I have been called a bit of an alarmist at times – putting the horse before the cart, that sort of thing. But hear me on this: Monday, May 15, is the deadline for enrolling in the Medicare prescription drug benefit.

Now, as you may know, this is a voluntary program. You are not required to sign up. However, if you are stalling because the plan seems so confusing or you have an “I’ll think about it later” attitude, be aware that “later” is here.

After Monday, May 15, you will not be able to sign up until the next open enrollment in November. Again, you may have decided that this is not for you, and that’s fine. It is a completely voluntary program. But if you think you might need to get a prescription plan, act now.

Eastern Agency on Aging is here to help.

We are holding a Medicare D “help session” 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, May 13, at Bangor High School, 885 Broadway, Bangor. Enter the school through the Administration door and you will be directed where to go from there. There is ample parking.

Trained volunteers will log onto the Medicare.gov Web site and help Medicare beneficiaries or their caregivers with the “comparison tool,” online, which narrows down the drug plan options and finds the ones that are best suited to the individual.

Remember, you choose your own plan, but Eastern Agency on Aging staff will be available to help interpret the information generated by the computer. We can also enroll you in a plan at that time.

Pre-registration is not necessary for this session, and it is on a first-come, first-served basis. Bring with you a list of current medications with the correct spelling, the dosage and frequency, the price, name of the preferred pharmacy, and a copy of any letters that have been received from Social Security, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid, and the state of Maine related to this prescription drug benefit.

We are encouraging all Medicare beneficiaries who want to enroll in a plan and need help to attend this session. It is the last one available.

“We hope to be able to help as many Medicare beneficiaries as possible with this free clinic,” said Val Sauda, director of outreach at Eastern Agency on Aging. “It is the best way to find a plan and enroll at this point. Eastern Agency will be taking appointments on Monday, the 15th, but we will close at 4:30 p.m., and the reality is that some people who wait too long may not get the help they need. There are only so many of us to work with them. Other resources of help include calling 1 (800) Medicare or calling the plan of your choice directly.”

Come see us on Saturday and you could start saving money on your prescriptions. And thanks to Bangor High School and participating students who are giving up a Saturday to help out.

Interested in keeping your bones strong? Come to the Bone Health Information and Discussion group, sponsored by Caring Connections, at 10 a.m. Thursday, May 18, at the Bangor Y on Second Street.

Topics on the agenda include a presentation by Roberta Macko, director of volunteer services at Eastern Agency on Aging, on the fall prevention program, “A Matter of Balance.”

Call Caring Connections at 941-2808, ext. 338.

A special, heartfelt thank you goes out to Dr. Stephanie Monk and the staff at Veazie Veterinary Clinic for treating Dixie, my older cat, so well during her last days. While I am profoundly saddened by her passing, I am comforted by the fact that she received the best medical care and was treated with compassion and tenderness at all times.

Carol Higgins is director of communications at Eastern Agency on Aging. For information in EAA, call 941-2865, e-mail info@eaaa.org, or log on www.eaaa.org.