Sweden, Madawaska, Frenchville and Fort Kent.

To make an appointment, call 764-3396 or 1-800-439-1789.

To prepare for the appointment, a list of prescription drugs you now take is needed, preferably a printout from your pharmacy, your Medicare card and any letters you may have received in recent months from Social Security, Medicare or the Maine Department of Health and Human Services.

A telephone help line is available for any person that has Medicare and also has drug coverage through the MaineCare of Medicaid program, Maine RxPlus, Maine Low Cost Drugs for the Elderly and Disabled or Healthy Maine Prescription program at 1-866-796-2463.